It’s blueberry season in New Jersey

Author

Better With Age NJ team
June 20, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes

It's Thursday, New Jersey!

🥵🔥And it's also another day of intense heat forecast for the Garden State.  Bergen County has opened several emergency cooling centers throughout the county to help residents stay cool during the current heat wave. They will be open through Friday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • County Administration Building: One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, (201) 336-7300

  • Garfield Senior Activity Center: (973) 478-0502 480 Midland Avenue, Garfield

  • Northwest Bergen Senior Activity Center: 46-50 Center Street, Midland Park, NJ (201) 445-5690

  • Southwest Bergen Senior Activity Center: 147 Hackensack Street, East Rutherford, NJ; (201) 935-8920         

In addition, several municipalities are designating public spaces such as public libraries, shopping centers, recreation, and senior centers as cooling centers. Residents requiring a ride to a County emergency cooling center may call 201-394-2882 during between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Emergency requests may be arranged after hours by dialing 201-707-1082. It is recommended that residents stay indoors if possible from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest and burns and heat strokes are more likely to occur.  All age groups are at risk for heat stroke so please take necessary precautions if you have to be outdoors, including wearing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and staying properly hydrated.

☀️Weather: Mostly sunny, high 94

👀What's on tap today:

  • NJ Agriculture officials kick off blueberry season in New Jersey

  • New Jersey diner owner who is blind dishes out friendship and inspiration

  • Weekend events across the Garden State

Up first...

It’s blueberry season in New Jersey

🫐🫐New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn marked the start of the state's blueberry season with a visit to Macrie Brothers Blueberry Farm in Atlantic County. During the farm tour, Wengryn, accompanied by state and local officials, highlighted the availability of locally grown produce at farmers markets and stores statewide. He emphasized the significance of blueberries as a key crop for New Jersey, praising the dedication of growers like the Macrie Brothers who have built an international reputation for the state's blueberries. In 2023, blueberries had a production value of $92.1 million, making them New Jersey's top-selling crop, with farmers harvesting 50 million pounds on 10,800 acres.

The Macrie Brothers, who have been cultivating blueberries since 1953, now operate an 800-acre farm and are active in various agricultural advisory councils. They anticipate an excellent season with large, juicy blueberries defining their harvest. Paul Macrie expressed optimism about the season, noting favorable weather and expected high volume. The family’s commitment to industry advancement through volunteering and technology ensures the delivery of high-quality berries. The blueberry season, peaking in July, can see production rates of up to 300,000 crates per day, with blueberries being celebrated for their health benefits as "King of Antioxidants."

NJ Agriculture Dept. officials visit the Macrie blueberry farm in Atlantic County.

The tour also included Walkingbird Farm in Galloway Township, a 40-acre family farm operated by Jen and Ryan LaMonaca. Originally B&B Farms, the LaMonacas took ownership in 2020, naming it Walkingbird Farm to reflect their environmental commitment. The farm offers u-pick crops, a CSA program, and a seasonal market, emphasizing community connections and high-quality produce. Jen LaMonaca, also president of the Atlantic County Board of Agriculture, highlighted the farm's role in fostering relationships among local farmers and artisans. For more information on where to find Jersey Fresh blueberries and recipes, visit www.FindJerseyFresh.com.

And try making some Jersey Fresh Blueberry Jam. Here’s the recipe!

NJ NEWS BRIEFS

  • New Jersey fines Walmart over in-store pricing practices. Reuters

  • NJ diner owner who is blind dishes out friendship and inspiration. CBS

  • ‘The Sopranos’ cast talks show's success 25 years after premiere YouTube

  • Juneteenth celebrates just one of the United State’s 20 empancipation days. NJ Monitor

UPCOMING EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

June 17 – 23 – The North To Shore Jersey festival (Asbury Park, Monmouth County)
June 20 – 22 – St. Ann’s Italian Festa in Raritan (Raritan, Somerset County)
June 20 – 23 – Barefoot Country Music Fest (Wildwood, Cape May County)
June 20 – 30 – State Fair Meadowlands (East Rutherford, Bergen County)
June 21 – The Haddon Township Summer Solstice Music Festival (Haddon Twp, Camden County)
June 21  – Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point (Somers Point, Atlantic County)
June 21 – AWA Barking Lot Sips & Brews (Voorhees, Camden County)
June 21 – 23 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream (West Windsor, Mercer County)
June 22 – Ocean Grove NJ Town-Wide Yard Sale (Ocean Grove, Monmouth County)
June 22 – Taco Palooza (Hopatcong, Morris County)
June 22 – North2Shore AC Street Art (Atlantic City, Atlantic County)
June 22  – Bayonne Juneteenth Festival (Bayonne, Hudson County)
June 22 – NJBA Battleship Beer Fest (Camden, Camden County)
June 22 – 13th Annual Taste of Highlands (Highlands, Monmouth County)
June 22 & 23 – Garden State Comic Fest (Morristown, Morris County)
June 22 & 23 – Makers Alley Spring/Summer 2024 Exhibition (Lambertville, Hunterdon County)
June 22 & 23 – Blues, Wine, and BBQ (Mullica Hill, Gloucester County)
June 22 & 23 – Fantasy Faire (Millville, Cumberland County)
June 23 – Clark’s Rock The Block Street Fair (Clark, Union County)
June 23 – Montclair Film’s Annual FREE Movie Night Under The Stars (Montclair, Essex County)
June 23 – Kiefer Sutherland Live in Concert (Newton, Sussex County)
June 23 – Brubeck Brothers Quartet (Newton, Sussex County)
June 23 – Murder Mystery Dinner at Four Sisters Winery (Belvidere, Warren County)
June 24 – Seafood Feast at Coastal Cuisine (Brielle, Ocean County)
June 24 – 30 – The North To Shore Jersey festival (Newark, Essex County)

IN THE PARKS THIS WEEKEND

  • 19th Century Woodworking Demonstration 
    Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
    Watch as a woodworker studies his materials, plies his tools, and crafts beautiful and functional items. FREE!  

