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🌦️Weather: Chance of showers, then thunderstorms, high 88

👀What’s on tap today:

  • Navigating Aging

  • Don’t miss the Warren County Farmers’ Fair

  • Readers’ recipes

Up first…

Dealing with Diabetes Distress: Living with a chronic disease isn’t easy. But there are ways to manage diabetes to reduce burnout and frustration, anger, anxiety and even depression. Next Avenue

Shingles Vaccine Could Lower Dementia Risk: Older people who avail themselves of the newest shingles vaccine could reap a hidden benefit: A significant drop in their odds of developing dementia. HealthDay News

What Is Polymyalgia Rheumatica? Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that predominantly affects older adults. Though the condition can cause debilitating pain and stiffness, effective treatments are available to manage symptoms. U.S. News & World Report

Am I Responsible for Debts from My Deceased Spouse? Talking to debt collectors is probably one of the last things you want to face when you’re grieving. Yet at some point, you may start to receive collection letters or phone calls that you need to address. Bankrate.com

In the parks

Delve into local history, catch your first fish, and enjoy a concert in the park this August! These are just some of the family-friendly activities the Monmouth County Park System has planned for the month. Check out a curated list of everything you can look forward to. Better With Age New Jersey

Warren County Farmers Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival continues until Aug. 3

The Warren County Farmers Fair, featuring the Hot Air Balloon Festival, is a cherished family tradition that blends agricultural heritage with unique entertainment. This year’s event will run until Aug.3 in Harmony Township, NJ, just a short drive from Phillipsburg and conveniently accessible from Rt. 78.

Hot Air Balloon Festival Highlights

  • Evening Launches: 6:30 pm

  • Tethered Rides: Available for $20-$30 per person

  • Special Shape Balloons: Appearances by Fred G. Monster and a Flying Pig on select evenings

  • Full Flight Bookings: Contact 908-283-0721 or email [email protected]

Fair Activities

  • Demolition Derbies

  • Truck and Tractor Pulls

  • Black Cat Hell Riders Stunt Car Show

  • Traditional Fair Experiences: Agricultural Olympics, car, truck, and tractor show, Home & Garden building contests featuring crafts, baking, and more

  • Kids’ Corral: Crafts, contests, entertainment, and a Foam Party on Saturdays

  • Local Music Acts, Beer Garden, and Special Days:

  • Veteran’s Day on July 28 (free admission for veterans and active-duty military)

  • Seniors Day on July 29 (free admission for seniors with a Medicare card)

Additional Attractions

  • Horse Shows

  • 4-H and FFA Exhibits

  • Antique Tractor Show

  • Carnival Rides

  • Food Options: Funnel cakes, roasted corn, fresh lemonade, and homemade pies

The Warren County Farmers Fair is an ideal escape to the rural countryside, just 1.5 hours from New York City and Philadelphia. For more information on the full schedule of events, directions, and contest rules, visit www.warrencountyfarmersfair.org.

Explore additional balloon festivals in Warren County, including an event on September 21 & 22 at Warren Community College. For details on all three festivals, visit www.balloonfestnj.com.

Tuesday Farmers’ Markets

Sea Isle City Farmers’ Market
June 18 – August 27, Tuesdays 8 am  – 12 pm
Browse and shop a variety of local produce and vendors. Guests can grab a cup of coffee and check out more than 30 vendors before hitting the beach, making it the perfect Tuesday ritual.
Excursion Park, JFK Blvd. & Pleasure Ave, Sea Isle City, NJ

Hoboken Farmers’ Market
June – Mid-November; Tuesdays 2 pm – 7 pm
The Hoboken Farmers’ Market was founded in June 1997 by a group of residents. They felt a need for fresh, local produce and other epicurean delights in Hoboken, and the market was born. Shopping at the Farmers’ Market is great for the local economy, your health, and your carbon footprint. Vendors vary from week to week, so be sure to check out their Vendors Page each week for the latest information.
4th and Garden St, Hoboken, NJ

Bayonne Farmers’ Market
June – November, Tuesdays 2 pm – 7 pm
The Bayonne Farmers’ Market is helping to foster a sense of community by bringing farmers and local businesses together right in our neighborhood. The goal is to offer the community a wonderful variety of fresh and wholesome foods.
West 23rd Street and Broadway, Bayonne, NJ

Riverdale Farmers Market
June 11 – October; Tuesdays, 2:30 pm – 7 pm
Local food and wine, all Jersey Fresh! Open-air Farmer’s Market located at the beautiful Glenburn Estate.
211 Hamburg Tpke, Riverdale, NJ

Readers’ recipes

Not sure what to make with all those vegetables now becoming ripe in the garden? Here’s a simple and refreshing recipe from Bob Mathison of Clark for Cucumber Tomato Salad. It’s simple and delicious!

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

  • 4 large tomatoes, chopped

  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables:

  • Thinly slice the cucumbers and place them in a large salad bowl.

  • Chop the tomatoes and add them to the bowl.

  • Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the mix.

  1. Add Fresh Herbs:

  • Chop the fresh basil leaves and add them to the salad bowl.

  1. Make the Dressing:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, minced garlic (if using), and sugar (if using).

  1. Combine:

  • Pour the dressing over the cucumber, tomato, and onion mixture.

  • Toss everything gently to combine, making sure all the vegetables are coated with the dressing.

  1. Serve:

  • Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  • Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours for a chilled salad.

New Jersey history book

Here are a few significant events in New Jersey history that occurred on July 30.

  • 1798 – Incorporation of Burlington: Burlington, New Jersey, was incorporated as a city on July 30, 1798. It is one of the oldest cities in the state and played a crucial role in early American history.

  • 1916 – Black Tom Explosion Aftermath: On July 30, 1916, the Black Tom explosion occurred in Jersey City, New Jersey. This act of sabotage by German agents during World War I caused extensive damage and was one of the largest artificial non-nuclear explosions in history. The aftermath of this explosion had significant implications for U.S. national security and contributed to the country’s eventual involvement in the war.

  • 1952 – Establishment of the Garden State Parkway: The New Jersey Highway Authority was created on July 30, 1952, to oversee the construction and maintenance of the Garden State Parkway. This major toll road became a vital transportation route for residents and visitors traveling through the state.

  • 1984 – Meadowlands Arena Opens: The Brendan Byrne Arena, later known as the Meadowlands Arena, opened in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 30, 1984. This arena became a key venue for sports and entertainment events, hosting the New Jersey Devils (NHL) and the New Jersey Nets (NBA) for many years.

Today’s birthdays

Happy 84th Birthday, Allison Reagan! 🎉🎂🎈 Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and wonderful memories in Montville. May your year ahead be as amazing as you are! 🌟❤️ #HappyBirthday #84YearsYoung

A few other notable people born on July 30 include Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, 77; Musician Paul Anka, 83; Actress Hilary Swank, 50; Soccer Player Hope Solo, 43; and Director Christopher Nolan, 54.

Thought for today

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger

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🌸See you tomorrow!