📺Screen Time & 🌸Springtime: What to Watch, Where to Go & More!

News & Notes

🎬 Box Office Blues for "Snow White"

Disney’s live-action “Snow White” opened with a lackluster $43 million in ticket sales—far from a fairy-tale success. With a budget over $250 million, the film faced controversy over its CGI dwarfs and star Rachel Zegler’s comments. The PR storm led Disney to scale back its premiere. Meanwhile, Warner Bros.’ gangster flick “Alto Knights”, starring Robert De Niro in dual roles, flopped with just $3.2 million.

😂 Conan O'Brien Honored Amid Kennedy Center Shake-Up

Comedy legend Conan O’Brien received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center this weekend. However, the celebration came amid political turmoil—just weeks ago, Donald Trump reshaped the institution’s leadership, ousting the board and naming himself chairman. Despite the drama, the night was all about laughs and O’Brien’s legacy.

🍦 Hallelujah! A Sweet Tribute to the Pope’s Recovery

Rome is celebrating Pope Francis’ release from the hospital with a divine new treat—Hallelujah Gelato! Featuring gianduia (a blend of roasted hazelnuts and chocolate), the flavor debuted near the Vatican and will soon be available across Europe. The Pope’s month-long battle with pneumonia had Catholics worldwide praying for his recovery—now, they can enjoy a sweet scoop in his honor!

🏝️ St. Augustine: From Historic Gem to Remote Work Hotspot

The beachside town of St. Augustine, Florida—known as the nation's oldest city—has become a magnet for remote workers. Since 2018, the county’s work-from-home population has nearly tripled to 24%, drawing in professionals seeking sun and history. But with growth comes challenges, as locals grapple with rising housing costs and a changing community.

Recent passings

🥊 Remembering George Foreman (1949-2025)

Boxing legend George Foreman has passed away at 76. Known for his fierce presence in the ring, he famously lost the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Muhammad Ali before making an inspiring comeback at 45, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history. Beyond boxing, Foreman built a business empire, including the iconic George Foreman Grill. His journey—from Olympic gold medalist to world champion and successful entrepreneur—left an indelible mark on sports and beyond.

🕊️ Kitty Dukakis, Advocate & Political Partner, Dies at 88

Kitty Dukakis, wife of former Massachusetts governor and 1988 presidential candidate Michael Dukakis, has died at 88. A dedicated political figure, she was known for her resilience and openness about overcoming a 26-year addiction to amphetamines. She turned her struggles into advocacy, working to educate young people on substance abuse awareness. Her legacy as a passionate campaigner and advocate for mental health and addiction recovery will be remembered.

Travel

National Medal of Honor Museum Opens in Texas

A new National Medal of Honor Museum opens Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, celebrating the bravery of over 3,500 recipients from the Civil War to today. The museum highlights their life stories, emphasizing that these heroes are ordinary people who took extraordinary action.

Retired Col. Jack Jacobs, a Vietnam War recipient, hopes visitors see that “grand things are done by regular people.” His own story is one of courage—wounded and bleeding, he saved 13 soldiers under enemy fire.

The museum offers interactive exhibits, including video interviews with living recipients, aiming to inspire courage in visitors of all ages.

🎬 What to Stream This Week (March 24-30)

🐾 “Mufasa: The Lion King” (March 28, Disney+)

Barry Jenkins’ photorealistic prequel to The Lion King tells the origin story of Mufasa, voiced by Aaron Pierre. After a flood separates him from the Pride Lands, he embarks on a journey to reclaim his destiny. Despite a slow start in theaters, it roared to $717 million worldwide.

🎸 “A Complete Unknown” (March 27, Hulu)

This Bob Dylan biopic, starring Timothée Chalamet, follows the folk icon’s rise in 1960s New York, leading up to his controversial Newport Folk Festival performance. The film didn’t win an Oscar, but it did earn Dylan’s approval—a rare feat.

🕵️‍♂️ “Queer” (March 28, Max)

Daniel Craig stars in this Luca Guadagnino adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel. A deep dive into the complexities of romantic desire, Craig’s performance as Burroughs’ alter ego, Lee, is both charming and abrasive.

📺 New Shows to Watch

🏎️ “First to Finish” (March 26, Prime Video)

This documentary series shines a spotlight on women in motorsports, following drivers Heather Hadley and Sally Mott, as well as team owner Shea Holbrook, in the Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship.

🎭 “The Studio” (March 27, Apple TV+)

Seth Rogen stars as the idealistic head of a legendary Hollywood studio, navigating the business vs. art debate in this sharp satire. Featuring guest appearances by Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, and Olivia Wilde.

🔍 “Bosch: Legacy” – Final Season (March 28, Prime Video)

Titus Welliver returns as Harry Bosch, the former LAPD detective turned private investigator. Fun fact: In the books, Bosch is the half-brother of Mickey Haller, the lawyer from The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix.

🌴 “Mid-Century Modern” (March 28, Hulu)

Three gay men move in together in Palm Springs after a friend’s passing, reminiscent of The Golden Girls. Starring Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Linda Lavin (in her final role).

🔫 “MobLand” (March 30, Paramount+)

Guy Ritchie’s latest crime drama follows two rival mafia families with Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren leading the cast. Expect plenty of gritty action and British charm.

