New hiking trails, historic air show and more

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It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!

Welcome to this week’s Monmouth County edition of Better With Age New Jersey! From spirited jazz nights and classic car shows to an enchanting opera by the sea, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the final stretch of summer. Let’s dive into all the great events for seniors that this week has to offer.

👀What’s on tap today

• From hospital grounds to hiking trails: 411 acres in Marlboro to get a new life.

• Talk your memories into existence! Learn how AI can turn your stories into letters, memoirs, and keepsakes.

• Get ready to soar! AirFest 2025 returns to Cape May with historic warbirds, jaw-dropping jet fighters, live music, and family fun from Aug. 28–31.

Up first…

Did You Know?

If you or someone you know may need extra help evacuating during an emergency — due to mobility, medical, language, or transportation challenges — NJ Register Ready can help. This free, secure registry lets Monmouth County first responders know who might need assistance so they can plan ahead.

How to Register:

• Online: Register Ready Website

• Phone: Call 2-1-1 (TTY/TDD available)

• Mail: Print & send the form to Monmouth County OEM, 2500 Kozloski Rd., Freehold, NJ 07728

Questions? Call 732-431-7400.

🌳 411 Acres of New Green Space in Marlboro

A once-abandoned property is about to become Monmouth County’s newest outdoor destination. The county has taken over management of the former Marlboro State Psychiatric Hospital site — 411 acres soon to feature walking and hiking trails. Officials say this milestone not only preserves cherished open space but also boosts the county’s total preserved land to over 75,000 acres.

Trails could open by the end of the year — and the story behind how this land was saved spans decades of collaboration.
➡️ Read the full story here

🗞️ Prime Time News

The latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

🧠 How Older People Are Reaping Brain Benefits From New Tech
Overuse of digital gadgets harms teenagers, research suggests. But ubiquitous technology may be helping older Americans stay sharp. (The New York Times, Aug. 9)

📦 Retiring and Relocating? Take a Holistic Approach
Where people move in retirement depends on politics, housing affordability, and cost-of-living rates. (Associated Press, Aug. 9)

🏡 My Aging Mother Has Moved In. It’s Complicated
The first moments were rocky, but there’s comfort in sharing wine on the porch. (Wall Street Journal, Aug. 7)

💶 The Weak Dollar is Making a European Vacation Harder to Afford in Retirement
Travel experts share strategies for enjoying Europe despite a weaker dollar. (Kiplinger, Aug. 3)

💊 Seven Medicare Changes Coming in 2026
Learn about benefits becoming permanent in 2026—and other upcoming updates.

⚖️ How Do I Get an Emergency Guardianship for My Father?
When an elderly parent can’t make safe decisions, emergency guardianship may be necessary. (Elder Law Answers, Aug. 7)

Out & About

🎉 See What’s Happening This Week in Monmouth County 🎉
Get ready for a week packed with music, memories, seafood, shopping, and retro fun — all tailor-made for the young at heart!

🎤 Doo Wop Delight in Deal
Thursday, Aug. 14 | 7:30–9:30 PM
Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal
The Doo Wop Project brings Echoes of the Street to life with smooth harmonies and classic charm. Broadway voices, old-school hits — it’s a must-see night of musical magic.

🎭 The Sound of Music in Spring Lake
Aug. 14–24 | Matinees & Evenings
Spring Lake Community House
Step into the hills of Austria right here in Spring Lake! This heartwarming production of the beloved musical will have you humming “Edelweiss” all the way home.

🎷 Jazz Night at Belmar Arts Center
Friday, Aug. 15 | 7:00–10:00 PM
608 River Rd, Belmar
BYOB, bring your snacks, and settle in for a smooth, soulful night of jazz — or jump in and jam if you play! A cozy community favorite.

🛍️ Antique, Vintage & Collectibles Marketplace – Middletown
Saturday, Aug. 16 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Middletown Arts Center
From vinyl and vintage jewelry to dolls and military memorabilia, this $5 marketplace is a treasure trove of nostalgia.

🦞 Surf & Turf Seafood Festival – Oceanport
Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 16–17 | 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Monmouth Park, Oceanport
The Shore’s tastiest weekend is back! Enjoy lobster rolls, crab cakes, shrimp dishes, and seltzer tastings. Come hungry!

