Step into history with free summer tours

It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!

June is just around the corner, and with it comes a fresh batch of activities, wellness tips, community news, and ways to save—all curated just for Monmouth County seniors! Whether you're looking to get outdoors, explore your creative side, or enjoy a local event, there's something for everyone this week.

👀What’s on tap today:

• Free tours of historic sites this summer

• Plenty of events on tap this week

• Pickleball center coming to Tinton Falls

Up first…

Step Into History with Free Summer Tours!

Looking for a fun — and free — way to explore local history this summer? The Monmouth County Park System offers guided tours of several historic sites, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These tours are available during the warmer months and are a wonderful way to learn more about our area's rich past:

🧭 Historic Battery Lewis
📍 Hartshorne Woods Park, Rocky Point entrance, Highlands
🕙 Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
📅 Tours now through October 13

🏡 Historic Holmes-Hendrickson House
📍 Holmdel Park, Holmdel
🕛 Friday–Sunday, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. (tours start every half hour)
📅 Tours now through October 5

🏠 Historic Portland Place
📍 Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust section of Middletown
🕥 Wednesday–Sunday at 10:30, 11:30 a.m., 1:30, & 2:30 p.m.
📅 Tours now through November 16

🐎 Historic Racing Stable
📍 Thompson Park, Lincroft
🕙 Fridays, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
📅 Tours now through October 19

🌊 Historic Seabrook-Wilson House
📍 Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
🕐 Mondays, Thursdays & Sundays, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
📅 Tours now through October 30

Note: Sites may close due to inclement weather or county holidays.

To learn more, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000. For hearing-impaired services, dial TTY/TDD 711.

📰 Prime Time News

The latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

Understanding Joe Biden’s Illness: How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed and Treated? Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, affecting 1 in 8 men in the U.S. Here's what we know about prostate cancer, including early signs, testing, risk factors and survival rates. USA Today, May 19

Many Seniors Fear Cataract Surgery: Cataract surgery is one of the most foolproof procedures in medicine, with a success rate as high as 95%. Nevertheless, many seniors don’t get cataract surgery because they fear losing their sight. HealthDay News, May 21

FDA Will Limit Future Covid-19 Shots: The Trump administration said Tuesday it will limit approval for seasonal COVID-19 shots to seniors and others at high risk pending more data on everyone else — raising questions about whether some people who want a vaccine this fall will be able to get one. The Associated Press, May 20

Missed Medicare Open Enrollment? Here Are Your Options: If you missed Medicare open enrollment, you may still be able to change your Medicare selections, depending on your current coverage and why you fumbled the deadline. Kiplinger, May 21

Vacationing With the Grandkids: What Could Go Wrong? Traveling with your grandkids may be on your bucket list, but before you book the trip, consider the downsides of gramping. Kiplinger, May 22

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Here are some can't-miss events happening across New Jersey this week, from craft shows to cultural festivals—perfect for a day trip or weekend outing!

May 28 – May 31
Veterans of Foreign Wars & Auxiliary Convention & Parade
Wildwoods, Cape May County
Celebrate and honor veterans with parades and patriotic events.

May 31
🛍️ Spring Flea Market
Ocean Grove, Monmouth County
Treasure hunting at its finest along the Jersey Shore.

🎭 The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD – Il Barbiere di Siviglia
West Long Branch, Monmouth County
Enjoy the brilliance of live opera on screen.

⚔️ The New Jersey Renaissance Faire
Columbus, Burlington County
Step back in time with jousting, artisans, and medieval merriment.

June 1
🎨 27th Annual Rose Squared Spring Chester Craft Show
Chester, Morris County
A continuation of top-quality juried art and craft exhibits.

🍽️ Cape May Restaurant Week Begins
Cape May, Cape May County (June 1–8)
Savor prix-fixe meals from some of the shore’s best restaurants.

🎶 Cape May Music Festival Begins
Cape May, Cape May County (June 1–28)
Enjoy a month of classical, jazz, and chamber music in a historic setting.

June 4 – June 8
🎬 Lighthouse International Film Festival
Long Beach Island, Ocean County
A showcase of cutting-edge independent films in a beachside setting.

Annual Bayshore Greek Fest
Holmdel, Monmouth County
Savor Greek food, music, and culture—OPA!

📚 Beyond The Books

There's more to your local library than shelves of books! Here's a look at programs that seniors might enjoy happening this week across the Monmouth County Library system.

🌱 Ecology of Native Plants
Lecture with Jason Goldman
📍 Colts Neck Branch – Large Meeting Room
🗓 Thursday, May 29
🕕 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Explore the essential role native plants play in supporting local ecosystems. This in-depth lecture dives into the relationships between native flora and fauna and how your gardening choices can sustain biodiversity.
🎯 Audience: Adults
💲Free!

💪 WISE: Wellness Initiative for Senior Education
📍 Ocean Township Branch
🗓 Friday, May 30
🕜 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Are you 60 or older? Join this engaging six-part series from Family and Children’s Services of Monmouth. Learn about healthy lifestyle choices, managing medications, and tools for empowered health care decisions — all while connecting with others.
🎁 Light refreshments and giveaways included!
🎯 Audience: Adults
💲Free!

🧵 The Joy of Embroidery: Exhibit by the Monmouth Chapter EGA
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury – Lobby Display Cases
🗓 June 1 – 30
Stop by anytime this month to see beautiful embroidery work by the Monmouth Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America. From beading and blackwork to multimedia stitching, this exhibit celebrates the art and history of needlecraft.
🎯 Audience: All Ages
💲Free!

