Christmas begins in Cape May

😊It’s Friday, New Jersey! It’s also the start of the holiday season this weekend in historic Cape May, N.J. From Nov. 22 to Jan. 5, visit this Victorian seaside oasis for a town-wide winter wonderland featuring candlelight house tours, Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies, jolly trolley rides, Santa sightings and festive décor everywhere you look. We just might like the holiday season in Cape May more than summer at the beach — and that’s saying something! Visit https://capemaymac.org/ to see what’s happening.

🌨️Weather: High 44, rain and light snow likely

👀What’s on tap today:

• Aging news roundup

• In-home services for seniors

• Events this weekend

Up first…

Aging News Roundup

Older Americans Living Alone Often Rely on Neighbors or Others Willing to Help: American society rests on an assumption that families take care of their own. But 15 million Americans 50 and older didn’t have any close family — spouses, partners, or children.

Grandparents & Grandkids: Poll Shows Them Helping Each Other: Grandchildren are a true blessing for seniors, helping them avoid loneliness and keeping them on their toes, a new poll reports.  

Is a 55+ Community Right for You? Thinking about moving to a 55+ community? Once limited to the Sunbelt, these developments, designed for people 55 and older, can now be found throughout the nation, from Washington state to Texas, Virginia, the Carolinas and the Northeast.

Getting Help from Family Members When You’re the Main Caregiver: From laundry to meal preparation, tips for asking siblings and others to share the caregiving duties.

Did you know?

Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC) is a program that provides in-home services to seniors aged 60 and over who require a nursing facility level of care but wish to remain in their homes. Qualified individuals may have the opportunity to hire their own eligible family, friends, or neighbors to provide the care they need.

Services available through JACC include the following: care management, personal care assistance, caregiver relief (respite), home modifications, special medical equipment and supplies, chore services, personal emergency response system, home-delivered meal services, social adult day care, and transportation. JACC has a monthly co-pay based on the participant’s (and spouse’s) income. For more information, visit: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/doas/services/a-k/jacc/

The Grandkids

Nutella is spreading holiday cheer this season by partnering with Hallmark Channel to promote family connections through baking. Featured in the original movie “Deck the Walls,” premiering on Nov. 29 at 8 p.m., Nutella will inspire families to create delicious Holiday Cutout Cookies together. Get the recipe here.

Senior Living Listings

Here’s 10 current listings for homes in 55+ communities in Monmouth County.

• 23 Gettysburg Court, Allentown, NJ – $689,000, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,422 sq ft, Four Seasons at Upper Freehold

• 15 Peasley Drive, Marlboro, NJ – $610,000, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,520 sq ft, Greenbriar

• 8 Maremanna Drive, Manalapan, NJ – $649,910, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,719 sq ft, The Enclave

• 201 Rolling Meadows Blvd N, Ocean Township, NJ – $934,900, 2 bedrooms, 3.1 bathrooms, 2,288 sq ft, Rolling Meadows

• 45 Cheshire Square, Little Silver, NJ – $575,000, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,414 sq ft, Shadow Lake Village

• 86 Privet Place, Red Bank, NJ – $574,900, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,386 sq ft, Shadow Lake Village

• 2595 Lantern Light Way, Manasquan, NJ – $1,025,000, 2 bedrooms, 2.1 bathrooms, 2,689 sq ft, Four Seasons

• 93 Clubhouse Lane, Marlboro, NJ – $625,000, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,873 sq ft, Marlboro Greens

• 231 Oval Road #231, Manasquan, NJ – $1,500,000, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4,247 sq ft, Four Seasons

• 162 Sunset Drive, Tinton Falls, NJ – $1,179,000, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,081 sq ft, Regency at Trotters Pointe

Quick Question

What decade brings back the best memories for you? Email your response to [email protected]

Results from last week’s poll

Last week’s question: If you could bring back one item or trend from the past, what would it be?

• Drive-In Movie Theaters – “Watching a movie from the comfort of your car with friends and family was a special experience you just can’t get in a regular theater.” Ellie S., Freehold

• Handwritten Letters – “There was something so personal and thoughtful about receiving a letter in the mail; emails and texts just aren’t the same.” Sara P., Red Bank

• Jukeboxes – “I loved picking songs and hearing them play in diners. It was fun to see what others would pick, too!” Sheila R., Asbury Park

• Polaroid Cameras – “Instant photos that you could hold and share right away were so much fun. It made taking pictures a little more special.” Mike S., Marlboro

• Family Sunday Dinners – “Families gathered every Sunday, often with extended family. It was wonderful quality time that’s rare today.” Fred G., Manalapan

• The Milkman Service – “Fresh milk delivered to your door made mornings special, and it felt like a luxury.” Tom R., Long Branch

• Classic Cars with Distinctive Designs – “Cars had character back then; now they all look the same. I’d love to see those beautiful designs on the road again.” Gary B., Neptune

• Neighborhood Block Parties – “Everyone on the block would get together for food, games, and music. It brought people together in a way we rarely see today.” Allison G., Middletown

• Phone Booths – “There was a certain charm to making calls from a phone booth. You could be anywhere and make a call, no cell phone needed!” Sari C., Holmdel

• Vinyl Records – “Listening to records felt more intentional; you’d sit down and really listen, flipping the album halfway through. Music sounded so rich and real.” Pete G., Belmar

Here’s what’s in season this month: Brussels sprouts are fresh and flavorful in November, perfect for roasting or braising. Try the recipe below!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet.

• Roast for 20-25 minutes, until crispy and caramelized.

• Meanwhile, mix balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

• Drizzle the glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts before serving.
  
  

Today in history

On Nov. 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was shot to death during a motorcade in Dallas; Texas Gov. John B. Connally, riding in the same car as Kennedy, was seriously wounded. Suspected gunman Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as president.

Thought for today

“Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been.” — Jimmy Buffet

In the parks this weekend

• Cookstove Demonstration
  Saturday, November 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. See cooking techniques from the 1890s. FREE!

• Historic Portland Place Guided Tours
  Saturday & Sunday, November 23 & 24, at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., & 2:30 p.m. at Historic Portland Place, Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust. Tour the 18th-century house and exhibits. Tours limited to 10 people. FREE!

• Milling Demonstrations
  Saturday & Sunday, November 23 & 24, at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., & 3:30 p.m. at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Watch corn being ground in the 19th-century gristmill. FREE!

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😊See you next week!