🚘 West End Cruise Night & Classic Car Show – Long Branch
Saturday, Aug. 16 | 6:00–10:00 PM
Brighton Ave, Long Branch
A perfect evening of chrome and classics! Stroll through rows of gorgeous vintage cars while grooving to Motor City Revue and Bob Burger.

 The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook – Holmdel
Saturday, Aug. 16 | 8:00–10:00 PM
Bell Works, Holmdel
Bridge over musical memories! Enjoy an intimate multimedia journey through the legendary duo’s greatest hits, hosted by folk/rock royalty Rex Fowler and Dodie Pettit. Sing-alongs, stories, and sweet nostalgia included!

🌼 Summer of Love – Deal
Sunday, Aug. 17 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal
Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love is more than a concert — it’s a “Happening!” Celebrate the Woodstock generation with a full rock festival on stage, complete with horns, strings, psychedelia, and the music that changed a generation.

🎶 Opera by the Sea – Bradley Beach
Monday, Aug. 18 | 6:00–8:00 PM
5th Avenue Gazebo, Bradley Beach
Enjoy the elegance of opera with the sound of the waves behind you. This beachfront performance under the stars is pure summer magic.

💌 Love events like these? Keep reading Better With Age NJ — your go-to guide to everything fun, fabulous, and local for the 55+ community!

🌳 This Week in Monmouth County Parks

Fun, free, and full of fresh air! These park events are perfect for seniors looking to explore, relax, or enjoy great music and company.

⭐ Under the Summer Stars
Wednesday, Aug.13 · 10:30–11:30 PM
Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck
Gaze at the night sky and learn about constellations with a knowledgeable guide. Bring a flashlight and a comfy camp chair. Canceled if skies are overcast. FREE!

🎶 Concert in the Park: Bring on the Funk with THE FUMOS
Friday, Aug.15 · 7–8:30 PM
Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft
Get your groove on with classic jams and funky tunes. Bring lawn chairs or blankets—concert moves indoors if it rains. FREE!

🪵 19th Century Woodworking Demonstration
Saturday, Aug.16 · 12–3 PM
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Watch the artistry of old-school woodworking, from tool use to the final handmade piece. FREE!

🎹 Piano Ballads from the Turn-of-the-Century
Saturday, Aug.16 · 1–3 PM
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Step back in time and enjoy nostalgic melodies played in the farmhouse. FREE!

🎻 Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Jam
Sunday, Aug. 17 · 1–3 PM
Thompson Park, Lincroft
Tap your toes or bring your instrument to join this lively jam session under the trees. FREE!

🎼 Music on the Porch
Sunday, Aug. 17 · 1–3 PM
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Enjoy an acoustic duo in a peaceful historic setting. FREE!

🐦 Casual Birder Walk
Tuesday, Aug. 19 · 9 AM
Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands
Join a naturalist for a relaxed bird walk. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and good walking shoes! FREE!

📜 Open Mic Poetry: Reinvention & The Romantic Era
Wednesday, Aug. 20 · 7–8:30 PM
Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft
Read a poem aloud or just listen in on an evening of rhythm and verse. Pre-registration recommended for readers. FREE!

🎣 Take the Grandkids Fishing

There’s nothing like the joy on a child’s face when they catch their very first fish! Join a Park System Naturalist for a fun, hands-on catch-and-release fishing experience at Turkey Swamp Park. All bait, fishing poles, and instruction are provided — just bring your excitement and your little anglers (ages 6-12, accompanied by an adult).

Dates & Details:

• Aug 18 (Mon) | 10:00–11:30 AM — 3 spots left!

• Sept 13 (Sat) | 10:00–11:30 AM — 15 spots available

• Sept 27 (Sat) | 10:00–11:30 AM — 15 spots available

Cost: $16 per child
Registration opens Aug.13.

Make memories that last a lifetime — and maybe even catch a big one! Register here.

🚗 Beyond Our Backyard

Hit the road and discover these can’t-miss events happening this week across New Jersey!

