See what’s happening for seniors in Monmouth County this week

It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!

And Memorial Day weekend is just about here—the unofficial start of summer! ☀️ It’s a time for parades, beach days, and most importantly, honoring those who served. Huge thanks to our veterans, and to everyone in New Jersey who helps honor them by organizing events. We’ve put together a great list of parades and happenings around Monmouth County and beyond—take a look and plan your weekend!

👀What’s on tap today

• Summer fun in the sun: A senior to-do checklist in Cape May, N.J.

• Beyond the Books: Lots of senior-friendly events happening at Monmouth County libraries this week.

• It’s watermelon season! Try 2 refreshing recipes.

Up first…

☀️ Monmouth County Makes Waves with Record Tourism

It’s official—Monmouth County is hotter than ever (and we’re not just talking about the sun)! 🌊☀️ County Commissioners and local tourism partners kicked off the 2025 summer season with a sunny celebration at Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright and revealed some pretty big news. Tourism in 2024 hit record highs, with visitor spending topping $3 billion (yes, billion!) for the first time ever, and more than 24,000 jobs supported by the tourism industry. Local beach towns also brought in over $30 million in revenue—a win for small businesses and summer fun lovers alike!

And for all you beachgoers 🏖️—don’t forget to check out the Monmouth County Beach Public Safety Dashboard at MonmouthCountyBeaches.com. It's your go-to tool for real-time updates on wave height, water temps, UV index and more—all from your phone or tablet. Whether you’re planning a beach day, looking for surf lessons, or just soaking up the shore vibes, Monmouth County is ready for another amazing summer. See you in the sand!

Memorial Day Events – Monday, May 26

🎖️ Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Day Ceremony
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial
1 Memorial Lane (Parkway Exit 116), Holmdel, NJ
Join a meaningful tribute at the state's Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. This year’s keynote speaker is former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, and the ceremony marks the 30th anniversary of the Memorial’s dedication. Presented by the Vietnam Era Museum. Learn more here.

🎖️ Colts Neck Memorial Day Parade & Bicycle Decorating Contest
🕥 Parade: 10:30 AM | 🚲 Bike Decorating Contest: 10:00 AM
📍 Starts at Township Hall, 124 Cedar Drive, and ends at the Firehouse
The community comes together to honor our heroes with a festive parade featuring youth sports teams, Scouts, and more. Kids can ride their decorated bikes and march with local groups.
🚌 Shuttle service available from 9:30 AM between Town Hall and Fire House #2.

🎖️ Farmingdale Memorial Day Parade
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 Begins at Southard Avenue & Academy Street, Farmingdale, NJ
Come out and show your patriotic pride as this spirited parade winds through town.
🚧 Please note: All roads in and around Farmingdale will be closed from 12:00 PM until the parade concludes.

🎖️ Freehold Memorial Day Parade
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Parade kicks off at Brinkerhoff & Main Street, Freehold, NJ
A cherished town tradition honoring fallen heroes with floats, music, and local groups marching proudly down Main Street.

Memorial Day Masses Honor Veterans

On Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark will hold special Memorial Day Masses at seven cemeteries to honor fallen service members and all who have served. These outdoor services are part of the national program "Serving God and Country: A Memorial Day Salute to Our Heroes."

Participating Cemeteries and Celebrants:

• Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum (North Arlington) – Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin

• Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum (East Hanover) – Most Reverend Manuel A. Cruz

• Maryrest Cemetery & Mausoleum (Mahwah) – Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito

• Saint Gertrude Cemetery & Mausoleum (Colonia) – Most Reverend Elias R. Lorenzo

• Holy Name Cemetery & Mausoleum (Jersey City) – Most Reverend Gregory J. Studerus

• Christ the King Cemetery (Franklin Lakes) – Very Reverend John J. Chadwick

• Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (East Orange) – Reverend Philip J. Waters

These Masses serve as a solemn tribute to those who have given their lives in service to the country and offer a time for reflection and gratitude. All are welcome to attend. For more details, visit https://www.rcancem.org/memorial-day-mass/

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🍉 Tasty Ways to Stay Cool This Summer

When the temps rise, there’s nothing better than a juicy slice of watermelon… unless it’s watermelon two ways! These simple, refreshing recipes are perfect for a summer snack or light bite, whether you're cooling off after a walk or prepping something easy for the grandkids.

Watermelon Ice Pops

Sweet, hydrating, and kid-approved, these popsicles are a snap to make and a great alternative to sugar-loaded snacks.

