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Weekly Senior News & Events Roundup
NJ Property Tax Relief, Great Camping Spots, Mobile County Services & More!
Better With Age NJ team
March 19, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes
It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!
🌸 Hello and Happy Spring! 🌼 The season of blooming flowers, warmer days, and fresh beginnings is here—let’s make the most of it! 🌞✨
☀️Weather Watcher: Today will be mostly sunny with a high of 61 degrees. Thursday brings a 40% chance of showers after 2 pm 🌂, and Thursday night is likely to be rainy ⛈️ with a low of 37 degrees. Friday starts with a 30% chance of showers before 8 am ☁️, but clears up to be breezy and mostly sunny with a high of 47. The weekend is looking great: mostly sunny on Saturday with a high of 57 🌞, and Sunday wraps up the week with more sunshine and a high of 62.
👀What’s on tap today:
New combined application for property tax relief
Great South Jersey camping spots
Upcoming events this week
Up first…
New combined applications for property tax relief programs
New Jersey has begun distributing applications for its property tax relief programs. The state Treasury Department has mailed out the new combined PAS-1 application to over 578,000 eligible residents. This form allows seniors aged 65 and older, disabled homeowners, and mobile homeowners to apply for ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ benefits simultaneously.
Key points:
The PAS-1 application has been available online since mid-February and is now being sent out in paper form.
The deadline for submitting the PAS-1 application is October 31, 2025.
Benefits will start being distributed from July 5, 2025, on a rolling basis.
Most other homeowners and renters eligible for ANCHOR benefits will receive confirmation letters this summer.
ANCHOR benefit amounts remain unchanged: up to $1,750 for senior homeowners and $700 for senior renters, based on income.
Senior Freeze eligibility requires total annual income of $168,268 or less in 2024 and $163,050 or less in 2023.
Stay NJ, a new program, offers up to $6,500 for senior homeowners earning up to $500,000 annually.
Online filers must verify their identity through ID.me, while paper filers cannot opt for direct deposit.
All programs are subject to state budget appropriations, with the Fiscal Year 2026 budget due by July 1.
This streamlined application process aims to simplify access to property tax relief for eligible New Jersey residents. Learn more here.
🗳️ News for New Jersey Voters! 🗳️
Did you know that Governor Phil Murphy recently signed a new law extending the early in-person voting period for primary elections? 🤔 Starting this year, you'll have six days instead of three to cast your ballot in person during non-presidential election years! 📆 For the 2025 Primary Election on June 10th, early voting will kick off on Tuesday, June 3rd, and run through Sunday, June 8th. This means you have more flexibility to vote at a time that suits you best! 🕒 Want to learn more about early voting in Monmouth County? Click here to find out all the details!
🌟 Stay connected with Monmouth County's Mobile County Connection! 🌟
Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, County Sheriff Shaun Golden, and County Surrogate Maureen T. Raisch are bringing essential government services right to your doorstep! 🚚 The Mobile County Connection is a fantastic initiative that visits various locations across Monmouth County, making it easier for residents to access important services without having to travel far.
Here are some upcoming dates for the Mobile County Connection:
Wednesday, March 19: Visit the Marlboro Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and take advantage of convenient, on-site assistance from Monmouth County's Constitutional Offices.
Wednesday, April 16: Head to the Monmouth County Library at Bell Works in Holmdel (101 Crawfords Corner Road) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a range of services.
Wednesday, April 23: Stop by the Long Branch Library (328 Broadway) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for another opportunity to access these valuable services.
At these events, you can enjoy services like:
Passport Applications and Renewals 🛂️
Passport Photos 📸
Veterans’ Discount and Gold Star Family Cards 🎖️
County Identification Cards 📝
Free Notary Services 🖊️
Election/Voter Information 🗳️
Property Fraud Alert Program 🚨
Probate and Estate Administration Information 📜
E-Probate Filing Module Assistance 💻
So, mark your calendars and take advantage of these convenient opportunities! 📅Learn more here.
Prime Time News 📰
50 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2025: To help you take that first step, Travel + Leisure and Investopedia teamed up to compile a list of the 50 best places to retire in the U.S., broken down by region. Travel & Leisure, March 11.
Four Weddings and No Funeral: According to a recent study YouGov conducted for the think tank Theos, 47% of people no longer want a funeral or ceremony when they die. Next Avenue, March 14.
Social Security New Rule: Overpayments Must Be Paid Back 100%. Why It Matters: As of March 27, the SSA will require beneficiaries who have been accidentally overpaid to repay 100% of the money, reversing a previous policy that allowed for only 10% recoupment. Kiplinger, March 10.
Nine Tips to Declutter Your Home Before Your Retirement Move: Planning to declutter your home — whether you're moving or downsizing — can be overwhelming. Here's how to do it. Kiplinger, March 13.
🏕️Escape to the South Jersey Shore: A Senior's Camping Paradise!
Are you ready for a relaxing getaway where you can unwind and soak up the beauty of nature? The South Jersey Shore is calling your name! With its stunning coastline, peaceful campsites, and cozy cabin rentals, you'll find the perfect spot to recharge and connect with loved ones. From scenic hiking trails to charming coastal towns, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Let's dive into the top six campgrounds that will make your trip unforgettable!
A hidden gem for nature lovers with diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
Perfect for hiking, fishing, and boating.
