🎪 Don’t Miss 'Made in Monmouth' + This Week’s Top Events!

It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!

🏖️ It’s also less than a month away from beach chairs, boardwalk strolls, and ocean breezes! Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch officially kicks off its guarded swimming season on Memorial Day Weekend — and now’s the time to get your season passes.

👵 Seniors (65+) can get a full season beach pass for just $30, and 🎖️ veterans and military members get in FREE every day — no admission or parking fee required (just bring your military ID).

🎟️ Passes are on sale weekdays at Thompson Park and weekends starting May 10 at the beach.

👉 Click here for all the details and how to apply

Let the countdown to sand and sunshine begin! 🩴🩴

🌤️ Weather Watch

🌞 Wednesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, high of 75°
☀️ Thursday: Sunny and mild, high near 69°
⛈️ Friday: Warm with scattered showers or storms, high of 84°
🌧️ Saturday: Showers likely all day, high near 72°
🌤️ Sunday: Partly sunny with a few showers, high of 67°

👀What’s on tap today:

• 🎉 Shop Local at “Made in Monmouth” This Weekend!

• 💬 You’re Not Alone: Help for Alcohol Abuse Is Just Around the Corner

• 📅 Your Week Just Got Busier — So Many Great Events to Check Out!
  

Up first….

💬 Need Help with Wills or Estates? Meet "Ask AI" from the Surrogate’s Office

Now, getting answers about wills, estates, guardianships, and adoptions is easier than ever! The Monmouth County Surrogate’s Office has launched "Ask AI," a 24/7 online and phone service that provides help in over 100 languages.
🌟 You can also eFile your paperwork securely from home!
If you prefer to visit in person, the Surrogate’s Office is open weekdays — just be sure to arrive by 3:30 p.m.
👉 Learn more at visitmonmouth.com/surrogate

🌟 Here’s what’s happening around Monmouth County this week!

🌸 Spring Made in Monmouth – A Perfect Day to Shop Local!

🗓 Saturday, May 3 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
📍 Brookdale Community College, Lincroft

Come out and support over 250 local vendors — all offering wonderful products made right here in Monmouth County! From handmade jewelry and art to delicious treats and home décor, there’s something for everyone.
🌷 With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to pick up unique gifts!
Admission and parking are free.
👉 Learn more at madeinmonmouth.com

🏡 Step Back in Time: “A Weekend in Old Monmouth” Historic Tour

🗓 Saturday, May 3 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
🗓 Sunday, May 4 (Noon – 5 p.m.)

Travel back through history as you explore 53 historic sites across beautiful Monmouth County!
Enjoy charming old homes, churches, museums, and landmarks — many offering special tours just for the weekend.
🎟️ All sites are free to visit, and you can plan your own self-guided tour with an easy online map.
👉 Start planning at visitmonmouth.com

💖 Better You, Better Life

🌿 County Commissioners Declare April as Alcohol Awareness Month

The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed April as Alcohol Awareness Month to promote education and resources for those struggling with alcohol use. “The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners declared April as Alcohol Awareness Month to encourage those struggling with alcohol use to seek out programs and resources that can help them on the path to recovery,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), researchers estimate that each year there are more than 178,000 alcohol-related deaths. It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness and connect individuals with life-saving resources and services.”

Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services, added: “In 2020, the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners launched the Stigma-Free Monmouth website with the goal of reducing the stigmas associated with mental illness and substance use disorder.” She further emphasized the importance of Monmouth ACTS, which connects residents to a wide range of human services, including substance use disorder resources. “If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Monmouth ACTS at 732-683-8959.”

To learn more about the Monmouth County Stigma-Free Initiative, visit stigmafree-monmouth.org. For more information on Monmouth ACTS, visit monmouthacts.org.

💙 April is National Donate Life Month

April is a time to celebrate and honor the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.
Today, over 100,000 people are waiting for life-saving transplants — including nearly 4,000 right here in New Jersey.
🌼 Signing up to be a donor could help save multiple lives!
👉 Learn more about becoming an organ or tissue donor at njsharingnetwork.org or call 908-516-5400.

❓Quick Question

📰 Prime Time News

A roundup of this week’s news about aging from trusted media sources.

