Swing dancing, serenades and Siri

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👋 Hey friends!

From health screenings and community fairs to summer fun beyond our backyard, there’s plenty happening for seniors in and around Monmouth County. Dive into local events, helpful resources, and ideas to make the most of August.

👀What’s on tap this week:

• 💖Heart Health Screenings in Red Bank – Know your risk for heart attack and stroke

• 🎖️Veterans Resource Fair in Oceanport – Connect with benefits, support services, and fellow vets

• 🚗New Jersey Summer Day Trips – Winery train rides, festivals, and senior-friendly adventures

• 📚 Beyond the Books – Property tax tips, bluegrass jams, seashell painting, and more this week at Monmouth County libraries.

Up first…

Free Veterans Resource Fair planned

Veterans and their families are invited to a free Veterans Resource Fair hosted by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and the County’s Constitutional Officers.

Date & Time: Wednesday, Aug. 13, from 3–6 p.m.
Location: Fort Athletic Club, 114 Saltzman Ave., Oceanport

This event connects veterans with valuable programs and resources, including education, employment, legal help, healthcare, social activities, support services, and Veteran ID cards.

Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services, said: “Service providers scheduled to attend will offer resources for opportunities including education, legal, employment, social activities, healthcare, support services and Veteran ID Cards. If you are unable to attend but would like more information on resources, please call the Office on Veterans Services at 732-683-8675.”

Additional resources will be provided by:

• Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, highlighting a discount program with more than 260 local businesses.

• Monmouth County Surrogate Maureen T. Raisch, offering guidance on wills, probate, and life transitions.

• Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, emphasizing support and gratitude for veterans and their families.

A Veterans Benefits presentation by the VA New Jersey Healthcare System will have limited seating, so preregistration is encouraged. Refreshments will be provided.

To preregister: Call 732-431-7450
For more information and a full list of participating agencies: www.monmouthadvs.com

🗞️Prime Time News

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

Yes, Diabetes Can Be Prevented: National program focuses on lifestyle changes instead of medications to prevent high blood sugar levels. Next Avenue, July 31

New Implant Offers Hope for Easing Rheumatoid Arthritis: The device stimulates the vagus nerve, signaling the body to tamp down the inflammation that contributes to the disease. The New York Times, July 31.

Fighting Early-Stage Alzheimer’s with Intensive Lifestyles Changes Works, Study Finds: A combination of healthy activities including exercise, nutritious diet, computer brain games and socializing can improve cognitive performance in people at risk for dementia. CNN, July 31

These Habits Could Reveal Your Risk of Cognitive Decline: There's no reliable tool for predicting your risk of cognitive decline, but new research suggests one area of everyday behavior may contain early warning signs. Kiplinger, July 27

Americans See Their 401(k)s Not Just as Nest Eggs but as Rainy Day Funds: There is more ‘leakage’ from the $12.2 trillion in these retirement accounts. Wall Street Journal, July 26

🎉 What’s Happening in Monmouth This Week

Ready to get out and enjoy the week? From toe-tapping concerts and timeless theater to fresh farm markets and breezy sunset cruises, these Monmouth County events are perfect for you and your friends to savor summer, have some fun, and maybe even try something new.

• West End Farmers Market
  Thursday, Aug. 7, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., West End Park, Long Branch
  Fresh produce, flowers, baked goods & more in a seaside setting.

• Ocean Grove Farm Stand
  Friday, Aug. 8 & Saturday, Aug. 9, 8 a.m.–12 p.m., Main Ave., Ocean Grove
  Local produce and small-batch treats, perfect for weekend meals.

• 136th Annual Fireman’s Fair
  Wednesday–Saturday, Aug. 6–9, 6–10 p.m., Navesink Hook & Ladder, Navesink
  Rides, games, and classic summer fair food under the stars.

• Thursdays by the Sea Concert
  Thursday, Aug. 7, 7–9 p.m., Pier Village Gazebo, Long Branch
  Free live music with ocean breezes—bring your chair and relax.

• “How My Grandparents Fell in Love”
  Friday & Saturday, Aug. 8–9, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 10, 2 p.m., The Axelrod PAC, Deal Park
  A heartwarming stage play about love that spans generations.

• 71st Annual Sidewalk Sale
  Thursday–Saturday, Aug. 7–9, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Downtown Red Bank
  Shop for bargains, unique finds, and summer clearance deals.

• Saturday Serenade Gazebo Concert
  Saturday, Aug. 9, 6:30–8 p.m., Main Gazebo, Spring Lake
  Enjoy Tom Kelly’s Silver & Gold performing favorite classics.

• Sunset Cruise on the Navesink Queen
  Saturday, Aug. 9, 7–8:30 p.m., Marine Park Dock, Red Bank
  A relaxing evening cruise with stunning views.

