📬 Monmouth Senior Scoop: 🍂 Fall Festivals, Dino Adventures & TV Fun This Week!

🌻 Hello, friends!

Here’s your weekly dose of Monmouth County fun, fresh finds, and all the ways to live your best senior life—welcome to the latest edition of the Monmouth Senior Scoop!

👀What’s on tap today:

🎃 Fall Harvest Festival – Sweet treats, crafts, animals & more!
🌿 Native Plant Exchange – Swap, shop, and grow your garden 🌱
🦕 LuminoCity Dino Safari – Take the grandkids to glow with life-sized dinosaurs, dig for fossils, and boogie Jurassic-style!
🎭 Eek-O-Fabulous Costume Swap – Halloween joy for the grandkids 👻
🎵 Music & Festivals – From Malt Shop Memories to Latino beats 💃
🌽 Farm Markets – Fresh Jersey produce & artisanal finds 🥕🍎
🍲 What’s Cookin’? – Game day recipes to spice up your week 🍔🔥
📺 TV Time – Streaming picks: Morning Show, Dancing with the Stars, Swiped & more ✨
💪 At Last – NJ veterans get their own cabinet-level department! 🎖️

Up first…

📅Mark Your Calendar

🍂🎃 Fall Into Fun at the Harvest Festival! 🎃🍂

Celebrate autumn at the Fall Harvest Festival—two full days of seasonal fun in the Historic Village of Allaire!

📅 When: Sept. 20–21, 11am–4pm
📍 Where: The Historic Village of Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale

🍰 Baking contests (bring your appetite!)
🛻 Food trucks galore
🐄 Friendly farm animals
🎵 Live music
🔨 Historic demos & craftspeople
🎨 50+ craft vendors for early holiday shopping
🪚 Chainsaw wood carving (yes, really!)
✨ Glitter tattoos for kids—and kids at heart

From sweet treats and handmade crafts to music, animals, and fall traditions, this festival has it all. Perfect for grandparents, families, and anyone ready to soak up some harvest magic. Bring the grandkids and make it a fall memory to remember! 🍁Learn more here.

🌿🍂 Green Thumbs Unite!! 🍂🌿

🌱 Native Plant Exchange
Sat, Sept 20 • Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown

Calling all green thumbs! Bring your potted plants (4-inch to 2-gallon) and swap them for new varieties at this plant-lover’s swap meet.

🕗 Drop-off: 8:30–10am (early birds score the best picks!)
🔄 The deal: Bring 3 plants, take 3 plants—simple and fair.
🌿 What’s welcome: Native Mid-Atlantic favorites and houseplants, too.

🌼 Pro tip: Label your plants—it’s like introducing friends at a party. 🏷️

Perfect for diversifying your garden, meeting fellow plant enthusiasts, and supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies. 🐝🦋

📞 Info: 732-671-6050 | MonmouthCountyParks.com

Happy swapping, garden friends! 🌻

🧠 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Bradley Beach

Lace up this Sunday and make every step count! Check-in is at 8:30 AM, opening ceremony at 9:45, and then off we go for a 2-mile walk starting at 5th & Ocean Ave. 💜 Registration is free, but donations help fund research, care, and support. Bring friends, family, or just your walking shoes and heart! Get more info here.

🎭 Eek-O-Fabulous Costume Swap!

Grandparents, this one’s for you! Got outgrown costumes from the grandkids? Turn them into Halloween joy for other families at the Eek-O-Fabulous Costume Swap.

✨ Why join?
• Snag adorable costumes for visiting grandkids 👧👦
• Give outgrown outfits a second life 🔄
• Help families celebrate Halloween on a budget 💰
• Clear out storage while spreading joy 🏠

📅 Drop-off: Sept. 24–30, 10am–4pm at Huber Woods (Middletown) or Thompson Park (Lincroft)
🎉 Swap Day: Sun., Oct. 5, 2:30–4pm at Freneau Woods Park (Aberdeen)

Even if you don’t need a costume back, your donation helps create magical memories for children who will treasure your kindness. 🌟 Bonus: Expecting a new grandbaby? Baby costumes are FREE—no token needed! 👶

📞 Info: 732-872-2670 | MonmouthCountyParks.com

Making Halloween dreams come true, one costume at a time! 💚

🗞️ Prime Time News

Links to the latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

• New Hope for Parkinson’s – A high-tech ultrasound treatment just got FDA approval. The future is here—but will insurance cover it?
  HealthDay News, Sept. 11

• Sleepless Nights, Risky Days – Can’t catch those ZZZs? A new study says insomnia could raise dementia risk. Sweet dreams really do matter!
  HealthDay News, Sept. 11

• Medicare Mail Call – Don’t pitch that thick envelope! Your Annual Notice of Change could save you money and your doctor.
  Kiplinger, Sept. 10

• Who Gets Skilled Care? – Medicare coverage for short-term rehab isn’t automatic—here’s the fine print on qualifying.
  U.S. News & World Report, Sept. 10

• Social Security Shake-Up – A new bill could end taxes on benefits by 2026. Relief for retirees may mean changes for high earners.
  Kiplinger, Sept. 10

🎉 What’s Happening This Week

Seniors can enjoy music, festivals, comedy, and more—your guide to Monmouth County fun!