Ocean View Resort Campground 🏖️
New Jersey's largest privately-owned campground with spacious sites and modern amenities.
Close to Wildwood's boardwalk and Cape May Zoo.
Sea Pines 🏞️
Spacious RV sites and cozy cottages amidst a wooded setting.
Enjoy mini golf, fishing, and sports courts.
Lakefront cottages and cabins surrounded by pines and oaks.
Themed weekends, bingo, and outdoor movies.
Ponderosa Campground 🏊♀️
Family-owned with a pirate ship play area and saltwater pool.
Just 3 miles from Avalon Beach.
Located in the scenic Pine Barrens with full RV hookups and rustic cabins.
Enjoy kayaking, birdwatching, and relaxing by the campfire.
So pack your bags, grab your walking shoes, and get ready for an adventure that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired! 😊
🎵 Magical Music: Candlelight Concerts! 🎵
Get ready for an enchanting evening of music! 🌟 Candlelight Concerts are here to bring classical music to everyone in a truly magical way. Imagine being surrounded by thousands of candles as talented musicians perform iconic pieces.🕯️
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 6 PM, the Listeso String Quartet will dazzle you with compositions by Hans Zimmer, including 'Discombobulate' from Sherlock Holmes, 'This Land' from The Lion King, and the Pirates of the Caribbean Suite! 🎶
Where: Pollak Theatre
When: Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 6 PM
Tickets: Starting at just $28! 🎟️
Don't miss this unforgettable experience! Grab your tickets now and enjoy the magic of Candlelight Concerts! ✨
🎉 Upcoming Events 🎉
Here's a fun list of events happening across New Jersey this weekend.
March 21-23: NJ Makers Day Weekend 🤖
Celebrate creativity and innovation at this statewide event, featuring hands-on activities and exhibits across various locations in New Jersey.
March 22: Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade 🍀
Join the festive fun in Highlands, Monmouth County, with a lively parade celebrating Irish culture.
March 22: Get Double the Blues at The Lizzie Rose Music Room 🎸
Enjoy an evening of blues music in Tuckerton, Ocean County, at this intimate music venue.
March 22: Uncork Spring! A Food & Wine Experience 🍷
Savor local flavors and wines in Carteret, Middlesex County, as spring arrives.
March 22 & 23: Easter EGGspress at DiDonato’s Family Fun Center 🥚
Experience a fun Easter-themed event in Hammonton, Atlantic County, perfect for families and seniors alike.
March 22 & 23: Spring Artisan Market at Grounds For Sculpture 🎨
Explore unique crafts and art at this market in Hamilton, Mercer County, amidst beautiful sculpture gardens.
March 23: Winter FRESH in Ocean Grove ❄️
Enjoy a refreshing day out in Ocean Grove, Monmouth County, with shopping at this indoor food market.
What's New on TV This Week 📺
Here's a rundown of the exciting new releases hitting your favorite streaming platforms:
"Anora" on Hulu 🎥
This Oscar-winning film, an R-rated, dark comedy directed by Sean Baker, debuted on Hulu on Monday. It's a gripping story about a whirlwind affair that takes a dark turn.
"Wicked" on Peacock 🎵
Get ready to defy gravity! The Oscar-nominated musical "Wicked" starts streaming on Peacock on Friday, March 21. Enjoy the theatrical version, a sing-along version, and bonus content for super fans. Director Jon M. Chu brings the Broadway classic to life with an all-star cast, including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
"Sing Sing" on Max 🎭
This inspiring film about inmates finding solace in theater arrives on Max on Friday, March 21. Despite not taking home any Oscars, it's a must-watch for its powerful portrayal of the transformative power of art.
"Good American Family" on Hulu 📚
Ellen Pompeo stars in this new series, premiering on Wednesday. It's based on the true story of Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian-born orphan at the center of a dramatic adoption controversy.
"Happy Face" on Paramount+ 📺
This gripping series debuts on Thursday, telling the story of Melissa G. Moore, whose father is the infamous Happy Face Killer. Starring Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid, it's a chilling exploration of family secrets and redemption.
Stay tuned for more updates on your favorite shows and movies! 📺
🌟 SCAN Office Closure 🌟The SCAN (Senior Citizens Activities Network) office in the Monmouth Mall is closed due to unexpected water damage caused by construction. All in-person classes are cancelled or moved to Zoom for the week. Stay tuned for updates on when the office will reopen! 📚 Learn more here.
💰SENIOR SAVINGS SCOOP 💰 Did you know? At AMC Theatres, seniors 60 and over can save on regular adult-priced tickets any day of the week, starting at noon!
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!
🎉 Happy 82nd Birthday, Margie Webster of Middletown! 🎂🎈 Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and wonderful memories! 💐🥳
A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Margie include actress Glenn Close (1947), actor Bruce Willis (1955) and Albert Einstein (1897-1955).
Thanks for reading!
A special shoutout goes to the team behind Monmouth County's Mobile County Connection! 🚚 Your efforts to bring essential government services closer to our senior communities are truly appreciated! 🙏
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Question, comments or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected]
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! 🌟
Don't miss the Casual Birder event on Tuesday, March 25 at 9 a.m. at Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area in Manasquan! 🌳 Join a Park System Naturalist for a relaxed morning bird walk – no expertise needed, and binoculars are available to borrow. It's FREE! 🎉 See you there! 🐦