🃏 Learn to Play Bridge
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan
🗓 Monday, June 2
🕕 6:00 – 8:30 PM
For experienced players only — enjoy a relaxed evening of bridge among fellow enthusiasts. Seating is first come, first served.
🎯 Audience: Adults
💲Free!

💼 Monmouth ACTS in My Community
📍 Allentown Branch
🗓 Tuesday, June 3
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Need help with programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or NJ Family Care? County reps will be on hand to answer questions, assist with applications, and provide referrals — no appointment needed.
🎯 Audience: Adults
💲Free!
📞 Contact: Shannon Foster at 609-259-7565

🀄 Mahjongg at West Long Branch Library
📍 West Long Branch Branch
🗓 Begins Tuesday, June 3 (Weekly Program)
🕐 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Join this new weekly game group! We provide the tiles, you bring your Mahjongg cards. Beginner level — some knowledge required.
🎯 Audience: Adults
💲Free!
🪑 Extra players will rotate — no seat saving!

Stop by the library or visit https://monmouthcountylib.org/ to learn more!

🍎 Health & Wellness Tip

Protect Your Skin This Summer
Seniors are more vulnerable to sun damage, so don’t forget your sunscreen—even on cloudy days! Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and try to stay in the shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Your skin will thank you!

🌟Community Spotlight

🏓 Coming This Fall: Pickleball Kingdom to open in Tinton Falls!

Exciting news for Monmouth County seniors! Pickleball Kingdom, the world’s largest indoor pickleball franchise, is set to open a state-of-the-art facility at 3176 Shafto Road, Tinton Falls, N.J., in October 2025. Spanning 30,000 square feet with 30-foot ceilings, the club will feature 11 indoor courts designed for consistent play, regardless of weather. The new club will offer:

• Professional Coaching & Clinics: Tailored for all skill levels.

• Leagues & Tournaments: Opportunities for competitive play.

• Community & Corporate Events: Fostering camaraderie among members.

For more information and updates, visit pickleballkingdom.com/tinton-falls-nj 

🎉 Birthday Cheer

🎂 Happy 81st Birthday, Linda Williams of Manalapan! 🎉Wishing you a beautiful day filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories! May your year ahead be as graceful and inspiring as you are. 💖

A few other notable people sharing a May 28 birthday with Linda include:
✨ Gladys Knight – the “Empress of Soul” herself! (1944)
✨ Rudy Giuliani – former NYC mayor (1944)
✨ Kylie Minogue – pop icon from Down Under (1968)
✨ John Fogerty – legendary voice behind Creedence Clearwater Revival (1945)

💸 Senior Saving Tip of the Week

Score a deal at Kohl’s every Wednesday! Did you know Kohl’s offers a 15% senior discount in-store every Wednesday for shoppers 60 and older? Just bring a valid ID and enjoy savings on clothing, home goods, and more. Bonus Tip: Combine the senior discount with Kohl’s coupons or Kohl’s Cash for even bigger savings!

🌳 In the Parks This Week

June is here — and with it comes sunshine, fresh air, and plenty of reasons to explore the beauty of our Monmouth County Parks!

🌀 Milling Demonstrations
📍 Historic Walnford, Freehold
🗓 Saturdays & Sundays: June 1–2, 7–8, 14–15, 21–22, 28–29
🕐 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 p.m.
Step back in time and watch a 19th-century gristmill in action as it turns corn into meal.
⏱ Each demo is about 15 minutes.
💲Free!

🚤 Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir
📍 Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
🗓 Saturdays & Sundays: June 1–2, 7–8, 14–15, 21–22, 28–29
🕑 2, 3, 4 & 5 p.m.
📅 Special Evening Tour: Friday, June 6 at 6 & 7 p.m.
Enjoy a 45-minute narrated tour by Park System Naturalists with a chance to spot wildlife.
💲$6 adults | $4 kids (ages 1–12; must sit independently)
🎟 Tickets sold on-site, day of only. Lifejackets provided. Tours depend on weather and water levels.

🐄 Dairy Day
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
🗓 Sunday, June 1
🕛 12 – 2:30 p.m.
Discover how essential dairy cows were to farm life with demos in cheesemaking, butter churning, and even ice cream making.
💲Free!

🌦️ Weather Watcher

☁️ Wednesday: A 50% chance of showers with a high near 65°
🌥️ Thursday: Another 50% chance of showers, but warmer with a high near 72°
⛅ Friday: Things are looking up—just a 30% chance of afternoon showers and a high near 76°
🌤️ Saturday: Partly sunny with a 40% chance of showers and a pleasant high near 74°
⛅ Sunday: Another mild day with a 30% chance of showers and a high near 74°.

Side note: Hurricane season is heating up—and NOAA last week said we could see up to 19 named storms this year. With some possibly packing winds over 100 mph, now’s the time to prep your emergency plan. NOAA’s top weather expert calls this forecast a “call to action,” so let’s stay safe and storm-smart together. As you prepare for possible future storms, there are tools and resources on the Monmouth County Division of Planning website that will help you stay informed and prepared.

That’s a wrap!

💛A big shoutout to the amazing volunteers at Meals on Wheels of Monmouth County! Thanks to the dedication of over 100 kind-hearted individuals, homebound seniors and disabled residents receive not only nutritious meals but also a warm smile every weekday. Want to make a difference? Join this incredible team and help brighten someone’s day—one meal at a time! Visit their website to learn more.

📩Stay connected! Have an event or story to share? Email us [email protected]

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😊See you next week!

The Better With Age New Jersey team