• Swing Dancing by the Beach
  Sunday, Aug. 10, 6–9 p.m., Fifth Ave. Gazebo, Bradley Beach
  Music, dancing, and a boardwalk breeze—no partner needed!

• Summer Concert Series: The Doo-Wop Project
  Sunday, Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m., Axelrod PAC, Deal Park
  Smooth harmonies and nostalgic hits from the golden age.

• “The Sound of Music”
  Wednesday–Sunday, Aug. 6–10, 7:30 p.m. (matinee Aug. 10 at 2 p.m.), Spring Lake Community Theater
  A timeless musical favorite to sing along with.

🌎Beyond Our Backyard

Looking for a quick adventure? Here are some fun statewide events seniors will love.

• 🐟 Fisherman’s Wharf Tour – Aug. 9 & 10, 11 a.m., Cape May
  Stroll the docks, hear fishing tales, and breathe in salty bay breezes.

• 🏴‍☠️ Pirate Goodie & Magic Chest – Aug. 10, 2 p.m., Point Pleasant Beach
  A playful mix of pirate tricks and magical surprises for all ages.

• 👻 Asbury Park Ghost Tour – Aug. 9 & 10, 8 p.m., Asbury Park
  Haunted boardwalk legends and local lore under the stars.

• 🏠 Painted Ladies Porch Tour – Aug. 10, 1 p.m., Cape May
  Marvel at colorful Victorian homes and learn their charming history.

• 🎶 Doo Wop Neon Night Tour – Aug. 9 & 10, 8 p.m., Wildwood
  Glowing neon signs and retro ’50s vibes galore.

• 🤠 Albert Music Hall Show – Aug. 9, 7 p.m., Waretown
  Bluegrass, country, and old-time music that’ll have your toes tapping.

Seniors & AI

Meet Your Smart Speaker—What Alexa, Siri & Google Can Do

Have you ever wished you had someone to remind you to take your pills, play your favorite song, or tell you the weather—just by asking? You might already have one! Smart speakers like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or even Apple’s Siri can do just that.

Here’s what you can say out loud:

• “Alexa, what’s the weather today?”

• “Hey Google, remind me to take my vitamins at 9 a.m.”

• “Hey Siri, play Frank Sinatra.”

💡 These devices can also:

• Read you the news or a joke

• Set kitchen timers

• Answer common questions (“What’s 2 tablespoons in teaspoons?”)

And don’t worry—you don’t need to be perfect. Just talk normally. These tools were designed to help make life easier, not harder.

Next week: AI & Memories—How AI Can Help You Capture Family Stories

📚Beyond The Books

Here's what's happening for seniors this week at Monmouth County libraries.

🎵 Wednesday, August 6th

An Evening of Folk-Blues with Tal Naccarato
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Headquarters, Manalapan
Kick back and enjoy original guitar compositions with a bluesy swing from this Brooklyn-raised, Italian-born musician. Free seating, first come, first served!

🎶 Thursday, August 7th

Martin Howth Live Looping Performance
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Marlboro Branch
Experience the magic of jazz singer Audra Mariel creating layered soundscapes using only her voice and live looping. This NJ State Council on the Arts finalist will mesmerize you!

💰 Thursday, August 7th

Property Tax Relief Workshop
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
Learn about Stay NJ, ANCHOR Property Tax Rebate, and Senior Freeze programs. Get help with the new PAS-1 Form! Sponsored by your 11th District Representatives.

🎻 Thursday, August 7th

Fish and Whistle Bluegrass Sessions
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Howell Branch
High-energy acoustic bluegrass, country, and rock featuring musicians aged 20-65 specializing in songs that bring generations together. Light refreshments included!

🌺 Thursday, August 7th

Hawaiian History and Culture
6:00 PM - 7:15 PM | Atlantic Highlands Branch
Journey through Hawaii's fascinating history with Hawaiian-born presenter Gail Thompson, from Captain Cook's discovery to the unique features of the four major islands.

🎵 Saturday, August 9th

Reggae Hits with The Verdict
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM | Headquarters, Manalapan
Don't worry about the weather—it's always cool in the library! Dance to the infectious rhythms of this high-energy Reggae SOCA band.

🏥 Wednesday, August 13th

Fall Prevention and Balance Screening
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Holmdel Branch
Join a Physical Therapist from Hackensack Meridian Health to learn fall prevention tips and get a balance screening assessment. Registration required—seating is limited!

💙 Wednesday, August 13th

Lost and Found: Virtual Bereavement Support Group
6:45 PM - 8:00 PM | Online
A supportive space to share experiences and find new ways to move forward, led by support facilitator Beth Stamp. Also meets in-person monthly at Headquarters.

