September in New Jersey: Free Concerts, Apple Season, and 25+ Senior-Friendly Events This Week

Hello, September! 🍎🍂
Monmouth County is buzzing with activity this week—farm stands are piled high with apples, fairs and festivals are popping up everywhere, and fall is just starting to peek in. From sunflower strolls to Shore day trips to cozy book nights, there’s no shortage of ways to savor the season. Here’s what’s happening this week to make September brighter, tastier, and more fun!

👀What’s on tap today

🎶 FREE Fall Concerts at PNC Bank Arts Center
🌀 Help with Your NJNG Bill - Free Grants Available
🛍️ NEW Stores at Freehold Raceway Mall
📅 This Week's Events (Sept 4-10)
🍎 Apple Season & Recipe
🎬 Entertainment Pick: Thursday Murder Club
✈️ Travel Finds

Up first…

🎶 Free Fall Concerts at PNC Bank Arts Center 🎶

Great news for music lovers! The United Methodist Communities Foundation (UMCF) is the presenting sponsor of the Garden State Arts Foundation’s Fall 2025 Concert Series at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel.

Since 1984, the Foundation has brought free cultural performances to New Jersey audiences, keeping the arts accessible for all — especially older adults. With UMCF’s support, this year’s lineup celebrates golden-age pop, jazz, soul, and American standards.

Upcoming Shows:

• 📅 Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1:30 PM – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone & The Association

• 📅 Friday, Sept. 19, 7 PM – Malt Shop Memories Live III with Bobby Wilson, Frankie Pizarro, The Duprees, and more

• 📅 Monday, Sept. 29, 1:30 PM – John Scupelliti & The Reactions, Vito Picone & The Elegants, Bob Miranda & The Happenings

• 📅 Friday, Oct. 3, 7:30 PM – Cousin Brucie Presents: The Rascals 60th Anniversary Fan Appreciation Show with Felix Cavaliere, Gene Cornish, and Gary Lewis & The Playboys

🎟️ Tickets are free for seniors and their guests. Info

🕯️ Monmouth County 9/11 Memorial Ceremony

Join Monmouth County officials and residents in honoring the memory of those we lost on September 11, 2001.

Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook
Address: 460 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Highlands
Cost: Free and open to all
Parking: Available on-site

This year marks 24 years since the terrorist attacks that forever changed our nation. The ceremony will honor the 147 Monmouth County residents who lost their lives that day, along with all victims and those who continue to suffer from 9/11-related illnesses.

Mount Mitchill's scenic overlook provides a fitting backdrop for remembrance—with clear views toward the Manhattan skyline where the Twin Towers once stood.

"The County's 9/11 Memorial Ceremony reaffirms our commitment to never forget the victims who lost their lives on that day and in the days that followed," shared Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone.

Whether you lost someone that day, served as a first responder, or simply want to pay your respects, your presence honors their memory. All community members are welcome to attend this solemn tribute.🕯️

🌀 Help with Your NJNG Bill – Free Grants & Support Available

Falling behind on your New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) bill? You may qualify for FREE grants and flexible payment plans to help bring your account current. Starting Sept. 5, NJNG representatives will be visiting 26 locations across Monmouth, Ocean, and Morris counties to guide residents through eligibility, applications, and energy assistance options.

💡 You can also learn about no-cost home weatherization and other savings through NJNG’s SAVEGREEN® energy-efficiency program.

📍 Upcoming Monmouth County stops:

• Asbury Park – Tues., Sept. 9, 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m., The Salvation Army, 605 Asbury Ave.

• Keansburg – Mon., Sept. 22, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Keansburg Fire Co. #1, 13 Manning Pl.

• Leonardo – Thurs., Sept. 25, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Bayshore Family Success Center, 945 Hwy. 36

👉 For more info, visit NJNG.com/energyassistance.

💳 Retail Roundup

🛍️ Haven’t been to the mall all summer? Neither have we!
Freehold Raceway Mall has some new stores already open and more arriving later this month—perfect excuse for a shopping trip!