• Aug 16: Terhune Orchard’s 50th Anniversary Community Celebration — Princeton, Mercer County

• Aug 16 & 17: Tranquility Farms Sunflower Festival — Andover, Sussex County

• Aug 16 & 17: Old York Rails & Vines — Ringoes, Hunterdon County

• Aug 16 & 17: Collingswood Crafts and Fine Art Festival — Collingswood, Camden County

• Aug 18–24: Indie Street Film Festival — Red Bank, Monmouth County

• Aug 20–24: Hunterdon County Fair — Lambertville, Hunterdon County

📚 Beyond the Books

From author talks to hands-on workshops, Monmouth County libraries are buzzing with activities for seniors this week. Come for the books—stay for the fun! For details, visit the Monmouth County Library System’s website.

🧠 Learn to Play Duplicate Bridge
📍 Manalapan Headquarters
📅 Wednesday, Aug. 13 | ⏰ 12:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Come learn this fun and interactive game! First come, first seated.

🚶‍♀️ Fall Prevention & Balance Screening
📍 Holmdel Branch
📅 Wednesday, Aug. 13 | ⏰ 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Join a physical therapist from Hackensack Meridian Health for a lecture on fall risks and safety, followed by individual balance screenings.

🎨 Summer Stamp Craft: DIY Tea Towels
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
📅 Wednesday, Aug. 13 | ⏰ 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Get creative with stamped citrus and veggie-themed towels. Supplies provided!

🀄 Mah Jongg Club
📍 Holmdel Branch
📅 Thursday, Aug. 14 | ⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Weekly friendly sessions for experienced players. No instructor provided.

🌿 Master Gardeners Q&A: Lettuce Help You! (Virtual)
💻 Online via Zoom
📅 Thursday, Aug. 14 | ⏰ 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Get gardening advice from Rutgers Master Gardener Diane Larson. Submit questions by noon August 13.

📖 Book Talk & Signing: "Caring for Carol by Caring for Me"
📍 Atlantic Highlands Branch
📅 Thursday, Aug. 14 | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Author Anthony Mauro shares his moving caregiving journey and practical mindfulness tools.

🧶 Knit Wits Craft Circle
📍 Manalapan Headquarters
📅 Thursday, Aug. 14 | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Bring your own knitting, crochet, or needlepoint project. All skill levels welcome!

✍️ Creative Writers’ Workshop
📍 Allentown Branch
📅 Thursday, Aug. 14 | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 8:45 PM
Bring your writing and receive feedback from local writers.

🧘 Yoga for Beginners
📍 Manalapan Headquarters
📅 Monday, Aug. 18 | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Relax with beginner-friendly yoga led by Steven Russell. Bring your mat or towel.

💼 Monmouth ACTS in My Community
📍 Allentown Branch
📅 Tuesday, Aug. 19 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Speak with a Human Services rep for help with SNAP, Medicaid & more.

🎶 Live Music: The Angel Cats
📍 Ocean Township Branch
📅 Wednesday, Aug. 20 | ⏰ 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Enjoy nostalgic hits from the '60s to '90s with this energetic vocal trio!

🎨 Adult Coloring Night
📍 Howell Branch
📅 Wednesday, Aug. 20 | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Enjoy a relaxing evening of coloring and conversation. Materials and light snacks provided.

📅Aviate, Navigate, Celebrate! History Buffs, Save the Date!

Get ready for four days of history, horsepower, and high-flying fun as AirFest 2025 returns to the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum from Thursday, Aug. 28 to Sunday, Aug. 31, running daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year’s show promises to be the biggest yet, headlined by the ultra-rare Messerschmitt Me 262, the world’s first operational jet fighter—capable of breaking 500 mph—thanks to a special partnership with the Military Aviation Museum and Vintage Wings, Inc. Other aviation highlights include the legendary FG-1D Corsair “Whistling Death,” the combat transport C-53 “Beach City Baby,” and the classic SNJ trainer—along with Navy helicopters, Yak-52s, PT-26s, TB-30 Epsilons, and more.

It's more than just planes—attendees can enjoy live music, food trucks, interactive museum exhibits, a Beer & Wine Garden, Ted Schwartz’s nostalgic 1940s radio show, caricatures and face painting, military displays, and family-friendly entertainment (including the restored nose and turret of a B-25J “SandBar Mitchell”).