🩺🍎 Kitchen Prescriptions

Start doing your heart a favor with these favorites that replace full-fat ingredients with low-fat or nonfat Greek yogurt, helping you reduce calorie intake and fat content without compromising flavor.

Mango and Pineapple Tropical Parfaits capture the flavors of ripe fruit, silky yogurt and crunchy granola in every spoonful of paradise while ruby-red pomegranate and coconut top off this island treasure.

Fruity Oatmeal Yogurt Parfaits provide a protein-packed breakfast to start busy days while Frozen Yogurt Bark – a chilled delight with less than 100 calories per serving – helps you indulge without overdoing it.

These yogurt-inspired recipes were developed as part of the American Heart Association's Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, which is nationally supported by Danone. Get the recipes here.

🍯 Sweet Sip Spotlight: Beach Bee Meadery 🐝

Who knew honey could get you buzzy? Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Pier Village in Long Branch, Beach Bee Meadery is serving up something truly special—mead! That's honey wine for those keeping track, and they're the only ones crafting this ancient libation down the Shore. This charming family-owned spot has been creating liquid gold since 2019, with flavors that'll make your taste buds dance: think ginger and vanilla for the adventurous, or cocoa nibs and chipotle peppers for those feeling extra fancy. Whether you're a mead newbie or a honey wine connoisseur, their cozy tasting room is the perfect place to discover your new favorite buzz-worthy beverage!

Beach Bee Meadery, 89 Long Branch Avenue, Long Branch

💸 Summer Splurge Alert!

Pack your platinum cards, folks! This August, America's priciest getaways are serving up some serious sticker shock. Leading the charge is Nantucket at a jaw-dropping $621 per night, followed by Martha's Vineyard at $532—proving that Massachusetts islands know how to empty your wallet in style! Montauk rounds out the top three at $512, while the Northeast completely dominates this list with spots like Saratoga Springs, Burlington, and multiple Maine destinations all cracking the top 10.

Here are the 10 most wallet-busting destinations for August 2025, with rates for the cheapest available double room (taxes and fees included).

1. Nantucket (MA) $621
2. Martha's Vineyard (MA) $532
3. Montauk (NY) $512
4. Saratoga Springs (NY) $389
5. Burlington (VT) $387
5. Kennebunkport (ME) $387
7. Bar Harbor (ME) $374
8. Provincetown (MA) $373
9. Huntington Beach (CA) $351
10.Portland (ME) $346

For the full list, visit cheaphotels.org

🎡Boardwalk Beat

Here’s what’s happening down the shore from Aug. 6-13.

🗓️ Wednesday, August 7

🗼 National Lighthouse Day
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, North Wildwood
FREE admission! 🆓
609-600-1561 | www.HerefordLighthouse.org

🗼 National Lighthouse Day
Cape May Point State Park | 215 Lighthouse Ave., Cape May
609-884-5404 | 800-275-4278 | www.capemaymac.org

🏖️ Sand Sculpting Contest
Registration starts 9:00 AM | Judging at 11:00 AM | Ocean City
6th Street Beach | Open to kids, teens, adults and families
FREE registration 🆓 | 609-399-6111 | www.oceancityvacation.com

🗓️ Friday, August 9

🏡 Hearth & Home 
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May
Village activities focusing on domestic arts of spinning, weaving and open-hearth cooking 🧶🍳
Continues through August 10 | www.hcsv.org

📆Mark Your Calendar

Get Your Heart Checked – Special Screening Event
August 27, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Riverview Medical Center, Booker Community Room, 1 Riverview Plaza, Red Bank 07701

Take charge of your heart health with this comprehensive screening. Tests include:

• Carotid artery ultrasound (stroke risk)

• Heart rhythm check

• Blood pressure screening

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm and peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening

You’ll receive a color report of your results, educational materials, and a one-on-one consultation with a registered nurse.

Fee: Special rate $49.95
Registration required

🎉 Happy 72nd Birthday, Al P. of Fair Haven! 🎂
Wishing you a day as bright as the summer sun and as sweet as birthday cake!

You share your special day with legends Lucille Ball 🎭 pop art pioneer Andy Warhol 🎨 and film director M. Night Shyamalan 🎥. And on this day in history, the World Wide Web went live 🌐 (1991) and NASA’s Curiosity Rover landed on Mars 🚀 (2012). Here’s to another orbit around the sun, Al—may it be out of this world! 🌟

🎬That’s a wrap for this week!

A huge shoutout to the Monmouth County Library crew 📚💙—you keep our community learning, laughing, and loving every season. Thanks for making our summer brighter! 🌞

❓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