Good reads: NJ home to many great independent booksellers

It’s Monday, New Jersey!

☀️Sunny, with a high near 84

👀 What's on tap today:

• Good reads: New Jersey is home to many great independent booksellers

• Niche retirement communities are on the rise

• New regulations could lead to 3.6 million Americans receiving Wegovy through Medicare

• Events happening this weekend include the annual NJ Food and Wine Festival in Hamburg and the Meadowlands Beer Fest in East Rutherford.
  
  Up First…

Find a good read

📚In case you missed it, Independent Book Store Day was celebrated this past weekend as a way to draw attention independent books sellers across the country. Visiting an independent bookstore offers a unique and enriching experience for several reasons:

• Personalized recommendations: Independent booksellers often have a deep knowledge of their inventory and can provide tailored recommendations based on your interests and preferences. You're more likely to discover hidden gems and new authors you might not have found elsewhere.

• Support for local communities: These stores often host events like author signings, book clubs, and readings, fostering a sense of connection among book lovers.

• Curated selection: Independent bookstores carefully curate their collections, selecting books based on quality, diversity, and cultural significance.

• Unique atmosphere: Independent bookstores often have cozy, welcoming atmospheres that encourage browsing and exploration. From charming nooks to quirky decor, each store has its own distinct personality that adds to the overall experience of shopping for books.

• Discovering local talent: Independent bookstores frequently support local authors by showcasing their work and hosting book launch events. Visiting these stores gives you the opportunity to discover and support talented writers from your own community.

New Jersey is home to many great independent booksellers across the state. Some of our favorites are: The Chatham Bookseller, Madison; Montclair Book Center; Asbury Book Cooperative; Labyrinth in Princeton and The Collective Bookstore in Verona. But there are so many more; Visit indiebound.org to check out their interactive map to find an independent bookseller near you.

Around the web

Here’s your daily link to news & information of interest to older adults from credible newspaper and magazine publications, and electronic news media outlets nationwide.

Health

The Perception of "Old Age" Shifts: According to a recent study, people's concept of "old age" is evolving, with individuals considering it to begin later in life compared to previous generations. This shift is noted among both middle-aged adults and seniors, indicating changing perspectives on aging. (HealthDay News)

Medicare

New Regulations Could Lead to 3.6 Million Americans Receiving Wegovy Through Medicare, Resulting in Significant Costs: Approximately 3.6 million individuals enrolled in Medicare may qualify for Wegovy coverage due to their risk of heart attack and stroke. This development could incur substantial expenses. (HealthDay News)

Money

How much are you saving for retirement? Compare your nest egg to the national average by age. U.S. News & World Report)

Retirement

Niche retirement communities are on the rise! But are they a good fit for you? These communities cater to specific interests, from RV lovers to fans of Jimmy Buffett to yoga devotees. Find your perfect fit! (Kiplinger)

Etcetera

The CDC confirms first documented cases of HIV transmission through the use of cosmetic needles:

According to federal health officials, three women who received "vampire facial" procedures at an unlicensed medical spa in New Mexico have been diagnosed with HIV. This marks the first documented cases of HIV transmission through a cosmetic procedure involving needles. An investigation conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between 2018 and 2023 revealed that the clinic in question had apparently reused disposable equipment. While HIV transmission through unsterile injections is a recognized risk, this incident is the first instance where cosmetic services have been identified as a likely source. It's worth noting that many cosmetic procedures, such as Botox and fillers, also involve the use of needles.

Zendaya's tennis-themed film "Challengers" triumphs at the box office over the weekend

According to studio estimates on Sunday, the provocative tennis drama "Challengers" claimed the top spot at the box office this weekend, raking in $15 million in ticket sales. This film served as a litmus test for Zendaya's individual star power beyond her supporting roles in major franchises like "Spider-Man" and "Dune." Zendaya's films collectively represented 26% of the overall box office, including the re-release of "Dune: Part Two" in IMAX, which secured the ninth position on the charts with $1.9 million. In second place was the faith-based film "Unsung Hero" with $7.8 million, accompanied by a rare A+ CinemaScore. Additionally, "Civil War" contributed $7 million to its domestic earnings, bringing its total to $56.2 million.

