November filled with plenty of events

It’s Thursday, New Jersey!

👻🎃It’s also the day after Halloween, which means while you’re still gorging on candy corn, retailers are already decking the halls with boughs of holly! Call me a humbug, but I remember when holiday shopping didn’t start until we’d all recovered from our turkey comas in December. But these days, nearly half of shoppers are gearing up for the holidays before they’ve even finished their pumpkin spice lattes! I mean, who needs to wait for Santa when you can start stressing about gift lists while still dodging ghosts and goblins? So grab your wallets and your best “I’m not ready for this” face; the holiday shopping frenzy is officially on!

☔Weather: High 79, chance of showers

What’s on tap today:

• Inaugural Wine Expo set for Nov. 9 in Holmdel

• Still time to take the grandkids to see ‘Fintastic Pumpkin Glow’ at Adventure Aquarium

• State-funded program helps eligible seniors save money on their prescription drug costs.

Up first…

Sip and savor at upcoming NJ Wine Expo

The New Jersey wine scene is about to pop the cork on a historic celebration with the inaugural NJ Wine Expo, set for November 9 at Bell Works in Holmdel. This exciting event will bring together over 30 of the state’s top wineries and vineyards, making it the largest gathering of its kind in New Jersey’s history. Wine lovers and curious novices alike can indulge in a remarkable tasting experience, sampling more than 130 hand-selected wines while mingling with the passionate winemakers behind them.

Attendees will have the chance to stroll through winery tables, savoring a diverse array of local wines and learning about the unique varieties produced across the Garden State. In addition to wine tastings, guests can enjoy delicious bites from local food vendors, enhancing their culinary experience. The expo promises not only to showcase New Jersey’s burgeoning wine industry but also to provide insights into planning future trips through the picturesque NJ Wine Country.

Ticket options cater to all preferences, with early access available for $50, allowing attendees to enjoy exclusive tastings and meet industry leaders. General admission sessions are priced at $35, offering the same great wine sampling experience. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just looking to explore, the NJ Wine Expo is set to be a delightful day filled with flavors, fun, and community spirit. Learn more here.

The Grandkids

🐟🦈In case you missed it, there’s still time to enjoy the Fintastic Pumpkin Glow at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, running through Sunday! Dive into a whimsical world of glowing pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, floating above and illuminating the depths alongside sharks and stingrays.

This year features a nearly 10-foot underwater pumpkin octopus and a snorkeling scarecrow watching over the pumpkin patch! Plus, you can get hands-on with seasonal sensory tables filled with pumpkin slime. For just $5, paint your own pumpkin to take home! Don’t miss the “What Goes Bump in the Midnight Zone” show to learn about ocean creatures lurking in the dark. Come join the fun!

Aging News Roundup

CDC Panel Lowers Age for Key Vaccine. What Older Adults Should Know: On Wednesday, a panel with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted to lower the recommended age for older adults to get their first pneumococcal vaccine.

Cataract Surgery Could Save Your Eyesight and Maybe Your Life: Cataract surgery could restore good vision to older people and by doing so cut their odds for potentially life-threatening falls, a new study finds.

Staying In More? When to Worry: It can be a slippery slope if you start participating in fewer social activities. Here are ways to stay engaged.

Medicare Drug Plans Are Getting Better Next Year. Some Will Also Cost More: Improvements to Medicare drug coverage required by the Inflation Reduction Act are the most sweeping changes since Congress added the benefit in 2003, but most voters don’t know about them.

How Long Will $1 Million Last Me in Retirement? The number of 401(k) and IRA millionaires increased in the second quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, inflation and high housing costs contribute to high expenses for retirees.

Did you know?

Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) is a state-funded program that helps eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities save money on their prescription drug costs. You may be eligible for PAAD if:

• You are a New Jersey resident

• You are age 65 or older OR between ages 18 and 64 and receiving Social Security Disability benefits

• Your income for 2023 is less than $42,142 if single or less than $49,209 if married.

For more information, visit the PAAD program page.

To apply, visit the NJSAVE application and answer a few basic questions to see if you qualify. Or you can print out a paper application.

If you have any questions, call 1-800-792-9745. Or watch this video tutorial with step by step instructions for how to fill out the online application, or you can read these detailed written instructions.

For the paper application, you can follow these detailed written instructions.

Upcoming events

November 1 – 3 – Blithe Spirit (West Windsor, Mercer County)
November 1 – 3 – Fall Harvest Festival 2024 (Piscataway, Middlesex County)
November 2 – Lunar Faire – Halloweekend (Augusta, Sussex County)
November 2 – Healthy HeARTS Festival (Elmer, Salem County)
November 2 – Community Planting Day at Seton Village (South Orange, Essex County)
November 2 – Sparta Special Olympic 2024 Fall Vendor & Craft Fair (Sparta, Sussex County)
November 2 – Living Well With Blood Cancer: Life After Treatment (Glassboro, Gloucester County)
November 2 – el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead Festival) (Princeton, Mercer County)
November 2 & 3 – Sip in Autumn Wine Festival (Bayville, Ocean County)
November 2 & 3 – Ort Farms Fall Festival (Long Valley, Morris County)
November 3 – The Winemakers Co-Op Fall Portfolio Tasting(Rio Grande, Cape May County)
November 3 – Paramus Fall Food Truck Festival (Paramus, Bergen County)
November 8 – 10 – Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (West Windsor, Mercer County)
November 8 – 17 – Jersey Shore Restaurant Week

In the parks

November Activities at Monmouth County Parks

• Historic Portland Place Tours
  When: Wednesdays-Sundays, October 30-November 3, 6-10, 13-17, and 20-24 at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM & 2:30 PM
  Where: Historic Portland Place, Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust
  Explore this beautifully restored 18th-century house and learn about the region’s history and the Hartshorne family legacy. Tours are limited to 10 people and may be suspended during severe weather. Registration is on-site at the Visitor Center. FREE!

