Spring festivals

Good morning, New Jersey!

🌹Spring is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather at a festival! This weekend, listen to toe-tapping tunes at the Exit Zero Jazz Festival in Cape May, or join in the celebration of a peculiar fish species at Shad Fest in the riverside town of Lambertville. See more events happening this weekend below.

 👀What's on tap today:

• Unveiling the link between A-Fib and gum disease

• Identifying Social Security scams (and Taking Action)

• Exploring the advantages of relaxing pastimes

Up first…

Thomas Edison's Model T now at NJ Hall of Fame

World-famous inventor Thomas Alva Edison was among the first to be inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2008, receiving more public votes than any other inductees. Now, 16 years later, Edison is among the first to arrive in his new Hall of Fame home in the form of his Model T, a gift from Henry Ford. Today, the antique car was exhibited during a ceremony at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange, N.J., before making its final journey to serve as the centerpiece for a simulated ride to the moon for visitors at the new Entertainment and Learning Center opening at American Dream in June.

The 10,000-square-foot Entertainment and Learning Center becomes the permanent home for New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees and state-of-the-art exhibits like the simulated space ride called “Fly Me to the Moon.” Visitors can sing on a karaoke stage alongside holograms of Gloria Gaynor, Wyclef Jean, Frankie Valli, and many other musical legends. And they’ll be able to interview holograms of Danny DeVito, Jason Alexander, Connie Chung, Laurie Hernandez, and many more notable Jersey greats in the “Late Night Jersey” Television Studio.

“We want Edison’s spirit of innovation to inspire new generations of inventors at his new home at American Dream,” said John Keegan, President and Chairman of the Charles Edison Fund and Edison Innovation Foundation and Chairman Emeritus of the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Health News

Knee Arthritis: Varieties, Symptoms, and Therapies: Knee arthritis can significantly impair mobility and overall well-being. Discover the different types of knee arthritis, recognize potential symptoms, and explore available treatment options. U.S. News & World Report

Unveiling the Link Between A-Fib and Gum Disease: Individuals receiving treatment for irregular heart rhythms are more likely to maintain a healthy heart rate when they actively manage their gum disease, according to researchers. HealthDay News

Understanding the Importance of Hand Strength: Healthcare professionals are increasingly acknowledging the significance of grip strength in assessing overall health. Recent studies have associated a decrease in grip strength with various health concerns. Next Avenue

Mind

Exploring the Advantages of Relaxing Pastimes: Studies indicate that engaging in gentler pursuits such as gardening and crafting can yield numerous health advantages. Next Avenue

Continued Impact of the Pandemic on Isolating Older Adults: The COVID-19 lockdowns led to widespread social isolation among elderly Americans. Recent research suggests that many of them have yet to fully reintegrate into society. HealthDay News

Scams

Identifying Social Security Scams (and Taking Action): Discover the warning signs of scams and learn how to report them if you encounter one. Initial steps when approached by a scammer: Stay composed and refrain from engaging with them. Kiplinger

Retirement

Navigating Medicare and Social Security as Americans Approach Retirement: With the milestone of turning 65, retirees must make crucial decisions regarding Medicare health insurance coverage and timing for claiming Social Security benefits, both of which come with specific deadlines. CNBC

Events this weekend

📷New exhibit: Michelle V. Agins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist whose images tell unforgettable stories about life in America, will discuss her work, which is being exhibited for the first time at the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. 

🐟Shadfest in Lambertville (April 20 – 21, 2024): Fishing around for something cool to do? Celebrate the return of the shad swimming up the Delaware River. This rain-or-shine annual event featuers plenty of good food, live music, vendors and more. Plus, Lambertville is the “Antique Capital of New Jersey,” so you can reel in some treasures at the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market too.

🎺Exit Zero Spring Jazz Festival (Cape May Convention Hall, April 19 – 21, 2024): Get jazzed up for this 3-day fest featuring hundreds of musicians and international touring artists performing on stage in Convention Hall. The music continues with live evening performances in bars and restaurants of Cape May. Tune into great shopping too, with the unique boutiques at the every-popular Washington Street Mall.

🍽️Jersey Shore Restaurant Week, April 19 – 28: Enjoy a 3-course meal with your choice of appetizer, main course, and dessert for either $30.23 or $40.23 at participating Jersey Shore restaurants.

🪁🪁Kites at the Pier Festival, April 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: A day of great family fun featuring kite flyers from all areas of the eastern seaboard flying their most incredible creations! Kites of all shapes and sizes – from inflatable flying creatures to traditional kites – will be flying high over the beach between Avenue and McLoone’s Pier House in Long Branch.
Pier Village, Ocean Ave and Centennial Dr, Long Branch, NJ
Cost: Free

🍺The Beer Run
April 20, noon: Participants can walk or run a 5K route through a charming historic village and scenic nature trails, concluding at a craft beer festival featuring the finest beer and cuisine in New Jersey. Each ticket includes race registration, 12 small beer tastings, a souvenir glass, and admission to the festival with live music, games, and a variety of food trucks. For those who prefer not to run, festival-only tickets are available.
The Historic Village at Allaire, 4265 Atlantic Ave, Wall Township, NJ