Dan Rather returns to CBS for the first time in 18 years

Dan Rather, once synonymous with CBS News until his departure in 2006 amid bitterness stemming from a discredited report on then-President George W. Bush's military service, made a significant return to the network after 18 years on Sunday. Despite now being 92 years old, Rather remains an active figure on social media. His appearance on "CBS Sunday Morning" was in connection with the Netflix release of a documentary chronicling his life. In an interview with correspondent Lee Cowan, Rather expressed his sentiment, saying, "Without apology or explanation, I miss CBS. I've missed it since the day I left." His fallout with former CBS network executive Les Moonves had rendered him persona non grata at the network.

Decades after their counterparts in Florida, Disney characters in California are now unionizing

Disneyland character performers in California have initiated a petition seeking union recognition, a move that follows more than four decades after their counterparts at Disney's Florida parks joined a union. The timing of this effort in California is influenced significantly by the proximity of Disneyland Resort workers to Hollywood. Unlike in Florida, where portraying characters is often a full-time occupation, many character performers in California also pursue roles in movies and television. With the pandemic and labor strikes causing disruptions to their Hollywood engagements, these performers seek more stable scheduling from Disney.

Today in history

• Aretha Franklin's rendition of Otis Redding's "Respect" was released as a single by Atlantic Records on this date in 1967.

• In 2011, Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton exchanged vows in a lavish ceremony held at London's Westminster Abbey.

Quote for today

Birthday wishes

🥳🥳🎂Happy birthday on Monday to Anita Moretti of Paterson. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and all the joy your heart can hold. Other notable people sharing a birthday today with Anita are: Conductor Zubin Mehta is 88. Duane Allen, a member of The Oak Ridge Boys, marks his 81st birthday. Singer Tommy James turns 77. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld turns 70. Actor Kate Mulgrew turns 69. Actor Daniel Day-Lewis is 67. Actor Michelle Pfeiffer turns 66. Actor Eve Plumb also celebrates her 66th birthday. Singer Carnie Wilson, known for her work with Wilson Phillips, turns 56. Actor Uma Thurman turns 54. International Tennis Hall of Famer Andre Agassi also celebrates his 54th birthday today.

🎊Want to see your birthday listed here? Refer a friend to the newsletter and receive a free birthday wish. Refer 20 friends and receive a free “Better With Age New Jersey” t-shirt.

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Upcoming events

May 2 – First Thursdays at the Farm — A Distinctive Dining Series (Princeton, Mercer County)
May 2 – 5 – Paranormal Cirque (Livingston, Essex County)
May 3 – The Wood Brothers Live in Concert (Newton, Sussex County)
May 3 – Possibilities: An Evening of New Age Piano with Tommy Lepano (Scotch Plains, Union County)
May 3 & 4 – The Kite Runner (New Brunswick, Middlesex County)
May 3 & 4 – Night Without a Bed (Oceanport, Monmouth County)
May 3 – 5 – NJ Wine & Food Festival (Hamburg, Sussex County)
May 3 – 5 – VNA Spring Rummage Sale (Far Hills, Somerset County)
May 3 – 5 – OVERSAND Expo (Wildwood, Cape May County)
May 3 – 9 – Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace: 25th Anniversary Re-Release at the Claridge (Montclair, Essex County)
May 4 – AWA Paws & Feet 5K and Doggie Fun Day (Voorhees, Camden County)
May 4 – 3rd Annual Fiesta de Mayo Cantina Crawl (Highlands, Monmouth County)
May 4 – Meadowlands Beer Fest (East Rutherford, Bergen County)
May 4 – Yoga on the Beach (Wildwood, Cape May County)
May 4 – Spring Blossom Festival at Riamede Farm (Chester, Morris County)
May 4 – ECO Fair at WheatonArts (Millville, Cumberland County)
May 4 – Rock N Roll/Steampunk Fair (Washington, Warren County)
May 4 – Touch a Truck at Rockaway Townsquare! (Rockaway, Morris County)
May 4 & 5 – 9th Annual – A Day of Wine, Romance, and More! (Columbia, Warren County)
May 5 – Maplewood Small Wonder Marketplace (Maplewood, Essex County)
May 5 – Springfest Craft Show & Antique Corner (Westwood, Bergen County)