You’ll need:

• 1 watermelon

• Chunks of fresh fruit (grapes, strawberries, kiwi)

How to make them:
Puree the watermelon, pour into ice pop molds, and drop in your favorite fruit chunks. Freeze and enjoy!

Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

This crisp, flavor-packed salad is a classic combo of sweet and savory. Perfect for a breezy afternoon BBQ.

You’ll need:

• ¼ cup lemon vinaigrette

• 4 cups cubed watermelon

• ½ English cucumber, sliced into ¼-inch half moons

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup crumbled feta

• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

How to make it:
Drizzle vinaigrette into the bottom of a large canning jar. Layer with watermelon, cucumber, red onion, feta, and mint.
Cover tightly with a lid and give it a good shake to combine. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Substitution tip: Swap in Greek dressing if you don’t have lemon vinaigrette on hand!

Want more fun ways to use watermelon all year long? Visit Watermelon.org for more recipe inspiration.

📰Prime Time News

The latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

FDA clears first blood test to detect Alzheimer's disease. What to know about Lumipulse: We're now closer to being able to diagnose the most common form of dementia with a simple blood test. USA Today, May 16.

Awash in a Sea of Cancer Misinformation: Experts warn a lot of the information patients encounter online could do much more harm than good. Next Avenue, May 12

Over Half of Americans Stumble Financially After Losing a Loved One. Are You Prepared? Losing a loved one can be overwhelming, and for many, it also puts an unexpected strain on their finances, a study shows. Kiplinger, May 17

Student Loan Debt Haunts Many Retirees: The Trump Administration has resumed collections on defaulted student loans for the first time in five years; older borrowers are most vulnerable. Next Avenue, May 12

Retiring Abroad? What Expats Should Know About Social Security: Social Security will send payments if you live overseas, but there can be some complications. U.S. News & World Report, May 13

📚 Beyond the Books

Check out some of these in-person events at Monmouth County library branches this week.

🎶 Music Tribute | May 22, 1–2 PM | Marlboro
Jersey Boys & Jersey Girls concert with Jay Daniels, featuring the music of Sinatra, Houston, Warwick & Springsteen.

📻 Radio Theater | May 22, 7–8 PM | Eastern (Shrewsbury)
Shrewd Gumshoes presents classic radio-style mysteries starring Philip Marlowe & The Thin Man.

🌿 Native Plants Talk | May 22, 7–8:30 PM | Allentown
Discover the ecological value of native gardens with Jason Goldman.

🧶 Knit Wits | May 22, 6:30–8:30 PM | Manalapan
Crafting night for all skill levels—bring your own project.

💡 WISE Wellness Series | May 23, 1:30–3:30 PM | Ocean Twp.
Interactive program for ages 60+ on healthy aging, meds & more.

📖 Book Club: The Friend | May 28, 7–8:30 PM | Howell
Join the Books R Us club for this novel of grief, dogs & healing.

🎥 Documentary: My Lost Teenage Years | May 29, 6:30–7 PM | West Long Branch
A film on Holocaust survivor Hanna Koenigstein, honoring Jewish Heritage Month.

🎡 Cape May Summer Fun for All Ages 

America’s Original Seaside Resort is ready to welcome you this summer! Cape May, a National Historic District at the southern tip of New Jersey, is packed with beauty, history, and plenty of things to do. Here are a few senior-friendly highlights:

🚎 Hop on a Trolley Tour with Cape May MAC and see Victorian homes, wineries, and more.
🏛️ Visit the Harriet Tubman Museum for a powerful glimpse into our nation’s past.
🏠 Tour the beautifully preserved Emlen Physick Estate.
🌅 Climb the Cape May Lighthouse for breathtaking views (199 steps—take your time!).
🦅 Bring your binoculars for world-class birdwatching at Sunset Beach, Higbee Beach, or the Cape May Bird Observatory.
🐬 Set sail on a Cape May Whale Watcher cruise for dolphin and whale sightings.

🎭 Love the arts? Enjoy live theater at Cape May Stage and East Lynne Theater Company, or catch Movies on the Beach Thursday nights.

🛍️ For shopping and strolling, visit the charming Washington Street Mall and the Summer Craft Shows on the Promenade (June 14–15, July 12–13, Aug. 16–17).
🦓 And don’t miss the Cape May County Zoo, perfect for grandkids and grownups alike.