Dietary Supplements — More Harmful Than Helpful? Unregulated and sometimes overconsumed, vitamin and mineral supplements can pose a variety of health risks. Next Avenue, April 24.

My Advice for Enrolling in Medicare Part B — Based on Experience: Enrolling in Medicare is notoriously complicated and can result in penalties if you get the timing wrong. Here are some valuable tips for first-timers. Kiplinger, April 24.

Should You Get a Medicare Broker? Many people don’t realize that working with a broker can help demystify the application process and match them with the best plan for their needs — and it doesn’t cost a dime. Next Avenue, April 22.

How to Take Advantage of 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions: Workers 50 and older can contribute more to 401(k) plans than younger workers can contribute. U.S. News & World Report, April 21.

Before You Remarry: 10 Important Things to Consider: Remarry with care, because love gets complicated the second time around. Kiplinger, April 25.

Bon Voyage! It’s Travel Time Again: Some airline and cruise ship bargains may emerge in coming months as economic uncertainty dampens demand. U.S. News & World Report, April 21.

🌸 This Week in the Parks

May is here, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors! Check out these FREE events happening throughout the Monmouth County Park System this week. Go on your own, grab a friend, or take the grandkids!

🏡 Seabrook-Wilson House Open
Thursdays & Sundays in May | 1-4 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
Take a step back in time with a visit to this charming house, dating back to the early 1700s. Explore fascinating displays about local history and the ecology of the bay. It’s FREE!

🏠 Holmes-Hendrickson House Tours
Fridays-Sundays in May | 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Holmdel Park, Holmdel
Step inside this 1754 house, beautifully furnished to showcase colonial farming life. These intimate tours will immerse you in Monmouth County’s rich heritage. Limited to 10 people per tour—so don’t miss out! FREE!

🧩 Jigsaw Puzzle Swap
Saturday, May 3 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Thompson Park Theatre Barn, Lincroft
Bring your gently used puzzles and swap them for “new to you” ones! For each puzzle you bring, you'll get a token to pick out a fresh one to take home. A fun way to refresh your collection! FREE!

🔨 19th Century Woodworking Demonstration
Saturday, May 3 | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Watch a skilled woodworker craft beautiful and functional items using old-time techniques. A great way to appreciate the craftsmanship of the past! FREE!

🧵 Traditional Quilting Demonstration
Saturday, May 3 | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
See how quilts are made by hand with delicate stitches and colorful fabrics. You might even catch the quilting bug yourself! FREE!

🏰 Historic Portland Place Tours
Saturdays & Sundays in May | 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust
This 18th-century house has been beautifully restored and is ready for you to explore. Learn about the Hartshorne family's legacy and the region's fascinating history. Free, but register on-site the day of the tour. FREE!

🌾 Milling Demonstrations
Saturdays & Sundays in May | 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Watch history come to life as the 19th-century gristmill grinds corn into meal. Each demonstration lasts about 15 minutes—perfect for a quick and fascinating stop! FREE!

⚾ Vintage Base Ball - Monmouth Furnace Base Ball Club
Sunday, May 4 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Holmdel Park, Holmdel
Step into the past and enjoy America’s favorite pastime, played the old-fashioned way. Watch a vintage game and cheer on the players in this 19th-century-style match. FREE!

🌻 Plant a Sunflower
Sunday, May 4 | 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Roll up your sleeves and help plant this year's sunflower field! Come back in the fall to harvest your flowers and take them home. Weather permitting. FREE!

🐦 Casual Birder Walk
Tuesday, May 6 | 9 a.m.
Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands
Join a park naturalist for a relaxed morning bird walk. Don’t worry about being an expert—just enjoy the peaceful outdoors and see what birds we can spot! Limited binoculars available. FREE!

✨ All events are free and open to the public. Be sure to check weather updates or register if needed before you head out.

🌍Beyond Our Backyard

Craving something new? 🚗🌸 These exciting events are just a short drive away — perfect for a fun day trip or spontaneous adventure!

