Springing into March: Weather, Wisdom, and Celebrations 🌞🍀

It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!

☘️It’s also the start of March this weekend and the commencement of St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivities in the Garden State, beginning with the Belmar Lake Como St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 2, at 12:30 p.m. See details below.

Weather: 🌈 Today, expect a beautiful sunny day with highs around 52°F 🌻, accompanied by a gentle northwest breeze 🌬️. Thursday brings a 50% chance of showers 🌂, with cloudy skies and a high of 56°F ☁️. The rest of the week sees a mix of sun and clouds, with temperatures fluctuating: Friday will be mostly sunny with a high of 45°F 🌞, Saturday partly sunny with a high of 48°F 🌫️, and Sunday mostly sunny with a high of 38°F ❄️. ☀️. Stay cozy and enjoy the ride! 😊

👀What’s on tap today:

• Older Adults Resource Fair planned

• Princeton Festival announces 2025 lineup

• Titantic exhibit now open at the Liberty Science Center

Up first…

Nation’s oldest mayor dies

Vito Perillo, the nation's oldest mayor, has left an indelible mark on the community of Tinton Falls, New Jersey. His passing at the age of 100 last week brings to a close a life of remarkable dedication, hard work, and service.

Born in 1924, Vito was a proud Navy veteran of World War II, embodying the values of discipline, service, and perseverance. After serving his country, he had a distinguished career as a civil engineer at Fort Monmouth. His family was always at the heart of his life; he was a devoted husband to his late wife Mae for 64 years and a role model to his two daughters.

At 93, Vito entered politics, becoming mayor of Tinton Falls with a campaign that showcased his unwavering determination. He improved public safety and managed finances with integrity, always prioritizing his community's best interests.

Vito's legacy is not just about his record-breaking tenure but about the power of hard work, family values, and the belief that it's never too late to make a difference. His story will continue to inspire generations, reminding us that true leadership comes from a desire to serve and uplift others.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition now open

Step aboard the legendary RMS Titanic and embark on a journey through time to 1912! "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" has officially opened at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, offering an immersive experience that transports you back to the ship's ill-fated maiden voyage.

Upon entering, you'll receive a replica boarding pass and assume the role of a passenger, tracing the Titanic's story from its construction to life on board, the tragic sinking, and the modern-day recovery efforts. The exhibition features over 130 authentic artifacts, including jewelry, clothing, champagne bottles, and even the ship's logometer, which still displays the reading from the night it sank.

One of the highlights is a 7-foot replica of an iceberg, allowing you to feel the chilling temperatures experienced by passengers on that fateful night. This premium exhibition requires an additional ticket with general admission to the Liberty Science Center.

When: Now open until September 1, 2025
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Tickets: Available online at LSC.org

Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore one of history's most captivating stories!

Upcoming events

Get Ready for St. Patrick's Day in Belmar! 🍀🎉

As March kicks off this weekend, so do the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in New Jersey, starting with the Belmar Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 2, at 12:30 p.m. 🕰️ This vibrant parade begins at the corner of North Lake Boulevard and Main Street in Lake Como, featuring lively pipe bands and a flotilla of festive floats 🎊. The procession continues along Belmar's Main Street, ending near the border of Avon-by-the-Sea 🌊.

Irish Delights Along the Way 🍴

Looking for a delicious Irish meal to complement your parade experience? Head to McCann's Tavern (1704 Main Street, Lake Como) 🍺. Pair your favorite pint with Emerald Isle classics like Irish beef stew or shepherd's pie 🍴. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and traditional Irish fare while soaking up the festive spirit of the parade 🎉.

Come dressed in your best green attire and join the fun! 🌿👍

See a full list of St. Patrick’s Day parades in New Jersey here.

Cookstove Demonstrations at historic farm

When: Saturdays, March 1, 15, and 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Description: Step back in time and experience the art of cooking on a woodstove at Historic Longstreet Farm. Discover how recipes, cooking techniques, and kitchens have evolved since the 1890s. This event is free and offers a unique glimpse into the past.

Splendid Spring Strolls

• March 5: Huber Woods Park, Middletown (Meet in the Environmental Center Parking Lot) 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• March 19: Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands (Meet in the Rocky Point Parking Lot) 10 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m.
  
  Welcome spring with a peaceful trail walk led by a Park System Naturalist. Say goodbye to the frosty weather and enjoy the scenic beauty of Monmouth County's parks. Sturdy footwear is recommended as trails may include inclines or tree roots. This event is free and perfect for nature lovers.

Contact Information:
For more details about these events, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000.

Older Adults Resource Fair planned

The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners is hosting an Older Adults Resource Fair on Thursday, March 6, from 3-6 p.m. at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters (125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan).

“The Resource Fair, presented by the Division on Aging, Disabilities, and Veterans Services, will offer valuable information on programs and services for older adults and caregivers,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Ensuring our seniors know about available resources is a top priority. We encourage attendees to preregister by calling 732-431-7450.”