👔 J. Crew Factory – Easy, preppy-inspired styles for the whole family. (Now open)

🍣 Kura Sushi – Fresh sashimi, specialty rolls, and creative small plates in a sleek, modern setting. (Opening soon)

🌶️ Mango Thai – A quick, flavorful trip to Bangkok with every bite. (Opening soon)

👓 Warby Parker – Stylish glasses and eye exams, plus their “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” program. (Opening soon)

🍫 Läderach – Known for its fresh chocolate, pralines, and truffles, this family-run company has been perfecting the art of Swiss chocolate since 1962. Get ready for a little taste of Switzerland right here in Jersey! (Opening this month)

🗞️Prime Time News

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

How to Plan for Aging in Place: Five Key Factors: Almost no one wants to live in a nursing home. But staying in your home as you grow older is more complicated than you may think. We ask the experts for advice. Kiplinger, Aug. 25

Great Senior Discounts for 2025: Learn where to look to save on everyday expenses during retirement. U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 26

Medicare Will Require Prior Approval for Certain Procedures: A pilot program in six states will use a tactic employed by private insurers that has been heavily criticized for delaying and denying medical care. The New York Times, Aug. 28

Want to Visit Your Favorite National Parks in Retirement? Here's How: Exploring the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of America's National Parks offers retirees an adventurous way to soak in epic scenery and keep things exciting. Kiplinger, Aug. 29

🍎 Apple Season is Here!

September marks the start of apple season in New Jersey! Crisp, juicy, and full of flavor, apples are perfect for snacking, baking, or adding to salads. Head to your local orchard or farmers’ market to pick from a variety of fresh, Jersey-grown favorites. 🍏🍎

🍰 Try This Jersey Fresh Recipe: Apple Upside-Down Cake
Shared by Chef Matthew of The Bakers Grove in Shrewsbury, this sweet, fruity dessert is a delicious way to celebrate the season. Get the recipe here.

🍏 WHERE TO PICK:

• Battleview Orchards, Freehold

• Delicious Orchards, Colts Neck

• Terhune Orchards, Princeton

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Plenty to do, plenty to enjoy—let’s see what’s happening nearby this week!

🌳 In the Parks

From music of the past to hands-on harvest fun, here are some free events that seniors are sure to enjoy happening this week in Monmouth County parks.

🎹 Piano Ballads – Step back in time with 1800s farmhouse tunes at Longstreet Farm.
Saturday, Sept. 6 | 1–3 p.m. | Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Enjoy popular ballads from the late 19th century in the cozy farmhouse setting. FREE!

🥔 Potato Harvest – Dig in and bring home your own 19th-century-style spuds.
Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 6–7 | 12–2 p.m. | Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Help harvest the potato crop as it was done in the 1800s—then take some home for your family. Weather permitting. FREE!

🌾 Milling Demos – See corn ground into meal at Walnford’s historic gristmill.
Saturdays & Sundays, Sept. 6–7, 13–14, 20–21 & 27–28 | 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 p.m. | Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Watch the 19th-century gristmill in action during these 15-minute demonstrations. FREE!

🌱 Bonsai Day – Explore the ancient art of bonsai with live demos and expert tips.
Sunday, Sept. 7 | 12–4 p.m. | Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown
Discover the beauty of bonsai through demonstrations, displays, and guidance from experts. FREE admission and parking.

📚 Beyond the Books

Your Monmouth County libraries are more than books—it’s bingo nights, orchids, yarn circles, and even passport help! Here’s what’s coming up this week!

🍹 Senior Sip & BINGO
Thursday, Sept. 4 | 5–6:30 p.m. | Atlantic Highlands Branch
Sip mocktails, play a few lively rounds of bingo, and enjoy an evening of fun with friends and family. Sponsored by Beacon of Life.

✍️ Creative Writer’s Workshop
Thursday, Sept. 4 | 7–8:45 p.m. | Allentown Branch
Join author Michael Pedowitz and fellow writers for an engaging workshop. Bring 5 copies of up to 2,000 words and swap feedback in a supportive setting.

📚 Howell Library Book Sale
Friday, Sept. 5 | All Day | Howell Branch
Treasure hunt through shelves of new books, best sellers, DVDs, kids’ favorites, and more. Prices start at just 25¢!

🌎 Valuing Cultural & Generational Diversity with W.I.S.E.
Friday, Sept. 5 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
For adults 60+, this 6-week wellness program blends health tips, cultural awareness, and social connections—with refreshments and giveaways. Registration recommended.

🌸 Orchids: A World of Beauty
Monday, Sept. 8 | 1:30–2:30 p.m. | Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
Learn the secrets of caring for orchids with Master Gardener Patricia Schleig. Warning: growing orchids may become your new favorite hobby!

📝 Monmouth County’s Mobile County Connection
Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Ocean Township Branch
Get help with passports, notary services, voter info, veterans’ ID cards, wills, guardianship, and more—all in one place.

🧶 Yarn Works: Crochet & Knit Drop-In
Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 1–3 p.m. | Allentown Branch
Bring your yarn project, share tips, and craft in good company. No instruction—just a fun, relaxed space for all skill levels.

🧠 Memory Loss & Aging
Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 1:30–2:30 p.m. | Holmdel Branch
Learn the difference between normal and abnormal memory loss, plus tips to keep your mind sharp, in this free health program with Hackensack Meridian Health.

