🍀Celebrating St. Patrick's Day and More!

It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!

🌷It’s also T-15 days until spring and just four days until 6:45 p.m. sunsets! Don't forget to set those clocks forward one hour on Sunday!

Weather: Today, get ready for some rain ☔️, especially after noon, with a high of 56°F. The rain might be heavy at times, so make sure to grab your umbrella 🌂Thursday will bring some sunshine ☀️ with partly sunny skies and a high of 56°F. The rest of the week looks promising, with partly cloudy nights and sunny days. 🌞 Friday will be sunny with a high of 49°F, while Saturday and Sunday will offer partly sunny and mostly sunny skies, respectively. Stay warm and cozy, especially on those colder nights! ❤️

👀What’s on tap today: This week, we're celebrating ☘️St. Patrick's Day with fun events, sharing great library activities, and exploring park adventures in Monmouth County and surrounding areas. Plus, stay updated on the latest aging news. Enjoy! 🌟

Up first…

🍀🎉 Celebrating Irish Spirit

Get ready to don your green attire and join in the festive spirit as St. Patrick's Day approaches! 🌈 Here's a list of some of the most exciting St. Patrick's Day parades and events happening this weekend.

St. Patrick’s Parades

☘️Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8, 2025 @ 1 p.m.
Atlantic City
America’s first boardwalk is also home to one of the state’s most amazing parades – and that’s no blarney! Break out your green and enjoy this legendary event filled with fun, floats and food on the historic Atlantic City boardwalk (starting around 500 Boardwalk and ending at Albany Avenue next to Stockton).
Eat Nearby: Celebrate the Irish way - with terrific food, a cold pint and a cheery atmosphere at The Irish Pub (164 St. James Place).

☘️St. Patrick's Day Parade in Hamilton
March 8, 2025 @ 1 p.m.
Hamilton Township
Beginning at Nottingham Fire House (200 Mercer Street), this parade has earned the reputation for being a finely orchestrated, precision production boasting bagpipers, eye-catching floats, Miss St. Patrick and more.
Eat Nearby: Celebrate at Killarney’s Publick House, where you can raise a glass of Jameson apple crisp to parade day and nosh on corned beef or a Spicy Leprechaun sandwich.

☘️Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 8, 2025 @ Noon
Seaside Heights
Enjoy this fun parade as it makes its way up the Boulevard – and be sure to stick around afterward for the “massed” band at Hershey Motel (1415 Boulevard). That’s when all the pipe bands come together to salute the American flag.
Eat Nearby: Fill up on Irish comfort foods – from pork chops Murphy to Dublin fish & chips – at Klee’s Bar & Grill (101 Boulevard). Wash your meal down with a fun and festive cocktail.

☘️Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 9, 2025 @ 1 p.m.
Asbury Park
Watch marching bands, floats, bagpipers, mummers, scouts, dance groups and more. This celebration marches its way along Ocean Avenue from the intersection of 4th Avenue to the corner of Cookman Avenue and Main Street in lively, artistic Asbury Park.
Eat Nearby: Irish egg rolls and Irish meatloaf are on the menu at Kim Marie’s Eat ‘n’ Drink Away (1411 Kingsley Avenue). Specialty cocktails include the Irish 007 and Dubliner.

Irish shows and festivals

☘️Andy Cooney’s Irish Celebration
March 12 – 17, 2025 (Various Showtimes)
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in Hampton
Andy Cooney leads a troupe of talented entertainers to bring you a showcase of Irish music, comedy and dance in multiple shows. But don’t delay purchasing your tickets – they’re expected to sell out.
Eat Nearby: Indulge in Irish Whiskey Steak (or chicken!) and your choice of sensational seasonal cocktails at William’s Irish Tavern (101 E. Washington Avenue, Washington).

☘️Hunterdon County Irish Festival
March 14 – 16, 2025 (Various Event Times)
Clinton
Hosted by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, this weekend-long celebration includes a series of ticketed events. From the kick-off concert on Friday night straight through to the parade after-party late Sunday afternoon, festivities are hosted under heated tents at the Red Mill Museum Village.
Eat Nearby: Food trucks will be on-site during all events. If you want to taste what Hunterdon County’s best Irish pub has to offer, head to nearby Cryan’s Tavern (2 Beaver Avenue, Annandale).

☘️The National Dance Company of Ireland: Rhythm of the Dance
March 21, 2025 @ 7:30 p.m.
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
The energy is off-the-charts at this extravaganza of live musicians, vocalists and dancers putting on a performance that transports you to the Emerald Isle.
Eat Nearby: Dig into a plate of Hopper loaded fries at Grasshopper off the Green (41 – 43 Morris Street) and enjoy a cold and refreshing Magner’s Irish Cider from Tipperary, Ireland.

📅 More Upcoming Events 🎉

Stay engaged with vibrant events happening across New Jersey this month! Here's a rundown of some exciting happenings:

• Wednesday, March 5 🍎: Bell Works FRESH in Holmdel, Monmouth County. Enjoy shopping local creators and makers in the Main Atrium.

• Thursday, March 6 🎭: National Theatre: Broadcast in HD – The Importance of Being Earnest at West Long Branch, Monmouth County. Catch this classic play on the big screen.

• Friday, March 7 🎶: Barron Arts Center Concert: All Seasons Chamber Players in Woodbridge, Middlesex County. Enjoy a night of beautiful music.

• March 7 – 9 🌿: Heart of Oneness Holistic Expo in Edison, Middlesex County. Discover holistic wellness and spiritual growth.

• March 7 – 9 🎭: Oklahoma at the Kelsey Theatre in West Windsor, Mercer County. Watch this classic musical come alive on stage.