“This event is a great opportunity for older adults to connect with local agencies that provide assistance with benefits eligibility, healthcare, home care, nutrition programs, social activities, utility assistance, and more,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Division on Aging, Disabilities, and Veterans Services. “We look forward to welcoming everyone.”

For more details about the Monmouth County Division on Aging, Disabilities, and Veterans Services, visit monmouthadvs.com.

Princeton Festival 2025 lineup announced

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has unveiled the highly anticipated lineup for the 2025 Princeton Festival, running June 6-21 at the Morven Museum & Garden. This year’s festival brings an exciting mix of opera, dance, Broadway, classical, and pop favorites, headlined by renowned soprano Renée Fleming and featuring performances from Puccini to ABBA.

“This year’s Festival offers something for everyone,” says Music Director Rossen Milanov. “From classical and opera to pop and dance, audiences will be transported by incredible music in a stunning outdoor setting.”

Festival Highlights

🎤 Opening Night – June 6: ICON: The Voices That Changed Music pays tribute to legendary artists like Prince, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder, performed by Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw with the PSO, conducted by Lucas Waldin.

🎶 June 7: Opera superstar Renée Fleming performs an unforgettable evening of arias and songs with the PSO, conducted by Rossen Milanov.

🎭 June 8: Community Day features yoga, a farmers' market, family activities, and an art exhibit, followed by a ticketed cabaret performance of Sondheim in the City, starring Melissa Errico.

🎼 June 13, 15 & 17: Puccini’s passionate opera Tosca takes the stage, starring Toni Marie Palmertree, Victor Starsky, and Luis Ledesma.

💃 June 14: An Evening of Pas de Deux with American Repertory Ballet and the PSO.

🎻 June 20: Viva Vivaldi! showcases the brilliance of the Baroque era with Daniel Rowland and Maja Bogdanović.

🎤 June 19: Masters of Soul: A Motown Revue brings the hits of The Temptations, The Supremes, and more in a Juneteenth celebration.

🎶 June 21 – Grand Finale: ARRIVAL from Sweden: The Music of ABBA closes out the festival with a fun-filled night of nostalgic hits.

Festival Experience

🌳 Outdoor Venue: Enjoy performances in a state-of-the-art, rain-proof pavilion with expanded seating.
🍷 Concessions & Social Spaces: Arrive early to gather outdoors, enjoy refreshments, and explore festival activities.

📞 Tickets & Info: Call (609) 497-0020 or visit princetonsymphony.org/festival.

🎟️ Don’t miss New Jersey’s premier performing arts festival—reserve your tickets today!

Prime Time News 📰

The Best Online Will Making Programs: U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 20.

How GLP-1 Drugs Could Revolutionize Retirement: GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are already changing the way we age and manage chronic conditions. Kiplinger, Feb. 22.

10 Tax Breaks for People Over 50: Once you turn 50, and especially after age 65, you may qualify for extra tax breaks. Older people get a bigger standard deduction, and they can earn more before they have to file a tax return. Workers over 50 can also defer or avoid taxes on more money using retirement and health savings accounts. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 21.

Retirement Not Stimulating Enough? Unretire: Leaving the 9-to-5 routine doesn’t mean you have to stop working; you can finally pursue those ideas that have long lurked in the back of your mind. Next Avenue, Feb. 17.

Statistics Say: This Is the Best Age to Claim Social Security: When should you claim your benefits? Be aware that those who live average-length lives will collect roughly the same total benefits no matter when they start collecting. But we're not all average, are we? The Motley Fool, Feb. 20.

Lend a Hand: Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors

Get ready for a day of delicious food, live music, and community spirit! In partnership with DowntownFreehold.com, United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (UWMOC) is hosting the United for Impact Food Truck Festival on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 12 PM to 4 PM on West Main Street in Freehold, NJ. The event will take place rain or shine.

This festival is more than just great food and entertainment—it’s an opportunity to support United Way’s mission to improve education, financial stability, and health in our community.

Volunteers Needed!

Make a difference while having fun! Volunteers are needed to:
✅ Greet attendees and collect donations
✅ Assist at the social media and selfie station
✅ Help with beer sales and handling
✅ Sell raffle tickets & more!

Volunteer Shift: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM

To sign up or learn more, contact Quinnetta Anderson at [email protected] or call 848-206-2037.

Happy Birthday, Lisa Thompson! 🎂🎉

Wishing you a day as bright and beautiful as you are! 🌟 🎁🍹. Here's to another year of making memories and enjoying the sunshine by the Belmar shore 🌊. A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Lisa include: Actor Jackie Gleason (1916-1987); Actor Tony Randall (1920-2004); Singer Fats Domino (1928-2017) and Singer Johnny Cash (1932-2003).

Thanks for reading!

🙏A special shoutout today goes to the late Vito Perillo, the nation's oldest mayor, whose remarkable life embodied service, dedication, and leadership. His legacy will forever remind us that age is no barrier to making a difference. 🌟

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

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☺️See you next week!