🌻🌻 It's sunflower season in the Garden State!

Happy Wednesday, New Jersey!

⛈️Weather: Showers likely, high 88.

👀What’s on tap today:

• Free online event to discuss climate change in New Jersey

• Where to pick sunflowers in the Garden State

• Six surprising things that can age you

Up first…

Has it always been this hot in New Jersey?

Have you noticed that our summer days are getting hotter and lasting longer each year? New Jersey's temperature is increasing more quickly than the global average. This trend is expected to continue. Join a panel of climate and weather experts to discuss how and why NJ's temperatures have changed over time and what we can expect moving forward. Attendees to this free online event will learn about the difference between climate and weather, why urban areas get hotter, and the impacts faced by New Jersey. Register here.

Navigating Aging

6 Surprising Things That Age You: Certain lifestyle habits and diet can impact your physical and mental health, but did you know they can also make your body either age faster or slower? Here are several lifestyle factors that affect how old your body is. U.S. News & World Report

New Medicare Rule Could Disqualify Your Private Plan: If you're delayed taking Medicare because you have employer coverage, changes ahead may disqualify your plan. Kiplinger

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Key Points to Know: Here are some basics to know about required minimum distributions and how RMDs can impact your taxes. Kiplinger

Money Tips for the 'Sandwich Generation': Learn how to navigate helping to pay for your aging parents' and your children's expenses. U.S. News & World Report

New Jersey Sunflower Season 2024: Where to Find Fields, Mazes and U-Pick Spots

Explore and enjoy the fresh air and the uplifting beauty of sunflowers this season at fields throughout New Jersey! They are also a great place to bring the grandkids and the photos will be amazing. Photographer’s tip: For stunning sunflower field photos, shoot during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) to capture warm, soft light that enhances the vibrant colors and adds a magical glow to your images.

New Jersey Sunflower Trail (Open Now – Labor Day)

• Address: 438 NJ-57, Washington, NJ (Warren County)

• Highlights: Sunflower Festivals, food trucks, beer and wine garden, live music, axe throwing, hayrides, and farm animals.

• Tickets: $12.99 (weekdays), $14.99 (weekends), $19.99 (festivals).

Alstede Farms (Open Now – October)

• Address: 1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester, NJ (Morris County)

• Highlights: Blooming Giants Sunflower Trail, scenic wagon rides.

• Admission: Included with pick-your-own admission.

Ort Farms (Now – End of August)

• Address: 25 Bartley Road, Long Valley, NJ (Morris County)

• Highlights: DIY cut flower bouquets, Early Bloomer Weekend, Summerfest.

Stony Hill Farm (August)

• Address: 8 Rte 24 (Rt 513), Chester, NJ (Morris County)

• Highlights: Over 2 acres of sunflowers, cut-your-own sunflowers.

Sussex County Sunflower Maze (Mid-August – Mid-September)

• Address: 101 Co Rd 645, Sandyston, NJ (Sussex County)

• Highlights: Largest sunflower maze on the East Coast, mega pet adoption event, local vendors.

Brodhecker Farm (Opens Mid-August)

• Address: 2 Branchville-Lawson Rd, Newton, NJ (Sussex County)

• Highlights: U-pick sunflowers.

Happy Day Farm (Now – August 25)

• Address: 106 Iron Ore Rd, Manalapan, NJ

• Highlights: Sunflower and zinnia fields, farm animals, cash-only admission $18.

Arrowhead Farmstead (Now – August 4)

• Address: 135 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ

•  Highlights: Dinosaur-themed photo ops, Dino Fest with live dinosaur shows.

Clark Farms (Now – August)

• Address: 416 Dunhams Corner Road, East Brunswick, NJ

• Highlights: U-pick sunflowers and zinnias, photo ops.

Argos Farm Sunflower Festival (August)

• Address: 1250 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ

• Highlights: Live music, blueberry treats, summer photo ops.

Holland Ridge Farms (September 13 – October 14)

• Address: 86 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ (Monmouth County)

• Highlights: Sunflowers, gladiolus, dahlias, food truck festivals, live music.

Snyder’s Farm Sunflower Trail (October)

• Address: 586 South Middlebush Rd, Somerset, NJ (Somerset County)

• Highlights: U-pick sunflowers, pumpkin picking, fall activities.

Emery’s Farm (Early September)

• Address: 346 Long Swamp Road, New Egypt, NJ

•  Highlights: Pies, jellies, preserves, corn fields, hayrides.

Bullock Farms (Late September – October)

• Address: 83 Emleys Hill Road, Cream Ridge, NJ (Monmouth County)

• Highlights: Corn Crib, Straw Mountain, Kids Maze, friendly animals.

South Jersey

Timberline Farms (Now – TBD)

•  Address: 1413 Mays Landing Rd, Folsom, NJ (Atlantic County)

•  Highlights: 2-acre u-pick sunflower field, reservations required.

Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm (Now – October)

•  Address: 2691 Monmouth Rd., Jobstown, NJ (Burlington County)

•  Highlights: Two sunflower seasons, pick-your-own produce.

Johnson’s Family Farm (August 1 – TBD)

•  Address: 133 Church Rd. Medford, NJ (Burlington County)

•  Highlights: Sunflower maze, wagon rides, flower picking.

Dalton Farms (Late August – October)

•  Address: 660 Oak Grove Rd, Swedesboro, NJ (Gloucester County)

•  Highlights: Sunflowers, local music, food, wine tastings, paddle boat rides.

Sunset Flower Farm (Fall TBD)

• Address: 550 Hands Mill Road, Belleplain, NJ

• Highlights: Sunflowers, peonies, hydrangeas.

Hill Creek Farms (Opens September 13)

• Address: 1631 State Highway 45, Mullica Hill, NJ

• Highlights: U-pick activities, bakery, wine garden.

Explore and enjoy the vibrant beauty of sunflowers throughout New Jersey! And here’s recipe for Roasted Sunflower Seeds from reader Janice P. of Dunellen. Enjoy your homemade roasted sunflower seeds as a snack or a topping for salads and soups!

Roasted Sunflower Seeds Recipe

Ingredients:

- 1 cup raw sunflower seeds

- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)

- Seasonings of your choice (optional, e.g., garlic powder, cayenne pepper)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

2. Prepare the Seeds:

- Rinse the sunflower seeds under cool water to remove any dirt or debris.

- Pat them dry with a clean towel.

3. Season the Seeds:

- In a bowl, mix the sunflower seeds with olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated.

- Add salt and any other seasonings you like, then mix well.

4. Spread the Seeds:

- Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Roast the Seeds:

- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

- Roast the seeds for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even roasting.

- Keep an eye on them to prevent burning; they should turn golden brown and become fragrant.

6. Cool and Store:

- Remove the seeds from the oven and let them cool completely.

- Store in an airtight container.

NJ History Book

On July 31, 1761, New Jersey issued its first charter for a commercial bank, the Bank of New Jersey, which was located in New Brunswick. This bank played a significant role in the economic development of the colony by providing financial services that facilitated trade and industry.

Today’s birthdays

🥳Happy Birthday, Eileen McGarry of Helmetta! 🎂🎉 Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and all your favorite things. May this year bring you happiness, good health, and wonderful memories. Enjoy your special day to the fullest! 🌟💐🎁

A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Eileen include Author J.K. Rowling, 58; Entrepreneur Mark Cuban, 65, Actor Wesley Snipes, 61, and actor BJ Novak, 44.

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🌻See you tomorrow!