🎵 Malt Shop Memories Live III
Fri, Sept. 19 | 7–11 PM | PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy, Holmdel
Sing along to doo-wop and rock ‘n’ roll favorites with The Coasters, The Duprees, Jay Siegel & The Tokens, and more!

🎶 Saturday Serenade Gazebo Concert Series
Sat, Sept. 20 | 7–9 PM | Gazebo, 10 E Main St, Freehold
Enjoy local talent under the stars as you stroll, shop, or dine downtown—summer vibes with every note!

🎡 Howell Day & Green Fair
Sat, Sept. 20 | 3–8 PM | Soldier Memorial Park, Lakewood Farmingdale Rd, Howell
Rides, live music, vendors, petting zoo, and cornhole—something for everyone in the family!

🍝 Spring Lake Italian Festival
Sat, Sept. 20 | 12–4 PM | Downtown Business District, Spring Lake
Savor Italian flavors, tap your toes to live music, and soak up downtown energy! Bonus: The legendary Produce Pete may be there signing his new cookbook (weather permitting)!

💃 Latino Festival of Monmouth County
Sat, Sept. 20 | 12–7 PM | Downtown Freehold, 1 E Main St, Freehold
Celebrate culture with music, food, and performances highlighting the diversity and traditions of Latin America.

🚗 British Car Show
Sat, Sept. 20 | 9:30 AM–4 PM | Main St, Ocean Grove
Classic British cars, fun activities, and a day to mingle with fellow auto enthusiasts—rev up your weekend!

🎉 Millstone Day
Sun, Sept. 21 | 12–5 PM | 4 Red Valley Rd, Millstone
Live bands, food trucks, rides, inflatables, 40+ local businesses, and historic artifacts—fun for all!

🍴 Taste of Atlantic Highlands
Sun, Sept. 21 | 12–4 PM | Atlantic Highlands
Hop on a trolley and sample bites from 25+ local restaurants—lobster bisque, Thai cuisine, craft beer, ice cream, and more!

🎭 Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Comedy Tour
Sun, Sept. 21 | 7–9 PM | Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, 99 Monmouth St, Red Bank
Laugh-out-loud comedy as Nurse Blake dives into the wildest things patients and families say—funny, fearless, and unforgettable!

📚 Beyond the Books

Library events across Monmouth County this week—engaging, social, and perfect for seniors.

🎵 Rhythm N’ Sound Musical Revue
Wed, Sept 17 • 3–4pm • Ocean Township
Doo-Wop to Disco! A jukebox ride through the hits of the 50s–80s. Free, no RSVP—just bring your dancing shoes.

🃏 Learn Duplicate Bridge
Wed, Sept 17 • 12–4:45pm • Manalapan HQ
Curious about bridge? This friendly crash course is your deal. First come, first seated.

🌉 Bridge Club – Intermediate
Wed, Sept 17 • 11am–1pm • West Long Branch
Shuffle up for weekly play with fellow card sharks.

📖 Short & Sweet: Truman Capote
Thu, Sept 18 • 10:30–11:30am • Ocean Township
Discuss Capote’s Shut A Final Door—all the drama of 1940s NYC in one sharp short story.

🌳 NJ Native Trees (Online)
Thu, Sept 18 • 3–4:30pm • Zoom
Leaf through expert tips on picking the right native trees for your yard.

🌿 DIY Room Spray
Thu, Sept 18 • 6:30–7:30pm • Howell
Mix up your own signature scent with essential oils. Leave smelling fabulous! Registration required.

🚗 Stephen King Book Club: Christine
Thu, Sept 18 • 7–8:30pm • Atlantic Highlands
Scary stories, fast cars, and a killer discussion.

🧠 WISE Program: Addiction & Seniors
Fri, Sept 19 • 10am–12pm • Eastern Branch
A six-week wellness program for ages 60+. Learn, share, and enjoy coffee + light snacks.

🧶 Kelly’s Knit & Crochet Circle
Sat, Sept 20 • 11am–1pm • Howell
Knit, crochet, chat. Bring supplies, leave with new friends.