• March 7 – 9 🌟: American Repertory Ballet presents “Spirit of the Highlands” in New Brunswick, Middlesex County. Experience the magic of ballet.

• Saturday, March 8 🎶: Cherish the Ladies in West Long Branch, Monmouth County. Enjoy traditional Irish music.

• Sunday, March 9 🍎: Winter FRESH in Ocean Grove, Monmouth County. Explore local vendors and artisans.

• Sunday, March 9 🍴: Belmar Dine & Discover Restaurant Tour in Belmar, Monmouth County. Taste the best of Belmar's culinary scene.

Stay tuned for more updates and mark your calendars! 📅🎉

Prime Time News 📰

Here are some important stories affecting seniors and caregivers:

• 🏠 Smart Home Devices for Aging in Place: Discover how smart home devices can enhance safety and convenience for seniors with mobility issues or reduced vision. These devices offer voice and app-controlled operations, making daily tasks easier. The New York Times Wirecutter, Feb. 26.

• 💸 Managing Health Care Costs in Retirement: Learn four key strategies to keep health care costs from impacting your retirement savings, especially before Medicare kicks in. Kiplinger, Feb. 26.

• 🏋️‍♀️ Staying Active in Your 70s and 80s: Get inspired by seniors who exercise regularly! Regular physical activity is crucial for both physical and mental health, helping prevent falls and maintain independence. Associated Press, Feb. 22.

• 👩‍👧 The Hidden Costs of Caregiving for Women: Understand how caregiving can affect women's careers and long-term financial stability. It's essential to recognize these impacts and plan accordingly. Kiplinger, March 1.

• 💆‍♀️ Managing Caregiver Burnout: Identify the signs of caregiver burnout and explore practical strategies to maintain your well-being while providing quality care. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 28.

• New Treatments Give Hope to Patients With One of the Deadliest Cancers. Half of all pancreatic-cancer patients live less than a year after diagnosis. But researchers say there is potential for change. Wall Street Journal, Feb. 28.

Local Spotlight
Celebrating Craft Beverage Month in Monmouth County

March is officially Craft Beverage Month in Monmouth County, thanks to the "Brewed & Distilled in Monmouth" initiative! The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners kicked off this celebration at Birdsmouth Beer in Oceanport on March 3. Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone highlighted a robust marketing plan to promote local craft beverage spots, including radio ads, newspaper spots, and social media campaigns. Visit www.BrewedandDistilledinMonmouth.com to explore all the participating locations and learn more about this new initiative.

Library Events 📚

🏠 Downsizing for a Simpler Life 🏠
Supported by Brightview Senior Living Holmdel and Shore Simplicity
When: Tuesday, March 5 at 6:30 pm
Where: Holmdel Branch

🎲 Holmdel Mah Jongg Club 🎲
For experienced players and spectators
When: Thursdays at 1:00 pm
Where: Holmdel Branch

🌟 Older Adults Resource Fair 🌟
Co-Sponsored by Monmouth County Division on Aging, Disabilities & Veterans Services
When: Thursday, March 6 at 3:00 pm
Where: Headquarters, Manalapan

🤝 Prepare to Care: For Caregivers 🤝
Presented by Annmarie Woods of AARP NJ Speakers Bureau
When: Friday, March 7 at 11:00 am
Where: Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury

🎶 Reliving the 1960s Concert 🎶
Performance by Strictly 60s
When: Friday, March 7 at 2:00 pm
Where: Headquarters, Manalapan

🌿 Enhancing Mindfulness with Essential Oils 🌿
Presented by Elaine Egidio, MCAT, LPC, DMT-BC
When: Saturday, March 8 at 11:00 am
Where: Atlantic Highlands Branch

🧵 Yarn Works: Crochet and Knit Drop-In 🧵
All skill levels welcome; bring your own supplies
When: Wednesday, March 12 at 1:00 pm
Where: Allentown Branch

In The Parks🌳

🎶 Accordion Melodies of the 1890s 🎶
When: Saturday, March 8 from 1-3 p.m.
Where: Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Enjoy free accordion performances featuring melodies from the 1890s.

🏃‍♀️ E. Murray Todd Half-Marathon 🏃‍♀️
When: Sunday, March 9 at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
This 13.1-mile race takes runners through Lincroft, Holmdel, and Colts Neck. Race-day registration starts at 7 a.m. and costs $60 per runner. See runner’s information sheet and registration form here.

🌳 Winter Park Scavenger Hunt 🌳
When: Ongoing until March 15
Where: Various county parks
Take the grandkids! Participate in a self-directed scavenger hunt across multiple parks. Find and check off 15 items and submit by March 15. See list and details here.

Stay active and enjoy the outdoors this weekend! 🌞

🎂Birthdays

Happy 83rd birthday to Steve D’Amodio of Allendale! 🎉 Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and all your favorite things. May this special day mark the beginning of another amazing year ahead. 🎂🎁

A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Steve include Actress Marsha Warfield, 71; former NFL Player Michael Irvin, 59; Actor/Producer Aasif Mandvi, 59, and Actor Kevin Connolly, 51.🥳🎈

One Last Thing

Ever wondered what happens when determination meets age? Discover the “old ladies” making waves against underwater garbage.

Thanks for reading!

🍀❤️ A heartfelt thank you to all the amazing residents who volunteer their time to keep Irish traditions thriving! 🎉 You bring joy and spirit to our communities with parades and festivals each March. 🍀🎊 Your dedication is truly appreciated! 🙏

Questions, comments or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at info@betterwithagenj.com

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☺️See you next week! And always remember—you're not just getting older, you're getting better with age!

The Better With Age New Jersey team