  • Cookstove Demonstration   
    Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.   
    Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
    See what's cooking on the woodstove and discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. FREE!   

  • Thompson Park Canoe Rentals  
    Saturday & Sunday, June 22 & 23 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.   
    Thompson Park, Lincroft
    Canoes will be available for rent on Marlu Lake. All equipment provided; limited number of canoes available. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. All rentals must be returned by 3 p.m. Fee is $15 per boat for 1-3 people for two hours. Cash or check only.

  • Historic Portland Place Guided Tours   
    Saturday & Sunday, June 22 & 23 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
    Historic Portland Place - Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust
    Tour this beautifully restored 18th century house with exhibits that help tell the story of the region's history and the Hartshorne family legacy in Monmouth County. Tours are limited to 10 persons and may be suspended during inclement weather; visitors must register at the site's Visitor Center the day of the tour. FREE!        

  • Historic Battery Lewis Tours 
    Saturday & Sunday, June 22 & 23 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.    
    Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands
    Tour the restored Historic Battery Lewis in the Rocky Point section of the park, and learn about the history of this important former coastal defense site. FREE!       

  • Milling Demonstrations
    Saturday & Sunday, June 22 & 23 at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
    Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
    See the 19th century gristmill grind corn into meal. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. FREE!

  • Story Time at Walnford 
    Sunday, June 23 from 11-11:45 a.m.    
    Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
    Join us for story time beside the picturesque Crosswicks Creek. Children are welcome to bring a snack and a mat, blanket or towel to sit on. During inclement weather, story time will take place in the Cow Barn. FREE!    

  • Victorian Laundry Demonstration   
    Sunday, June 23 from 12-2:30 p.m.   
    Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
    From lighting the wood stove to ironing the aprons, we cover loads of material during this demonstration of a late-Victorian laundry day.  FREE!    

SUMMER FUN WITH THE GRANDKIDS

👵👴On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, June 24 to Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to noon, the Monmouth County Park System will host "Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay" at Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth. Led by Park System Naturalists, this free program invites area residents to discover what lives and swims in the bay by pulling a long seining net through the water. Designed for individuals and families, this program is open to all ages, under 18 with adult. Participants should meet on the beach near the parking lot. Closed-toe shoes are required. Please note that this offering is weather permitting. For more information call 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the Park System TTY/TDD number is 711.

ETCETERA

  • Don’t take all your cash with you to the beach and other tips to avoid theft during a Hawaii holiday. Associated Press

  • Derek Jeter’s New York castle may finally have a buyer. Associated Press

  • Coffee, sculptures and financial advice: Banks try to make new branches less intimidating. Associated Press

  • Netflix is turning former department stores into entertainment centers.  Variety

  • Team USA’s new Olympic uniforms revealed. CNN

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

🎂Happy 87th Birthday to Alma Sabatini of Ocean City! 🎉🌸Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and cherished memories. May your special day be as extraordinary as you! 🌟🎂💐 Here's to many more years of happiness and good health! 🥂🎈🎁

A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Alma include:

  • Lionel Richie (born 1949) - American singer, songwriter, composer, and record producer, famous for hits like "Hello" and "All Night Long."

  • Nicole Kidman (born 1967) - Australian-American actress and producer, known for her roles in films like "Moulin Rouge!" and "The Hours."

  • John Goodman (born 1952) - American actor, known for his role as Dan Conner on the television series "Roseanne" and for his work in films like "The Big Lebowski."

  • Errol Flynn (born 1909, died 1959) - Australian-American actor, best known for his swashbuckling roles in films like "The Adventures of Robin Hood."

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been."

Mark Twain

TODAY IN HISTORY

Here are some notable events that occurred on June 20:

  1. 1840 – Samuel Morse Receives Patent for the Telegraph: Samuel Morse, the inventor of Morse code, was granted a patent for the telegraph. This invention revolutionized long-distance communication.

  2. 1863 – West Virginia Admitted as the 35th U.S. State: During the American Civil War, West Virginia separated from Virginia and was admitted to the Union as a separate state.

  3. 1893 – Lizzie Borden Acquitted: Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts. The case became one of the most infamous in American legal history.

  4. 1947 – The Hollywood Blacklist: The Taft-Hartley Act was passed by Congress, requiring union leaders to swear they were not communists. This led to the Hollywood blacklist, where entertainment professionals were denied employment because of suspected communist ties.

  5. 1975 – Jaws Released in Theaters: Directed by Steven Spielberg, "Jaws" was released in theaters. It became a massive box office success and is credited with creating the concept of the summer blockbuster.

🙏😊Thanks for reading! Do you have news to share of interest to older adults in New Jersey? Email us at [email protected]

⏩Share this newsletter with a friend: Use the following link: https://betterwithagenj-newsletter-b594a7.beehiiv.com/subscribe