🧠 SCAN’s Annual Brain Health Fair

📅 April 23 | 📍 St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Ocean Township
Join this popular event featuring a Keynote Speaker from Hackensack Meridian Health, plus hands-on activities to keep your mind sharp! Enjoy table exhibits, breakout sessions, a drum circle, chair yoga, aromatherapy, and fun brain games like word scrambles and trivia. Don’t miss out—register today!

👗 Annual Senior Expo & Fashion Show

📅 May 9 | 11 AM - 3 PM
📍 NEW LOCATION! St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1033 West Park Ave, Ocean Township, NJ
🆓 FREE & Open to the Public | Registration Requested

Discover exciting exhibits, senior resources, and fabulous fashion at this annual event. Register now to secure your spot!

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed March as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, aiming to raise awareness about the disease and support those affected.

MS is a neurological disorder impacting the central nervous system, with symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, vision problems, and coordination difficulties. More than 14,000 New Jersey residents are living with MS, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“MS affects not just individuals, but families and entire communities,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley. “Medical professionals can provide valuable information on managing the disease and new treatment advancements.”

Commissioner Erik Anderson, who lost a family member to MS, emphasized the need for continued advocacy. “I stand with the MS community in the fight for better treatments, more resources, and ultimately, a cure.”

For more information, visit visitmonmouth.com.

📅 What’s Coming Up?

🎉 Don't Miss These Fun Outdoor Events!

🌸 Wheaton Springs

📅 April 5 | 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 WheatonArts, 1501 Glasstown Rd, Millville, NJ
🎨 Kick off the creative season with artist demonstrations, exhibits, and hands-on projects! Enjoy glassmaking, pottery, flameworking, and more. Free Admission!

🌼 Daffodil Days

📅 April 5 & 6
📍 Allentown, NJ
💐 Celebrate spring with over 10,000 daffodils, walking tours, live music, and family-friendly activities!

🎨 Clinton’s Art in Bloom Festival

📅 April 6 | 11 AM – 4 PM
📍 47 Main St, Clinton, NJ
🖼️ Over 100 artists & artisans, live music, a kids’ zone, and wine & beer gardens.

🐾 Ocean City Doo Dah Parade

📅 April 12 | 12 PM – 2 PM
📍 Ocean City, NJ
🎭 A comedy parade featuring over 300 basset hounds marching through town to welcome spring!

⚔️ Smithville Renaissance Faire

📅 April 12 & 13
📍 Historic Smithville, 615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
🏰 Step back in time with knights, jesters, sword fighting, live performances, and Renaissance-themed vendors.

🌼 Daffodil Day at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

📅 April 13 | 11 AM – 3 PM
📍 165 Hobart Ave, Summit, NJ
🌿 Stroll through 50,000 blooming daffodils, enjoy spring-themed games, crafts, and live music!

🖌️ Smithville Art Walk

📅 April 26 | 10 AM – 5 PM
📍 Historic Smithville, NJ
🎨 View 75+ local artists’ work while enjoying shopping, dining, and entertainment.

🌷 Oceanport Spring Festival

📅 April 26 | 12 PM – 5 PM
📍 910 Murphy Dr, Oceanport, NJ
🛍️ Local makers, delicious food, craft brews, and fun activities for all ages.

🎶 Princeton Porchfest

📅 April 26 | 12 PM – 6 PM
📍 Princeton, NJ
🎸 A walkable music festival featuring live performances from porches around town!

🍻 Beach Haven Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival

📅 April 26 | 1 PM
📍 Veteran’s Bicentennial Park, Beach Haven, NJ
🍺 Sample craft beers, enjoy delicious food trucks, and listen to live music! ($25 for beer tasting, donation-based entry for non-drinkers.)

🐟 Shad Festival

📅 April 26 & 27 | 11 AM – 5 PM
📍 Lambertville, NJ
🎨 This award-winning festival features local artists, crafts, food, and family fun.

🎭 Stirling’s Annual Street Fair

📅 April 27 | 10 AM – 5 PM
📍 393 Main Ave, Stirling, NJ
🎡 A block party experience with live music, carnival rides, arts & crafts, and festival foods!

🌍 Spring Festival & Earth Day Celebration

📅 April 27 | 11 AM – 4 PM
📍 Red Bank Battlefield Park, National Park, NJ
🌱 Celebrate Earth Day with a petting zoo, kids’ activities, colonial demonstrations, craft vendors, and more!

🛍️ Hermitage Museum Vintage & Antique Fair

📅 April 27 | 9 AM – 4 PM
📍 335 N Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
🕰️ 60+ vendors selling antiques, estate jewelry, and collectibles. Get your valuables appraised on-site!

📌 Mark your calendars and enjoy these fantastic spring events! 🌞

🎂 Birthday Shoutouts

🎉 Happy 73rd Birthday, Peter Long of Belmar! 🎂 Wishing you a fantastic day filled with joy, laughter, and all the things you love. Cheers to many more wonderful years ahead! 🎈🎊 A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Peter include actor Kelly LeBrock, 65; TV personality Star Jones, 63; Actor Lara Flynn Boyle, 55 and actor Jim Parsons, 52.

🙏 Thanks for reading!

After a long, cold winter, we can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the upcoming spring festivals! 🌸🎶 From live music to delicious food and local crafts, there’s something for everyone. So grab your sunglasses, gather your friends, and make the most of this beautiful season. See you out there! 🌞✨

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☺️See you Wednesday!