🎶 Boardwalk Beat

From food truck feasts to Irish tunes and beachside wine, the Jersey Shore is buzzing this weekend! Here’s what’s happening:

🚤 Sailfest – Sept. 6 | Island Heights, Ocean County
A full day of sailing, vendors, live entertainment, and fun along the Toms River waterfront. Info

🍀 Ocean County Irish Festival – Sept. 6 | Manahawkin, Ocean County
Celebrate Irish culture with music, dancing, food, and family-friendly fun. Info

🍔 Food Truck Fest at Monmouth Park – Sept. 6 | Oceanport, Monmouth County
Catch the races and enjoy a huge lineup of gourmet food trucks in one spot. Info

🍷 Wine on the Beach – Sept. 6 | Seaside Heights, Ocean County
Sip and savor local wines with ocean views, live music, and plenty of beach vibes. Info

🎸 Wildwood Food & Music Festival – Sept. 6 | Wildwood, Cape May County
A shore favorite with delicious eats, live performances, and a lively boardwalk atmosphere. Info

🌼 Brielle Day – Sept. 6 | Brielle, Ocean County
Crafts, food, rides, and community pride fill the day at this annual town tradition. Info

🎆 Lavallette Founders Day – Sept. 6 | Lavallette, Ocean County
Parade, fireworks, and local flavor to honor Lavallette’s history and community spirit. Info

🍇 Beach Plum Festival – Sept. 7 | Seaside Heights, Ocean County
Celebrate the native beach plum with food, crafts, music, and fun on the boardwalk. Info

🎵 Monmouth County Events

From food trucks and flea markets to live music and polo matches, Monmouth County is filled with fun this week!

Thursday, Sept. 4
🎻 Candlelight: Vivaldi's Four Seasons & More – Monmouth University Center for the Arts, West Long Branch | 7:00–8:00 PM
An enchanting evening of classical music by candlelight. Info

🌿 Fall Flea Market – Ocean Grove | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Vintage, antique, handmade, and new items on the Great Auditorium lawn. Info

🎪 Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation Vendor Fair – Freehold Raceway Mall | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
200+ vendors, live music, food trucks, raffles, cornhole, and more! Info

🎸 Max Weinberg’s Summer Celebration – Stone Pony, Asbury Park | 6:00–10:30 PM
Rock out with the E Street Band legend and end summer with a bang. Info

💃 Summer Concert Series – The Music of ABBA – Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Deal | 7:30–9:30 PM
Sing, dance, and enjoy ABBA hits live with full band and backup singers. Info

Sunday, Sept. 7

🛍️ High Tide Makers & Artisan Market – Pier Village, Long Branch | 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Explore local art, jewelry, and unique treasures. Info

🐎 Colts Neck Polo Classic – Bucks Mill Community Park | 2:00–5:00 PM
Annual polo match with fun for the whole family. Info

🦋 Take the Grandkids

Bugs, Birds, and Beyond Children’s Festival – Freehold
Saturday, Sept. 6 | 12:00–4:00 PM | Rutgers Master Gardeners of Monmouth County, 4000 Kozloski Rd, Freehold

Investigate nature’s wonders at this FREE family-friendly festival! Kids of all ages can enjoy hands-on activities, crafts, and exciting experiments, including:

• Remarkable Raptors live show

• Butterfly experiences & bug safaris

• Nature scavenger hunt & microscopic wonders station

• Tree ID, leaf rubbing, and nature crafts

• 4-H animals, tattoos, water science fun, and storytime under the trees

🪴Plus: native plant sale, other vendors, and ice cream & popcorn for purchase. A perfect day to explore, learn, and play together! Info

🍿 Popcorn Pick

🎬 New on Netflix: The Thursday Murder Club
If this is what retirement looks like, sign us up! Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie star as retirees who trade bingo cards for crime-solving in a posh English retirement home. The mystery may be predictable, but the veteran cast delivers warmth, wit, and plenty of fun.

The pleasures here aren’t in the plot, which ambles along predictably, but in the company. Mirren steals the show, especially when she cheekily dons a headscarf and cardigan for an undercover outing, drawing a sly nod to her Oscar-winning performance as another Elizabeth. Imrie is delightful as Joyce, brimming with wide-eyed enthusiasm. And the strong supporting cast includes Naomi Ackie as a restless police officer and Daniel Mays as her clueless boss.