🎺 David Cedeño Latin Orchestra
Sun, Sept 21 • 2–3:30pm • Manalapan HQ
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with sizzling salsa, jazz, and Latin beats.

🎨 How to Steal a Masterpiece
Mon, Sept 22 • 1:30–2:30pm • Eastern Branch
An art historian spills the secrets behind the world’s most daring art heists. Registration required.

🀄 Mahjongg
Tue, Sept 23 • 1–4pm • West Long Branch
Weekly tiles + strategy. Beginners with some know-how welcome. Bring your own cards.

💙 Lost & Found: Bereavement Support
Wed, Sept 24 • 6:45–8pm • Manalapan HQ
A compassionate circle for anyone navigating loss. Gentle support, no registration needed.

🌳 In the Parks

Fun, accessible, and senior-friendly outdoor events happening across Monmouth County this week.

🎷 Concert in the Park: A Night of Jazz and Blues
Friday, Sept. 19 | 7–8:30 p.m. | Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft
Tap your toes and enjoy some local talent! Bethany Taylor, Junior Mack, and James Dalton of AP & Me Productions bring jazz and blues to life. FREE!

🌊 Wind & Sea Festival
Saturday, Sept. 20 | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
Celebrate all things water! Kayaking, fishing, kite flying, sandcastles, and more for the whole family. Admission and parking are free; some activities may have a small fee. Parking at Belford Ferry Terminal.

🥒 Preserving the Harvest
Sunday, Sept. 21 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Step back in time and see 19th-century food preservation in action—salting, pickling, drying, and jelling. Perfect for history buffs and cooking enthusiasts. FREE!

🪶 Lecture Series: The Lenape People of Monmouth County
Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 7–8 p.m. | Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen
Discover the lives of the Lenape, Monmouth County’s original inhabitants. Learn how they hunted, fished, and farmed before Henry Hudson arrived in 1609. FREE!

✈️ Wanderlust Weekly

Your ticket to this week’s most tempting trips.

🎭 Broadway at Sea – Come From Away turns 10! Sing, cry, laugh…then sip a cocktail in the Caribbean. Cruise + Broadway = yes, please. Cunard.com

🚢 Lighthouse Lovers, This One’s for You! Set sail from New York City on Holland America Line’s 2027 Canada & New England cruises for a front-row seat to fall foliage, historic lighthouses, charming coastal towns, and mouthwatering regional cuisine. Highlights include a new 9-day “Lighthouses & Harbors” itinerary, visiting iconic beacons like Portland Head Light in Maine and Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse in Nova Scotia. Holland America

🏔️ Wild Luxe, Jackson Hole – Ski, fish, ride horses…or just soak in a tub by the fireplace. Adventure by day, cozy vibes by night. From $700. SnakeRiverSportingClub.com

🎃 Orlando Halloween HQ – 80+ days of spooks and sweets! Mickey, LEGOLAND, Universal Horror Nights, zombie crawls…Orlando does Halloween like nobody’s business. VisitOrlando.com

🌍 Bucket List, Leveled Up – Rainforest retreats, cliffside Ritz in Thailand, Galápagos cruises…Forbes Edge List 2025 = serious wanderlust fuel. ForbesTravelGuide.com

🚢 Mexican Riviera Magic – Princess Cruises turns 60! Sip wine in Todos Santos, savor tacos in Mazatlán, snorkel in Baja, and indulge in chocolate in Puerto Vallarta—all fiesta approved. Princess.com/Mexico

🌽 Monmouth Farm Markets This Week

Fresh, local, and senior-friendly spots to shop, stroll, and savor.

🥕 West End Farmers' Market – Long Branch
Thu, Sept. 18 | 9 AM–3 PM | West End Park, 607 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch
Local produce, baked goods, and artisanal treats—perfect for a midweek market stroll.

🍅 Ocean Grove Farm Stand
Thu, Sept. 18 | 10 AM–2 PM | Pilgrim Pathway & Main Ave, Neptune Township
Shop fresh veggies, fruits, and handmade goodies while enjoying a relaxing morning outdoors.

🌻 Sunset Avenue Farmers’ Market – Asbury Park
Sat, Sept. 20 | 8 AM–1 PM | Sunset Ave & Main St, Asbury Park
Sample farm-fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods from local makers.

🍎 Highlands Farmers’ Market
Sat, Sept. 20 | 8:30 AM–2 PM | Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave., Highlands
Fresh Jersey fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and specialty items from local farms—fun for all ages!

