Say 'I Do' Without the Drama and Grandkid-Approved Beaches! 🌞🏖️

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It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!

💙🤍❤️It’s also National Flag Week! The Monmouth County Clerk’s Office is saluting Old Glory with a weeklong tribute on social media! From flag etiquette tips to fascinating historical facts and vintage photos, you’ll find a daily dose of patriotism through Flag Day, Saturday, June 14. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, or X and show your stars & stripes pride!

👀What’s on tap today:

• Grandkid-approved beaches

• Say “I do” without the drama

• Honoring EMS heroes

Up first….

🏖️ Grab the Sunscreen and the Snack Bags! ☀️

Looking for the perfect Jersey Shore beach to take the grandkids this summer? We’ve rounded up our favorite sandy spots with gentle surf, clean restrooms, and enough fun to tire them out before dinner. (You’re welcome.)

🎠Frequently voted a top destination for families, Ocean City gets the stamp of approval from parents and kids. Enjoy expanses of clean shorefront and attentive lifeguards as you play in the surf. Nearby, discover plenty of family-friendly activities, including OC Waterpark, Playland’s Castaway Cove and Ocean City Parasail, plus countless arcades and miniature golf courses.

🎡The extra-wide shoreline in The Wildwoods is the ideal spot to enjoy soft white sands, endless fun and bright, mid-century Doo Wop architecture. Boogie board, body surf and build castles on the FREE beaches, or stroll the lively 38-block boardwalk (but, “watch the tramcar, please!”). Get your kicks on rides that range from kiddie to extreme thrills to water slides on Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterparks. You can also surf the FlowRider at Splash Zone Waterpark.

🎢Looking for more shore towns boasting bustling boardwalk excitement? Look no further than Point Pleasant Beach with its Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, which includes an amusement park, aquarium, high-ropes course, arcades, mini golf and more. And along the stretch of sand known as LBI (short for Long Beach Island), Beach Haven amps up the kid-approved fun dreams are made of at its Fantasy Island Amusement Park.

Quick question: What’s your favorite beach to take the grandkids? Reply to [email protected] so we can share your tips with our readers!

News & Notes

💒 Love is in the Air… and at the Golf Club! ⛳💍
Ready to say “I do!” without the drama (or the buffet)? Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon is inviting couples to tie the knot at a Group Wedding Ceremony on Thursday, June 26, at the lovely Hominy Hill Clubhouse in Colts Neck. It’s scenic, sweet—and no table assignments required!

🪑 Space is limited (just like your guest list—4 max!), but the whole event will be livestreamed for far-flung friends and curious grandkids. Bring your license, bring your love, and leave the seating chart behind.

📸 Ceremony only, but you’ll have time for those “we still got it” wedding photos.

💌 Sign up soon, lovebirds!
👉 Click here to apply

🏛️ Step Back in Time with Manalapan History 🕰️
History buffs, take note! A brand-new historical display has just debuted in the lobby of the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office in Freehold. This latest exhibit features fascinating artifacts from Manalapan, curated by the Manalapan Historical Committee.

The Clerk’s Office at 33 Mechanic Street hosts rotating exhibits from local historical groups, so there’s always something new to discover. Stop by weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to explore a bit of the past—no time machine required!

📸 Can’t make it in person?
👉 View the photo album online

Prime Time News

Links to the latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

Should You Ditch Your Medicare Advantage Plan? Most People Do: If you're tempted to ditch your Medicare Advantage plan, you're not alone. Here's when it's a good idea and how to go about it. Kiplinger, June 6

Does Medicare Cover the Shingles Vaccine? Learn about Medicare's policies on covering the shingles vaccine and why you should protect yourself. U.S. News & World Report, June 2.

What It's Really Like Living in the Margaritaville Retirement Community: Retirees looking for an active lifestyle are turning to retirement communities like Latitude Margaritaville. Here’s what it’s like to live out your retirement in one of its three sprawling communities. Kiplinger, June 6.

Department of Education Reverses Course on Social Security Garnishment: In an apparent change of course, the Department of Education said Tuesday that Social Security benefits will not be garnished for student loan borrowers who default. Investopedia, June 3.

Your Estate Plan Needs an Advance Directive for Dementia: Add an advance directive for dementia to your estate plan with one of these free tools. Kiplinger, June 4.

When Grandchildren Come to Visit: While we're thrilled to see our grandchildren, they can either enhance our social lives or wreak havoc. And sometimes they can do both. Next Avenue, June 3.

Daily News for Curious Minds

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🎉 Happy 68th Birthday, Dev Josephs! 🎂
Wishing a fantastic day to Dev Josephs of Manalapan, who turns 68 today, June 11! May your day be filled with love, laughter, and a slice (or two) of cake. 🎈🎁

🎬 A few other notable folks who share your special day:
– Gene Wilder (1933-2016) – The unforgettable star of Willy Wonka and Young Frankenstein
– Shia LaBeouf (1986) – Actor best known for Transformers and Holes
– Peter Dinklage (1969) – Emmy-winning star of Game of Thrones
– Dr. Oz (1960) – TV personality and health guru

🎉 Want a Birthday Shoutout? 🎂
Refer a friend to the newsletter and you'll BOTH get a free birthday shoutout! Because birthdays are better when you celebrate together. 🥳💌 Use the following link.

🌞 Share Your Summer Memories! 🌻
Monmouth County summers have a special magic—and we want to hear YOUR story! What’s your favorite childhood summer memory here? Maybe it’s a day at the beach, a beloved ice cream spot, or a family tradition that still makes you smile. Send us your stories, photos, or even recipes that remind you of those sunny days gone by. Your memories help keep our community’s rich history alive—and inspire us all!

📧 Email your stories to [email protected]

🎬That’s a wrap!

🚑 Shoutout to our Monmouth County EMS Heroes! 🙌
Every day, our Emergency Medical Services workers show up with skill, courage, and compassion to keep us safe and healthy. Let’s take a moment to salute these dedicated men and women who work around the clock to help our neighbors in need. Your bravery and kindness do not go unnoticed—Monmouth County seniors thank you! ❤️

Have a story or a thank-you message for an EMS worker?
We’d love to hear it! Send your notes, memories, or shoutouts to [email protected] and we’ll share them in an upcoming edition. Let’s show our EMS heroes how much we appreciate all they do!

📍 Don’t Miss Out at Your Local Senior Center!
Looking for fun activities, helpful programs, or just some good company? Check in with your local senior center to see what’s happening this week — there’s always something going on just for you! 🎨🧘🎶

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

👀First time reading? Join thousands of New Jersey seniors. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter by using the following link.

💖We love connecting our readers with local businesses — reach out to advertise with us! Email [email protected]

😊See you next week!

The Better With Age New Jersey team