Still, the film stumbles at times, leaning into predictable retirement home jokes and overly “cute” moments—like Elizabeth pretending not to know what “WTF” means—that feel more caricature than character. More affecting are the quieter beats, such as Elizabeth’s tender scenes with her husband (Jonathan Pryce), who is slipping into dementia. These reminders of fragility and loss bring welcome depth.

The Thursday Murder Club is far from a sharp whodunit, but as cozy comfort viewing it works—two hours of witty veterans, English countryside charm, and the reminder to “cherish the good moments.”

📺 TV Time: What to Stream This Week

✨ New Shows

• The Paper (Peacock, Mon) 📰 – The Office crew is back… kind of! Oscar Martinez joins a Toledo newspaper team in this hilarious follow-up.

• NCIS: Tony & Ziva (Paramount+) – Tiva is back! Tony & Ziva are living in France, co-parenting, and on the run from a conspiracy. Action, drama, romance & laughs included.

• Task (HBO/Max) 🔍 – Mark Ruffalo leads a high-stakes FBI hunt in Pennsylvania. From the creator of Mare of Easttown, expect suspense galore.

• AngelHeaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex (Friday) ✨ – Glam rock legend Marc Bolan comes alive in this dazzling doc with rare footage and plenty of sequins.

🎵 New Music

• David Byrne – “Who Is the Sky?” (Friday) 🎸 – Talking Heads frontman drops joyful, avant-garde pop. Perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike!

🌍 Wanderlust Weekly: Fresh Travel Finds

Dream, plan, or just escape for a minute—here’s what’s new in travel this week. ✈️⚓🌿

🌵 Wellness Spotlight — Canyon Ranch Tucson is the only resort in the U.S. named to the MICHELIN Guide’s Top 5 Wellness Hotels. Info

🌴 The Quiet Key West — Summer and fall mean month-long stays are now available in historic homes via Historic Key West Vacation Rentals. Info

🏨 Red Roof Deals — AAA & AARP members save 15% on getaways through Sept. 29. Info

🚢 Seabourn 2027 — 111 luxury voyages revealed, from Alaska to Antarctica. Info

❄️ Antarctic Holidays — Atlas Ocean Voyages sails to Antarctica for the 2025 holidays—Zodiacs, penguins, and a Polar Plunge included. Info

🤖 Seniors & AI: What to Ask

“Not sure what to ask AI?” You’re not alone! ChatGPT, Siri, Alexa, and other AI helpers can make daily life easier—think of them as a patient, 24/7 friend ready to answer questions anytime. Here are some ideas to get started:

🛒 Daily Tasks

• “Simple dinner recipe for one?”

• “Grocery list for low-sodium meals.”

• “How do I clean my coffee maker?”

📅 Reminders & Planning

• “Remind me to take my meds at 8 p.m.”

• “Weather this weekend in Freehold, NJ?”

• “Senior discount days at ShopRite?”

🧑‍💻 Tech Help

• “How do I video call my grandkids on iPad?”

• “Explain two-factor authentication simply.”

• “Wi-Fi vs. cellular data—what’s the difference?”

• “How can I spot a scam email?”

Next week: AI & Staying Social—How to Stay Connected Without Feeling Overwhelmed

🎉 Happy Birthday, Cecilia P. of Wall Township! 🎉

🥳Wishing you a wonderful September 3 birthday filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of cake! 🎂 A few other notable people share your special day: Actor Pauline Collins (“Shirley Valentine” “Upstairs Downstairs” and “Dr. Who” (85), singer-guitarist Al Jardine of The Beach Boys (83), drummer Don Brewer of Grand Funk Railroad (77), guitarist Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols (70), and actor Steve Schirripa (“The Sopranos,” 68). Talk about a star-studded birthday! 🌟

💡One Last Thing

The stethoscope—virtually unchanged since the 1800s—just got a 21st-century upgrade! Researchers at Imperial College London have unveiled an AI-powered stethoscope that can spot major heart issues in seconds—dramatically improving early diagnoses compared to traditional tools. 

The Details:

• 📊 Tested in 200 doctors’ offices with 12,000+ patients, the device doubled the detection rate of heart failure.

• ❤️ The AI listens beyond human ears, analyzing subtle heartbeat patterns and blood flow changes while recording an ECG at the same time.

• ☁️ Data is uploaded and processed instantly by cloud-based AI, flagging high-risk patients within seconds.

• 💡 Results: 3.5x more atrial fibrillation cases caught, plus nearly double the diagnoses of valve disease.

Pretty incredible how something so familiar can suddenly become so powerful, right? Makes you wonder what other everyday medical tools are about to get a lot smarter.

🎬That’s a wrap!

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

👀First time reading? Join thousands of Monmouth County seniors. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here!

😎See you next week!

The Better With Age New Jersey team