NJ Transit to offer a week of fare relief

Happy Monday, New Jersey!

☔Weather: Slight chance of t-storms then showers, high 85

👀What’s on tap today:

• Free rides on NJ Transit next week

• Quick and easy fall meals

• Which NJ beaches are accessible? Download a free guide.

Up first…

NJ Transit to offer free rides next week

Gov. Phil Murphy just dropped some good news: NJ TRANSIT is giving you a break from Aug. 26 to Sept. 2, 2024. Yep, that's right—free rides on all modes of transportation. It's a "Thank You" to all of us who've stuck with public transit, even when it hasn't been the smoothest ride. And if you're one of those early birds with an August monthly pass, you'll snag a 25% discount on your September pass.

The fare holiday is NJ TRANSIT's way of saying, "Sorry for the headaches, and thanks for sticking around." They admit service hasn't exactly been stellar lately, especially on the Northeast Corridor, where Amtrak's been causing some serious disruptions. But they're on it, working with Amtrak to fix the mess, with more inspections and repairs already making a difference.

On top of that, they're not just focused on the trains. The River LINE light rail's been a bit of a letdown too, so NJ TRANSIT has thrown in some extra buses and is pushing their operator to get things back on track. They're also planning bigger fixes, like more transformer testing and securing grants for long-term upgrades. So, enjoy the free rides and know they're working hard to make your commute smoother in the future.

Quick and Tasty: Fall meal ideas with beef that save time

As fall approaches and schedules get busier, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand, funded by the Beef Checkoff, has teamed up with three chefs to offer some quick and delicious meal ideas that are perfect for the whole family. Pitmaster Erica Roby's Mason Jar Beef Bowls are a great way to avoid the temptation of takeout. With layers of savory beef, crunchy broccoli, and fluffy rice topped with a sweet and salty Asian-inspired sauce, these jars are versatile and perfect for grab-and-go meals.

Chef Natasha Gandhi-Rue is here to make homemade meatballs less intimidating with her Meatballs Two Ways recipe. Not only does she offer two sauce options to keep things interesting, but she also suggests making a big batch of meatballs to freeze for later. They’re packed with protein and easy to reheat, making them perfect for busy families and quick snacks for hungry teens.

For a speedy dinner option, Nick Evans from Crunch Time Kitchen shares his Gochujang Steak Bowls. Using Flat Iron or Flank Steak, this dish is a breeze to prepare, especially if you have leftovers on hand. Evans likes to keep cooked rice and steak ready in the fridge, so when dinnertime rolls around, it’s just a matter of throwing everything together in under 10 minutes. For more back-to-school recipes like these, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Free upcoming events in the parks

🪗Concert in the Park: Mission Dance 
Friday, August 23, 7-8:30 p.m. | Thompson Park, Lincroft 

Get ready to groove with Mission Dance, a 10-piece Jersey Shore party band! Enjoy the lively vocals, horns, and rhythm section at this outdoor concert. Don't forget to bring your chairs, blankets, snacks, and soft drinks. If it rains, we'll move the fun indoors to the Theater Barn. FREE!

🎶Dancing Thru the Ages – Roaring 20s to Fabulous 50s & Beyond 
Saturday, August 24, 7-8:30 p.m. | Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft 

Step back in time and enjoy performances showcasing iconic dance styles from the 1920s through the 1950s and beyond. FREE!

🧑‍🌾Machinery Expo 
Sunday, August 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel 

Explore the farm's machinery collection, usually tucked away in storage, on this special day! Staff will be available to discuss the mechanics behind the farm's horse-drawn equipment and vintage household items. FREE!

📖 Story Time in the Park 
Sunday, August 25, 11-11:45 a.m. | Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold 

Take the grandkids! Join us for a charming story time by the scenic Crosswicks Creek. Bring a snack, blanket, or towel. This event is perfect for kids ages 2-7, with an adult. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll move to the cozy Cow Barn. FREE!👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🐦Casual Birder 
Tuesday, August 27, 9 a.m. | Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan 

Take a leisurely walk through the park with a Park System Naturalist and see what birds you can spot. No birdwatching experience required! A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. FREE!

🐬🐬Nature Lecture Series – Dolphins: Facts and Tales 
Wednesday, August 28, 7-8 p.m. | Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth 

Dive into the world of local dolphins with a Park System Naturalist as you learn fascinating facts about the Jersey Shore's dolphin population. FREE!

🧺Basket Weaving Demonstration 
Friday, August 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold 

Watch the Penn/Jersey Basket Weaving Guild in action as they showcase their craft and create beautiful baskets. FREE!

For more information about these Park System activities, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000. For hearing-impaired assistance, use the Park System TTY/TDD number: 711.

*Grandkid approved!👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Download the Monmouth County Accessible Beach Guide

🏖️🩴🩴The annual Monmouth County’s 2024 Accessible Beach Guide includes information about the County’s accessible beaches, walkways,
ramps, parking, curb cuts and surf chair availability. It also provides detailed information about 2024 beach fees, lifeguard hours and amenities as of the time of publication.

This guide is updated each year by the County’s Office on Disabilities, which is part of the Monmouth County Department of Health & Human Services. The staff provides information, referral and advocacy for persons with disabilities and their families and serves as liaison to state and non-profit agencies that provide assistance to residents who need to access services.

Download the guide here

Navigating Aging

When Your Knee Cartilage Wears Out, a 'Biomaterial' Might Help Replace It: A newly developed biomaterial might be able to treat crippling arthritis by prompting the growth of new cartilage, a new animal study suggests. HealthDay News

Eat in Sync With Your Body Clock: Thanks to the field of chrononutrition, a growing body of evidence suggests when you eat may matter as much as what you eat when it comes to wellness. Next Avenue

How to Retire in Spain: Spain has long been a favorite retirement destination, and for good reason. It has a mild Mediterranean climate, and its universal health care system can be particularly attractive to seniors. U.S. News & World Report

Today's birthdays

🎂Happy 83rd Birthday, David Shapiro of Montclair! 🎉 Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and cherished memories. May your year ahead be as wonderful as you are!

A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with David include actor Jill St. John, 84; former President Bill Clinton, 78; actor John Stamos, 61; and country singer Lee Ann Womack, 58.

Thought for today

Today in New Jersey history

On Aug.19, 1791, New Jersey made history when the state ratified the Bill of Rights. New Jersey was the first state to ratify the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which include essential protections such as freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, and the protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Thanks for reading! If you decide to head to the beach this week, be mindful of the powerful rip currents at the Jersey Shore caused by Hurricane Ernesto. Even though the storm is hundreds of miles offshore, rip currents and large swells were powerful enough to close some Jersey beaches on Sunday.

😊See you tomorrow!