• Woodworking at Walnford
  When: Saturday, November 2 from 12 PM – 3 PM
  Where: Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
  Watch local woodworker Don demonstrate traditional 19th-century woodworking techniques. FREE!

• Milling Demonstrations
  When: Saturdays & Sundays, November 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, and 23 & 24 at 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM & 3:30 PM
  Where: Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
  Witness the gristmill in action as it grinds corn into meal. Each demonstration lasts about 15 minutes. FREE!

• Artist Talk with Konstantin Zingerman
  When: Thursday, November 7, 4:30 PM – 5 PM
  Where: Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft
  Join artist Konstantin Zingerman for an engaging discussion about his creative process and inspirations featured in the “In Stillness Exhibit.” Admission and parking are free!

• Fall Craft Show
  When: Saturday, November 9, 9 AM – 2 PM
  Where: Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls
  Kickstart your holiday shopping at this craft show showcasing local artisans. Admission and parking are free!

• Cookstove Demonstration
  When: Saturdays, November 9 & 23, 11 AM – 3 PM
  Where: Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
  Discover the art of cooking on a woodstove and learn how recipes and cooking techniques have evolved since the 1890s. FREE!

• Old-Fashioned Fun & Games
  When: Sunday, November 10, 1 PM – 3 PM
  Where: Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
  Enjoy a variety of historically-themed games that are sure to entertain the whole family. Open to all ages; children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. FREE!

• Casual Birder
  When: Tuesday, November 12, 9 AM
  Where: Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck (Meet in the basketball court parking lot)
  Join a Park System Naturalist for a relaxed morning bird walk as we explore the park for about an hour and a half. No bird identification skills required! A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. FREE!

• Awesome Autumn Amble
  When: Thursday, November 14, 10 AM – 11:30 AM
  Where: Big Brook Park, Marlboro (Meet in the lower pond parking lot)
  Join a Park System Naturalist to explore the trails and discuss various plant and animal phenomena. Open to all ages; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. FREE!

Thought for today

“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” — Mark Twain

Today’s birthdays

Celebrating his 78th birthday today is Richard Mazza of Sparta. Happy Birthday! 🎉🎂 Enjoy your special day!

A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Richard include:

• Lyle Lovett (1957) Grammy-winning country singer-songwriter and actor.

• Tim Cook (1960) Current CEO of Apple Inc., leading the company since 2011.

• Anthony Kiedis (1962) Lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, influential in rock music since the 1980s.

• Toni Collette (1972) Oscar-nominated actress known for her versatile roles in film and television.

• Jenny McCarthy (1972) TV personality and actress, recognized for her work on The View and various entertainment projects.

• Penn Badgley (1986) Actor known for his roles in Gossip Girl and You.

On this date in history

November 1
1955 – James Dean’s final film, Rebel Without a Cause, was released posthumously, solidifying his legacy as a cultural icon.

Also on this date:

1. 1993: The Maastricht Treaty came into force, establishing the European Union and introducing the euro as a common currency for member states.

2. 1952: The United States tested its first large hydrogen bomb, codenamed “Mike,” at the Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

3. 1800: John Adams became the first U.S. president to reside in the White House, then known as the President’s Mansion.

In season: Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are ideal for cozy, comforting meals and are widely available through fall in New Jersey in November. Try this tasty recipe for Roasted Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 8 small tortillas

• Toppings: avocado, chopped cilantro, salsa, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

2. Spread potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and golden.

3. Heat black beans in a small pot over low heat.

4. Assemble tacos by filling tortillas with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and your choice of toppings.

Quick question

What decade brings back the best memories for you?

Reply to [email protected]

Senior Housing Market Watch

Here are some listings in New Jersey senior communities currently for sale:

1. Red Bank – 80 Privet Place, 2BD, 2BA, $589,900

2. Manalapan – 169 Amberly Drive, 2BD, 1.1BA, $310,000

3. Tinton Falls – 162 Sunset Drive, 2BD, 2BA, $1,179,000

4. Allentown – 2 Williamsburg Court, 3BD, 2BA, $550,000

5. Freehold – 111 Wisteria Court, 2BD, 2BA, $743,995

6. Morganville – 210 Canterbury Lane, 2BD, 2BA, $455,000

7. Freehold – 88 Chapel Lane, 2BD, 2BA, $350,000

8. Howell – 20 Silver Maple Lane, 3BD, 3BA, $559,900

9. Red Bank – 54 Eastport Court, 2BD, 2BA, $639,000

10. Marlboro – 41 Lakeview Drive, 2BD, 2BA, $719,900

Thanks for reading!

The results are in: Last week we asked readers what was your favorite TV show growing up? Here are some of the responses.

• I Love Lucy – “Lucy’s antics never failed to make me laugh.”

• The Lone Ranger – “It was exciting and made me want to be a cowboy.”

• Leave It to Beaver – “The Cleavers felt like family to us.”

• Perry Mason – “I loved the suspense and how he always won the case.”

• Gunsmoke – “Classic westerns were a favorite in our house.”

• The Ed Sullivan Show – “The variety of acts was amazing.”

• Andy Griffith Show – “It was funny and heartwarming.”

• Dragnet – “The mystery and drama kept me hooked.”

• Father Knows Best – “A wholesome family show I loved.”

First time reading? Join thousands of New Jersey seniors. Sign up here.

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And, as always, send us news or feedback at [email protected]