🌍Earth Day Celebration featuring The NJ Folk & Bluegrass Festival
April 20, 11 aa.m. to 4 p.m.: This free, family-friendly, outdoor event will showcase hyperlocal local businesses, fitness, green artisans and engaging green and nature-themed activities for all ages. As an exciting new addition, this year will feature the first annual NJ Folk & Bluegrass Music Festival showcasing the area’s most talented musicians.
770 Jackson Street Hoboken, NJ
Cost: Free

🫅Smithville Renaissance Faire
April 20 & 21: Join the players of the New Jersey Renaissance Faire and travel back to the days of yore and merry Olde England as the Historic Village of Smithville is transformed into the Shire of Smithville in the heart of the English Renaissance. Also stroll amongst the wares of the local vendors and traveling merchants sporting historical gifts and finely crafted items.
615 East Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
Cost: Free

😋Asbury Park Restaurant Tour
April 21, 12 pm – 4 pm: Hosted by the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, this event features small “bites”, samplings and demos at restaurants, lounges, cafes, juice bars, and other uniquely Asbury Park locations. Foodies will be treated to some of the classic restaurant pioneers of Asbury Park, as well as recent newcomers to the Asbury Park culinary landscape.
Cost: $60

🌍Earth Fair
April 21, 11 am – 4 pm: Attendees can immerse themselves in nature, learn about plant care, land stewardship, and personal well-being while being entertained by musicians, storytellers, presenters, and artists at Earth Fair 2024 in Historic Smithville Park.
803 Smithville Road, Eastampton, NJ
Cost: Free

🌸🌸Spring Festival and Earth Day Celebration
April 21, 12 pm – 4 pm
The Gloucester County Certified Gardeners are hosting The Spring Festival and Earth Day Celebration on April 21, 2024 from 12:00 to 4:00 P.M. at Red Bank Battlefield 100 Hessian Avenue, National Park, N.J. Admission is free and and there will be family-friendly activities.
Red Bank Battlefield, 100 Hession Avenue, National Park, NJ
Cost: Free

🥙Stirling’s Annual Street Fair
April 21, 10 am – 5 pm
Sponsored by the Long Hill Chamber of Commerce, this event takes place along Main Avenue between Mercer & Somerset Streets from 10am to 5pm, come rain or shine. Featuring quality exhibitors, an arts & crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie rides & games, and an array of festival foods & food trucks, there’s something for everyone. Accessible via NJ Transit train to Stirling Station, with parking available at the Train Station lot and side streets.
393 Main Ave. Stirling, NJ
Cost: Free Admission

🌮South Orange Food Stroll & Pub Crawl
April 21, 1 pm – 5 pm
The South Orange Downtown Food Stroll & Pub Crawl will return on Sunday, April 21st from 1-5pm to South Orange, NJ. This tasting event showcases the diverse restaurants and unique businesses in our downtown. A wristband gives you access to tasting stations and special deals from participating businesses. Visitors can purchase wristbands online in advance or in person the day of (Cash or Credit Card both accepted) Visit southorangedowntown.org to see a list of participating businesses and purchase your wristband https://www.southorangedowntown.org/food-stroll-pub-crawl. This event is rain or shine.
Spiotta Park, 20-32 Village Plaza, South Orange, NJ
Cost: Adults: $40, Seton Hall Students & Faculty: $20, Kids 12 & Under: $15, Kids Under 2 Eat Free

🕵️Murder Mystery Dinner at Four Sisters Winery
April 21, 1 pm – 4 pm
Mysterious Happenings at Four Sisters Winery. It’s a Murder at the winery! Who knows the details? Guests have assembled and the celebration begins. The jubilant celebration comes to a halt when one of the characters mysteriously dies! Who’s the victim? An enchanted, fun-filled afternoon accompanied with a delicious lunch of Chicken Parmigiana, pasta, salad, bread & dessert is just the beginning. Following the wine tasting, dinner will be served concluding with dessert and dessert wine.
Four Sisters Winery, Belvidere, NJ
Cost: $50 per person plus tax

🍴Glassboro Restaurant Week
April 21 – 28
Participating restaurants will offer diners a variety of discounts, whether that be a small discount on a particular food item or a more robust pre-fixed price menu – encouraging the Southern New Jersey region to get a taste of what Glassboro restaurants have to offer. Glassboro breweries and liquor stores are also partaking in Restaurant Week, with offerings of local craft beer and discounts on purchases.

Today in History

1906: The San Francisco earthquake, estimated at 7.8 on the Richter scale, devastates the city. The earthquake and subsequent fires left over 3,000 people dead and 80% of the city destroyed.

Quote for Today

Birthday Spotlight

🎂Celebrating her 95th birthday today is Eleanor P. of Maywood. May your special day be as wonderful and cherished as you are, Eleanor! 🥰🎂🎉Sharing the spotlight today alongside Eleanor are a few other notable figures like actors actor/filmmaker James Franco, 46; actor Kate Hudson, 44; singer Ashley Judd, 55, and actor Tim Curry, 73. But let’s be real, folks, today is all about Eleanor! Cue the birthday extravaganza!” 🎊🥂❣️

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