Proceeds go toward preserving Hangar #1 and honoring the 42 WWII aviators who lost their lives training at the base—so your visit supports the museum's mission as well.

Admission & Location
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum — 500 Forrestal Rd, Cape May, NJ.
Tickets: Adults ~$18; Children (3-12) ~$14; under 3 free; Active Duty military free with ID.

Why It’s a Must-See: Vintage aircraft, jaw-dropping displays, heartfelt history, and family fun—all under one historic WWII hangar roof. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just looking for a great day out, AirFest delivers. Learn more here.

Quick Question

Click on your favorite—and feel free to share where you buy your favorite shore snacks. We’ll feature the top picks in next week’s issue!

🌞 Jersey Fresh Spotlight

🍅 Tomato Takeover: Earlier this month, Jersey Fresh crashed the Shore—armed with free grape tomatoes for lucky beachgoers in Wildwood, Atlantic City, and Seaside Heights. And with good reason: last year, NJ farmers reportedly grew 60 million pounds of tomatoes worth $36.2 million. That’s a lot of BLTs! Tomato season runs through October—plenty of time to slice, dice, and devour.
📌 Taste the magic with this recipe for Jersey Fresh Stuffed Tomatoes.

🤖Seniors & AI

Tell Your Story: See How AI Can Help Preserve Your Memories

You’ve lived through incredible moments—times of change, joy, challenges, and growth. Every wrinkle and smile line tells a story worth sharing. But sometimes, putting those stories down on paper feels overwhelming or just plain hard.

That’s where AI can become your new storytelling partner. With tools like ChatGPT or voice-activated assistants, you can capture your memories effortlessly—even if writing isn’t your favorite hobby.

Here’s how AI can help you preserve your legacy:

• Speak your story out loud: Use ChatGPT’s voice dictation to talk through your memories while AI transcribes your words—no typing needed.

• Get a writing boost: Stuck on how to start or what to say? Ask AI to help you craft stories about your childhood, first job, or favorite family traditions.

• Create keepsakes for loved ones: Turn your stories into letters, short memoirs, or fun anecdotes to share with grandchildren and future generations.

👵🏽🧓🏽 Example to try: Say this to ChatGPT:

“ChatGPT, help me write a hilarious letter to my grandson about how I met his grandfather. I’ll dictate the juicy, awkward, and funny details to you—so make sure you catch every quirky moment and sprinkle in some grandparent-style humor!”'

Then just dictate your story, hit send, and voilà! Your finished story is ready in under 30 seconds. You don’t need special skills or expensive gadgets—just your voice, memories, and a pinch of curiosity. Let AI help you bring your stories to life in ways that will be treasured for years to come.

Coming up next week:
AI for Hobbies—How technology can spice up cooking, puzzles, and more!

🥳Birthday Shoutout

Aug. 14: Happy 82nd to Alison P. & Arthur C. of Middletown! From swing dancing to smartphones, you’ve seen it all—and you’re still making history every day. 🎂

On this day in history: V-J Day marked the end of WWII in 1945, the Social Security Act was signed in 1935, and The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour debuted in 1971—proof that some duos, like Alison and Arthur, are truly timeless. Here’s to a day filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of “I Got You Babe” moments to keep the good times rolling. 🎉

✨One Last Thing

Remembering Jim Lovell (1928–2025)
Last week, the world bid farewell to Capt. Jim Lovell, the Apollo 13 commander whose calm leadership and unshakable hope brought his crew safely home. Many of us can still recall exactly where we were in April 1970, watching and listening as the mission teetered on the edge—and how Lovell’s steady voice turned fear into hope, and hope into one of NASA’s greatest rescues. From circling the Moon on Apollo 8 to showing us the power of teamwork and grace under pressure, his story will keep inspiring generations. Read more about his remarkable life →

🎬That’s a wrap for this week

🌳 A Big Senior Salute to Our Open Space Heroes!
A round of applause for our Monmouth County officials for saving 411 acres of gorgeous green space in Marlboro! That’s more trails to wander, birds to spot, and memories to make. Here’s to keeping our corner of Jersey fresh, green, and full of life—for the young and young-at-heart alike!

❓Questions, comments or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

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

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😎See you next week!

The Better With Age New Jersey team