🥖 Allentown Farmers & Makers Market
Sat, Sept. 20 | 9 AM–1 PM | Allentown Presbyterian Church, 20 High St, Allentown
Meet local farmers and artisans, enjoy fresh produce, and support the community food pantry.

🌿 Hazlet Farmers’ Market
Sat, Sept. 20 | 10 AM–2 PM | James J. Cullen Center, 1776 Union Ave, Hazlet
Fresh produce, local delights, and unique finds—perfect for a leisurely Saturday morning.

🍓 Asbury Fresh Farmers & Makers Market
Sun, Sept. 21 | 9 AM–1 PM | Press Plaza, Asbury Park
Shop farm-fresh fruits, handmade goods, and connect with the makers behind your favorite local finds.

🍲 What’s Cookin’? 🏈🔥

Beef Up Your Game Day Buffet!

Nothing scores big on game day like beef sizzling on the grill! 🥩 Kick things off with this recipe for a gooey, cheesy Nacho Dip loaded with Ground Beef—the ultimate chip-dipper. Then bring the heat with Spicy Cheeseburger Sliders, stacked with chipotle-spiced beef, pepper jack cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce. And for the win? A Grilled Steak Flatbread, where juicy strip steak meets caramelized onions, peppery arugula, and creamy blue cheese. Hungry yet? Find more recipes at BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com. 🎉

📺 TV Time: What to Watch This Week

Here’s what’s new on your favorite streaming services.

✨ The Morning Show – Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon are back for Season 4 Wednesday on Apple TV+. The duo play TV anchors at fictional UBN, tackling hot topics like AI, deepfakes, and media conspiracies. Fans will also see Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, Karen Pittman, Nicole Beharie, plus new faces Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Aaron Pierre, and William Jackson Harper.

💃 Dancing with the Stars – The millionth…er, 34th season kicks off Tuesday on ABC and Disney+. Olympian Jordan Chiles, Hilaria Baldwin, Corey Feldman, Andy Richter, Robert Irwin, Baron Davis, and more hit the dance floor. Episodes stream next day on Hulu and Disney+.

📱 Swiped – Lily James stars as Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd in this new biographical drama, streaming Friday, Sept. 19 on Hulu. Follow her journey from college to co-founding Tinder in 2012 and launching Bumble in 2014—making her the youngest self-made female billionaire. Dan Stevens and Industry’s Myha’la co-star.

❄️ Ice Road: Vengeance – Liam Neeson takes the wheel on Monday on Netflix in this over-the-top action flick. He’s an ice-road trucker trying to scatter his brother’s ashes on Everest…while fighting mercenaries. Critics hated it, but sometimes chaos is the point. 💥Plenty of mystery, drama, and nostalgia to keep your screens busy this week!

🦕 Take the Grandkids: Glow With the Dinos!

Freehold is about to light up—literally! LuminoCity’s Dino Safari Festival stomps back into town Sept. 19–Oct. 25 at Freehold Raceway Mall. Expect jaw-dropping light sculptures, more than 70 glowing dinosaurs (yes, life-sized!), a fossil dig for little explorers, and an expanded Bounce Zone that’ll have the kids jumping for joy. New this year: animatronics that move, a kiddie play area, and an LED dance floor where everyone can boogie Jurassic-style. Add food trucks, themed nights like “Dino-o-ween,” and souvenirs to take home, and you’ve got yourself a dino-mite outing. Oh—and parking’s free!

📍 Freehold Raceway Mall (near Dick’s Sporting Goods)
🎟️ Tickets: luminocityfestival.com

🎉 Happy Birthday, Margaret C. of Red Bank!

Hooray—it’s your special day! Wishing you a year packed with laughter, joy, and all the little things that make life sparkle. A few other notable people sharing your special day include LaMonte McLemore (90) from The Fifth Dimension, Elvira (74), the queen of spooky style, and Robert Herjavec (62) from Shark Tank. 🎂💐

✨ One Last Thing…

Big news for our Garden State heroes: New Jersey is finally giving veterans their own seat at the table. Gov. Phil Murphy just signed a law creating a brand-new Department of Veterans Affairs—separate from military operations—so the focus is squarely on housing, health care, mental health, and benefits for vets and their families. 🎖️

Leading the charge? Vincent Solomeno, a U.S. Army vet and current deputy commissioner, who’s set to become the department’s first Commissioner in about 120 days. The goal: less red tape, more support, and a louder voice for NJ veterans! [Read more here]

🎬That’s a Wrap!

⁉️Questions, comments, or news to share? Email: [email protected]

👀First time reading? Join thousands of Monmouth County seniors —Sign up for free here.

😊See you next week!
— The Better With Age NJ Team