🌟 Shen Yun Performing Arts – Newark
📅 Dates: Various through early May
📍 Location: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark
✨ Experience breathtaking dance, stunning costumes, and a rich cultural performance inspired by 5,000 years of Chinese history!
Learn more ➔

🎶 Warbler Chorus: A Springtime Symphony
📅 Date: Saturday, May 4, 2025
📍 Location: Duke Farms, Hillsborough
🎵 Join a gentle bird-watching walk and listen to the cheerful songs of migrating warblers! Ideal for nature lovers.
Learn more ➔

🚂 All Aboard the Hunterdon Wine Train Express!
📅 Date: Sunday, May 5, 2025
📍 Location: Flemington Station, Flemington
🍷 Ride the vintage train to Old York Cellars Winery and enjoy tastings, tours, and scenic views — a relaxing Sunday adventure!
Learn more ➔

😂🍇 Wine & Comedy Show at Old York Cellars Winery
📅 Date: Saturday, May 4, 2025
📍 Location: Old York Cellars Winery, Ringoes
🎭 Sip fine wine and laugh the night away with live comedy under the stars — a perfect evening out!
Learn more ➔

📅 A Look Ahead

Keep an eye on these upcoming events happening later this month such as the Spring Exit Zero Jazz Festival in Cape May (May 16 – 18), the New Jersey Renaissance Faire at the Burlington County Fairgrounds (May 17 – 18, 24 – 25, 31 and June 1, 7 – 8) and the Wildwoods International Kite Festival (May 23 – 26).

📚Booked & Busy: Upcoming Library Events

🎶 Phil’s Favorite Doo Wop Love Songs
Thursday, May 1 | 1–3 PM | Wall Township Branch
Sing along to 1950s and '60s favorites and hear behind-the-scenes stories!

🎨 Senior Sip and Paint
Thursday, May 1 | 6:30–8 PM | Atlantic Highlands Branch
An evening of painting and mocktails, just for seniors! 🎨🍸

📚 Howell Library Book Sale
Friday, May 2 | All Day | Howell Branch
Browse bestsellers, kids’ books, DVDs, and more — most for just 25 cents!

🏡 Home Fit: Make Your Home a Lifelong Home
Friday, May 2 | 11 AM–12 PM | Eastern Branch (Shrewsbury)
Learn how to make your home safer and more accessible as you age.

🎭 NJ Cameo Club Variety Extravaganza
Friday, May 2 | 2–3:30 PM | Wall Township Branch
Enjoy a lively variety show performed by NJ Senior America Pageant winners!

📖 Korean War: 1950–1953
Monday, May 5 | 1:30–2:30 PM | Eastern Branch (Shrewsbury)
A fascinating talk on this pivotal conflict, presented by historian Paul Zigo.

🩺 One-on-One SHIP Medicare Counseling
Monday, May 5 | 2:30–4 PM | Headquarters, Manalapan
Get free, confidential help navigating Medicare.

🌳 Genealogy Club
Wednesday, May 7 | 2–3 PM | Eastern Branch (Shrewsbury)
Share tips, research family roots, and connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts!

📖Recommended Read

Looking to eat your way to a longer, healthier life? 🌿 Dr. Michael Greger — bestselling author and founder of NutritionFacts.org — has just released The How Not to Age Cookbook, packed with over 100 simple, science-backed recipes designed to support healthy aging. Inspired by the diets of the world’s longest-living communities, these meals, snacks, and desserts are loaded with ingredients shown to promote longevity. The cookbook is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop. Learn more at nutritionfacts.org!

🎂Birthday Shoutouts

🎉 Happy 68th Birthday, Sonia K. of Middletown! 🎉

Wishing you a day as fabulous as you are, Sonia! 🥂 A few other notable people sharing your special day are racing great Mario Andretti (1940), actress Kirsten Dunst (1982), basketball star Isaiah Thomas (1989), and TV legend Cloris Leachman (1926). Here's to more adventures, more laughs, and lots of birthday cake! 🎂✨

That’s a wrap for this week!

🌸If you’re in the area, don’t forget to checkout “Made in Monmouth” on Saturday! 🌟 Let’s celebrate our amazing local crafters and keep our community thriving — one handmade treasure at a time. 🛍️❤️

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

😊Thanks for spending time with us. See you next week — and never forget, you’re not getting older, you're only getting better with age, inside and out. ❤️🌟

The Better With Age New Jersey team