🌸 Spring into Fun: Senior Discounts, Broadway Magic & Outdoor Adventures!

☺️It’s Wednesday, New Jersey — and just 35 days until Tax Day! 🗓️ The clock is ticking, but don’t stress! ⏳ New Jersey has teamed up with IRS Direct File to make filing your taxes easier than ever. 💻✨ With live support ready to answer your questions, you’ll have the help you need at your fingertips. Check it out at DirectFile.NJ.gov and get ahead of the deadline! ✅

WEATHER WATCH 🌤️ Wednesday brings a mix of sun and clouds with a high near 52°F, but a light breeze could make it feel cooler. A slight chance of rain sneaks in late Wednesday night, leading into a cloudy Thursday with highs around 50°F ☁️. The weekend starts mild on Friday, with highs climbing to the mid-60s by Saturday, but Sunday looks wet, with showers and possible thunderstorms rolling through ⛈️. Stay dry and enjoy the sunshine when you can! 🌞

👀What’s on tap today:

• All aboard for wine and views

• “Mama Mia” dances back to Broadway

• County awards historic preservation grants

Up first…

Prime Time News📰

The Best Phones for Seniors in 2025: Some older adults aren't interested in or comfortable with high-end phones with the latest tech and features. Business Insider, March 6.

I'm No Stranger to Family Estrangement: Family estrangement is extremely commonplace, more prevalent than previously believed. How and why it can hurt — or help — people over 50. Next Avenue, March 7.

10 Things You Should Leave Out of Your Will, According to Experts: Are you unclear about the things you should leave out of your will when estate planning? Legal experts share the 10 items to exclude. Kiplinger, March 3.

How You Can Lose Your Medicare Benefits: Your Medicare coverage can be disrupted or lost through your own actions or for reasons outside of your control. Don't let that happen to you. Kiplinger, March 7.

Home Improvements Can Help People Age Independently. But Medicare Seldom Picks Up the Bill: Medicare has billing codes for treating a broken hip, but not for avoiding one, let alone for something like having a handy person “tack down loose carpet near stairs.” KFF Health News, March 3.

Travel 🚌

ALL ABOARD FOR WINE & VIEWS 🍷🚂 Hop on the Hunterdon Wine Express for a one-of-a-kind journey through Hunterdon County! This scenic excursion takes you from Flemington, NJ, to Old York Cellars Winery in Ringoes, NJ, aboard the historic Black River & Western Railroad.

📅 2025 Dates: April 26, 27 | May 3, 4, 17, 18 | June 7, 8, 28, 29 | July 12, 13 | August 23, 24 | September 6, 7
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 3:45 PM
💵 Tickets: $99 per person (non-refundable, but transferable)

Start at Flemington Station (80 Stangl Road), where a wine ambassador will greet you before your train ride to Ringoes Station. From there, hop on a shuttle to Old York Cellars Winery for a guided wine pairing experience featuring award-winning wines, artisan meats, cheeses, and hand-crafted chocolates. Enjoy lunch under the Vineyard tent, live music, and exclusive wine shop discounts before your return trip. Book your tickets here.

This rain-or-shine event is perfect for wine lovers and adventure seekers—so grab your walking shoes and get ready for a memorable day! 🚂🍷

🏞️ Step into History at Monmouth Battlefield 🏛️

This March, the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield (FOMB) invite you to explore the rich history of New Jersey's iconic Monmouth Battlefield State Park. 🌳 On Sunday, March 16, join Dr. David Martin, FOMB's president and award-winning author, for a special Molly Pitcher Battlefield Walk. This free tour is a rare treat, allowing participants to visit the various sites claimed to be the location of Molly Pitcher's well 🌊. The tour concludes at the stunning Molly Pitcher Overlook on Perrine Hill 🏔️. Meet at the Visitor Center at 1:30 PM, and don't forget to wear appropriate hiking attire 🏃‍♀️. Please note that this tour is not ADA accessible.

📞 Weather Update: If the weather looks uncertain, call the park office at 732-462-9616 for updates.

Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitor's Center
20 State Route 33
Manalapan, NJ 07726
Phone: 732-462-9616

Join this engaging historical journey and uncover the stories behind one of America's most legendary figures!

On stage

🎭 ‘Mamma Mia!’ Dances Back to Broadway! 🎶

After a decade away, Mamma Mia! is making its grand return to Broadway for a limited six-month run at the Winter Garden Theatre, starting August 2! Featuring ABBA’s greatest hits like Dancing Queen and Take a Chance on Me, this beloved musical tells the story of a daughter's quest to uncover her father’s identity on a dreamy Greek island. Tickets go on sale March 14—don’t miss your chance to experience the magic all over again! 💃✨

Upcoming Events 🎉

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION 🍀 Get ready for a festive afternoon at the Freehold Borough Arts Council’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16 at 12:30 PM! The parade kicks off at McLean Street and marches down Main Street before ending at the Freehold Elks Lodge 1454. Enjoy a lively procession filled with Irish tradition, followed by a fun after-party at the lodge. Don’t miss out on the celebration!

NATURE SPOTLIGHT 🐸 Ever heard the chorus of spring peepers but never seen one? Join a Park System Naturalist for a fascinating talk about these tiny amphibians on Sunday, March 16, from 1-2 PM at the Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center in Aberdeen. This free event is a great way to learn more about local wildlife!

HISTORY IN THE KITCHEN 🍳 Step back in time at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel and see what’s cooking on the woodstove! Stop by on Saturday, March 15, from 11 AM - 3 PM to learn how recipes, cooking techniques, and kitchens have evolved since the 1890s. This free demonstration is a treat for history and food lovers alike!

ART WITH A TWIST 🎨 Prepare to be amazed at "Can't Believe Your Eyes: Optical Illusions Art Exhibit" at The Gallery in the Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft. Explore artwork that plays with perception and surreal imagery now through May 16. Visit Wednesday-Saturday, 12-4 PM, or schedule an appointment. Admission and parking are free!

TRAVEL REMINDER ✈️ The deadline to get your REAL ID in New Jersey is fast approaching! Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver’s license will no longer be accepted for domestic flights or entry into certain federal facilities. To upgrade, visit your local NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office with the required documents. Avoid last-minute rushes and check nj.gov/mvc for details on what you need to bring.

💰SENIOR SAVINGS SCOOP 💰 Did you know? Show your ID at any Acme Markets for a 10% senior discount on Tuesdays!

Quick question. We know great deals are out there—what are your favorite senior discounts around Monmouth County? 🤔🛍️ From dining deals to travel perks, we want to hear them all! Email us at [email protected], and we’ll share the best finds with our readers next week!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK 🥘 Make a big batch of this 6-Grain Hot Cereal and reheat all week. Top with fruit or yogurt to add natural sweetness. Mayo Clinic

HEALTH & WELLNESS ❤️ Celebrate Saint Paddy’s Day in a healthier way! Join a dietitian at the LiveWell Center in Eatontown for a demonstration of a healthy recipe inspired by the culinary traditions of the holiday. The event is free, but registration is required. You can also attend virtually by emailing [email protected]. The event will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd., Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ. For more details and to register, visit the online registration page.

🌿Also, New Jerseyans are invited to attend any of three upcoming virtual town halls on the continued development of the Medicinal Cannabis Program (formerly the Medicinal Marijuana Program). The Cannabis Regulatory Commission wants to hear from patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and others as it begins a review of medical cannabis regulations in New Jersey. Register to attend via Zoom on March 19, March 25, or March 26, 2025. You may also submit a written comment.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 🏘️ The Monmouth County Board of Commissioners recently awarded historic preservation matching grants totaling $109,035 to 12 restoration projects as part of the Monmouth County Historical Commission's 2025 Preservation Grants Program. These grants celebrate the county’s rich history and help preserve historical landmarks for future generations to enjoy and appreciate 🏛️✨.