🎉 Mark Your Calendar

Looking for a fun outing, a festival to explore, or just a day of fresh air and great company? Here are some senior-friendly events happening across New Jersey this week!

🚗 Smithville Car Cruise – May 23
Smithville, Atlantic County
Classic cars, charming shops, and a stroll-worthy village setting.

🪁 Wildwoods International Kite Festival – May 23–26
Wildwoods, Cape May County
One of the largest kite festivals in North America — colorful and captivating!

🌸 Collingswood May Fair – May 24
Collingswood, Camden County
Art, crafts, music, and food in a walkable downtown setting.

🏰 New Jersey Renaissance Faire – May 24 & 25
Columbus, Burlington County
Step back in time with jousting, live entertainment, and medieval merriment.

🚚 Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival – May 24–26
Oceanport, Monmouth County
Tasty bites and sweet treats at Monmouth Park Racetrack.

🎶 Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival – May 24–26
Bradley Beach, Monmouth County
Live music, vendors, and ocean breezes.

🛍️ Highlands Seaport Craft Show – May 25
Highlands, Atlantic Highlands
Handcrafted goods and great shopping by the water.

🎨 Art in the Park – May 25
Long Branch, Monmouth County
Fine art in a relaxed outdoor setting — perfect for a Sunday stroll.

🍷 National Wine Day in NJ – May 25
Various Locations Statewide
Celebrate with tastings, tours, food pairings, vineyard walks, and more. Discover Garden State wineries and raise a glass to local flavor!

🎻 Cape May Music Festival – May 25–31
Cultural Venues Across Cape May County
A week of classical, jazz, and chamber music in a historic seaside town.

👢 Cowtown Rodeo – Every Saturday, May 24–Sept. 27
Pilesgrove, Salem County
The longest-running weekly rodeo in the U.S. kicks off with bull riding, barrel racing, and Old West charm — perfect for a unique Saturday night out!

VFW Convention & Parade – May 28–31
Wildwoods, Cape May County
Honor our veterans with a patriotic parade and events all week long.

🎬 Exciting News for Movie Enthusiasts!

Starting Wednesday, July 9, AMC Theatres is introducing "50% Off Wednesdays" for all AMC Stubs members, including the free Insider tier. This means you can enjoy the latest films at half the price every Wednesday at any AMC location nationwide. While premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Cinema will have additional charges, the base ticket price will still be discounted. In addition to this midweek deal, AMC continues to offer Discount Tuesdays, where members can enjoy significant savings on tickets. To take advantage of these offers, sign up for the free AMC Stubs Insider program at amctheatres.com/amcstubs.

🎉 In the Parks This Week

Enjoy nature, history, and hands-on fun with these free or low-cost Monmouth County Park System events!

🦀 Lecture: Horseshoe Crabs in Monmouth County
Thursday, May 22 | 7–8 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth
Discover the story of this extraordinary living fossil and learn how you can help protect horseshoe crabs along the Jersey Shore. Presented by a Park System Naturalist. FREE!

🧵 Embroidery Demonstration
Saturday, May 24 | 1–3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Watch how beautiful stitches and embellishments bring fabric to life in this hands-on demo. FREE!

🏰 Historic Battery Lewis Tours
Saturdays & Sundays: May 24–25, May 31–June 1 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands (Rocky Point lot)
Explore this restored World War II-era coastal defense site and dive into its fascinating history. FREE!

🚤 Boat Tours at the Manasquan Reservoir
May 24–26 and May 31–June 1 | 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m.
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
Take a 45-minute narrated tour with a Park Naturalist and look for local wildlife.
$6/adult, $4/child (12 & under).
Tickets sold day-of only. Weather- and water-level dependent.

🎶 The Libby Prison Minstrels
Sunday, May 25 | 1–3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Listen to Civil War-era songs about life on the battlefield and the home front. FREE!

Decoration Day Celebration
Monday, May 26 | 12–3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Step back in time and celebrate one of America’s earliest holidays with friends and family. FREE!

📍 Learn more at www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000.
TTY/TDD: 711

That’s a wrap!

🙏A big thank you to all the veterans who inspire us with their bravery, and a big shoutout to the wonderful folks across New Jersey who organize these amazing events and parades to honor them. Your dedication keeps the spirit of Memorial Day alive and makes our communities shine! 🫡

📢Do you have an event or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

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See you next week!

The Better With Age New Jersey team