🛶Calling all kayak enthusiasts! New place to kayak opens in Stafford Township

🥳It’s finally Friday, New Jersey!

☔Weather: High 86, showers likely

👀What’s on tap today:

• New place to rent kayaks opens in Stafford Township

• See a list of cooling centers in Ocean County

• Music at the Barn returns to Bergen County

Up first…

Calling all kayak enthusiasts!

Add this new feature to your summer bucket list, courtesy of the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation. The department, along with the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, is thrilled to announce that the Kayak Kiosk at A. Paul King County Park in Stafford Township is now open and ready for rental use.

"This is a fun, summer activity to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful nature that A. Paul King County Park has to offer," said Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation. "We expect this new feature to be a popular activity for residents and visitors alike." In partnership with Rent.Fun, the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation is making it easy for everyone to experience kayaking, even if you don't own a kayak.

Renting a kayak is a breeze! Just download the Rent.Fun app, create an account, and scan the QR code at the kiosk. Everything you need for a day of paddling is included, and all equipment and life vests are cleaned and maintained bi-weekly to ensure your safety. The cost is $25 for a 2-hour rental, with an additional $15 per hour after that. Note that each kayak is for one person only, no pets allowed, and users must be 18 or older.

Located off Route 72 on Manahawkin Lake, this park is one of 28 in Ocean County, featuring a children's playground, picnic area, restrooms, handicapped accessible areas, fishing, swimming/lifeguards, basketball courts, and more.

Too hot at home? Here’s a list of cooling centers in Ocean County.

Navigating Aging

• Doctors Could Soon Use Your Facial Temperature to Diagnose Diabetes and High Blood Pressure: Researchers say they’ve developed a new technology that may lead to healthier aging and early detection of chronic diseases. HealthDay

• 5 foods to boost your heart health: Eating healthy foods is one big step you can take to protect your heart, but most folks wait too long to change what they eat. Health Day

• Glide Into Retirement: Fewer older adults transition from worker bee to retiree in a single day; more are trying gradual ‘phased’ transitions out of the labor force. Next Avenue

• Whoopi Goldberg releases a comic book she wrote 25 years ago about a hero who embraces “powers” of menopause. People

Music at the Barn Concert Series returns

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, the Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen County Parks Department are excited to announce the return of Music at the Barn, hosted by the County’s Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs. The first concert in the 2024 series will take place at the Wortendyke Barn (13 Pascack Rd, Park Ridge, NJ) on Sunday, July 28, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., featuring the Matt Chertkoff Trio and Houston Person. Limited seating is available, so bring your own chairs, blankets, and food for a perfect summer evening.

Jazz guitar master Matt Chertkoff, a Miami University graduate, has performed worldwide and recorded with jazz legends like David Fathead Newman and Freddy Cole. His trio includes Vince Ector on drums and Matthew Parrish on bass, both renowned musicians in the jazz world. Joining them is the legendary tenor saxophonist Houston Person, who has recorded over 75 albums and collaborated with greats like Lena Horne and Lou Rawls.

The free outdoor music series will continue with exciting performances: Jonny Rosch and Friends (Blues/R&B/Soul) on Aug. 25, the Bergen All-Star Jazz Blast on Sept. 17, and The Cider Barn Band (14th Annual Bluegrass & Cider) on Oct. 29. For more concert information, call 201-336-7292.

The Wortendyke Barn, a Pascack Valley landmark since 1735, was originally part of a 500-acre farm. One of only six pure Dutch barn types in Bergen County, it now serves as a museum with exhibits of 18th and 19th-century farm tools and the history of the Wortendyke family farm.

Weekend events

12th Annual Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival (Wildwood Crest, Cape May County)
July 12 & 13 – Car Cruise (Smithville, Atlantic County)
July 12 – 14 – NJ State BBQ Championship & Blues Festival (North Wildwood, Cape May County)
July 12 – 16 – The Feast of Mt Carmel – Berkeley Heights (Berkeley Heights, Union County)
July 12 – 16 – Dream Food Fest (East Rutherford, Bergen County)
July 13 – Whitesbog Blueberry Summer Fest (Browns Mills, Burlington County)
July 13 – Taco Palooza (Sewell, Gloucester County)
July 13 – The Moody Blues’ John Lodge (New Brunswick, Middlesex County)
July 13 – Blueberry Festival at Mood’s Farm Market (Mullica Hill, Gloucester County)
July 13 – Sourland Mountain Festival (Ringoes, Hunterdon County)
July 13 – Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival (Atlantic City, Atlantic County)
July 13 – Freehold Twp Day (Freehold, Monmouth County)
July 13 – The Peach Music Festival (Atlantic City, Atlantic County)
July 13 – Wine and Wildlife (Moorestown, Camden County)
July 13 – Voorhees Small Business Showcase and Expo Festival (Voorhees, Gloucester County)
July 13 & 14 - 30th annual Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Arts Festival (Haddonfield, Camden County)
July 13 & 14 – Terhune Orchard’s Blueberry Bash (Princeton, Mercer County)
July 13 & 14 – Maplewoodstock Music & Arts Festival (Maplewood, Essex County)
July 13 & 14 – Garden State Cat Expo + Show (Edison, Middlesex County)
July 13 – 27 – Jersey City Restaurant Week (Jersey City, Hudson County)
July 14 – Fanwood Summer Fan Jam (Fanwood, Union County)
July 14 – The Somer(Ville) Market (Somerville, Somerset County)

Friday Farmers’ Markets

Ventnor City Farmers Market
Now to Labor Day Weekend, Fridays 8:30 am – 12 pm
With close to 60 Vendors, residents and visitors can find the best “Jersey Fresh” produce, Fresh meat & Fish, an impressive array of Prepared foods, Bakery items, cheeses, honey, jams, dips, flowers, artisanal crafts, pet treats and more at the Ventnor City Farmers Market.
Atlantic & Newport Avenues, Ventnor City, NJ

Merchantville Market Off Centre
Now through October, Fridays 5 pm – 8 pm
The market provides an active family-oriented atmosphere offering a variety of local, handmade, and homemade goods and services.
Centre Street and Chestnut Avenue on the Merchantville Mile, Merchantville, NJ

Highland Park Farmers Market
Now through December; Fridays 11 am – 5 pm
Featuring local farms produce, a local winery and distillery, local vendors, and more.
212 Raritan Ave, Highland Park, NJ

Today in New Jersey history

• Alexander Hamilton's Fatal Duel: On July 12, 1804, Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, died from injuries sustained in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr the previous day. The duel took place in Weehawken, New Jersey, a popular dueling ground at the time.

• The Founding of the College of New Jersey: The College of New Jersey, now known as Princeton University, was officially granted its charter on July 12, 1746. This marked the beginning of one of the most prestigious universities in the United States.

Today’s birthdays

Happy 91st Birthday, Carol Grunlund of Fanwood! 🎉🎂 🎈 May your special day be filled with joy, love, and all the wonderful moments you deserve. 💖 Here's to celebrating you and all the amazing years to come! 🎉

A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Carol include Fleetwood Mac musician Christine McVie, 81; actor Michelle Rodriguez, 46, and actor Phoebe Tonkin, 35.

Thought for today

🙏Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend!

😊See you Monday!

The Better With Age New Jersey team