Some exciting projects include the restoration of the ceiling at the Asbury Park African American Music Project’s Turf Club 🎤, and repairs to the tower at the Strauss Mansion in Atlantic Highlands 🏰 by the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society. The Borough of Fair Haven received funding for the exterior painting of Bicentennial Hall/Fisk Chapel 🎨, while the Freehold Township Historic Preservation Commission is restoring the windows at the West Freehold Schoolhouse 🏫.

The Friends of Millstone Township Historic Registered Properties will restore two stained-glass windows at the Clarksburg ME Church/Clarksburg Cultural Center ⛪, and the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield will replace shutters at the Craig House 🪟. Other recipients include the Friends of Old Yellow Meeting House, which will repair the Parsonage foundation and chimney 🔨, and InfoAge Science Center and History Museums, which will repaint World War II-era buildings.

See the full list here! 🏛️

🌱 CRAFT CORNER: Build Your Own Terrarium In-Person! Become a proud plant parent by creating your own terrarium with live plants and moss. Decorate it with mini figurines to make it uniquely yours or to craft the perfect gift! This hands-on event provides all supplies, but feel free to bring your own. Thanks to the Friends of the Monmouth County Library for their support. Join us on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Eastern Branch, Adult Meeting Room, Shrewsbury. Register here.

Upcoming library events 📚

• 📊 2025 AARP Tax-Aide Program (Tax Year 2024) In-Person
  Get your taxes done for free at Marlboro Library with the help of trained AARP Foundation volunteers! Don’t forget to check the info on what to bring and how to register.
  Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
  Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  Location: Marlboro Branch, Marlboro

• 🃏 Learn to Play Duplicate Bridge In-Person
  Ready to learn a fun and interactive card game? Join us for Duplicate Bridge on Wednesday afternoons—seats are limited, so get there early!
  Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
  Time: 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  Location: Headquarters, Manalapan

• 🎬 Hazlet Movie Matinee: Conclave (2024) (PG) In-Person
  Enjoy a secretive, behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most mysterious events—electing a new Pope. Popcorn included!
  Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
  Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  Location: Hazlet Township Branch, Hazlet

• 🎶 Musical Review: An Afternoon with Rhythm N' Sound In-Person
  Get your groove on with Rhythm N’ Sound, playing top hits from the 1940s through the 1980s—Doo-wop, Motown, Disco, and more!
  Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
  Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  Location: Howell Branch, Howell

• 🔭 The Holmdel Horn Antenna: The NJ Telescope That Gave Us the Greatest Story Never Told In-Person
  Discover the incredible story of our universe—from the Big Bang to Earth’s birth—through the lens of the Holmdel Horn Antenna. Register to save your seat!
  Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
  Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  Location: Holmdel Branch, Holmdel

🌿 Farewell to Frosty Weather Trail Walk! 🌿
Join a Park System Naturalist for a peaceful walk through Hartshorne Woods Park in Highlands on Wednesday, March 19 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. 🏞️ Meet at the Rocky Point Parking Lot. Say goodbye to winter and hello to spring as you explore the trails! Sturdy footwear is recommended, as some trails may have inclines or tree roots to navigate. FREE! 👟

Thanks for reading!

🏛️A heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated individuals and organizations in Monmouth County who tirelessly work to preserve the county's rich historic heritage 🌿. From the Monmouth County Historical Commission to the Monmouth County Historical Association, these groups are instrumental in safeguarding historic sites and structures for future generations. 🙏

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

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

🤫Don’t keep us a secret! Share this newsletter with a friend.

🌞See you next week! Get out and soak up the sunshine this week! And remember – you're not getting older, you're just getting better with age! ✨

The Better With Age New Jersey team

P.S. 🦖 Mark your calendars!

Dinosaur-loving kiddos (and kids-at-heart) will roar with excitement at the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum – opening March 29! 🦕🎉 Must-sees include live animal exhibits 🐢, a marine creature touch tank 🦑, an active paleontological excavation site 🧑‍🔬 (with real scientists!), and immersive premium experiences that will make you feel like you're living in the Jurassic era 🌍. It’s the perfect outing for the grandkids 👵👴👧👦. Tickets are available now – don’t miss out! 🎟️