Your Jersey Guide to Good Times: From Luau Food Trucks to Cat Expos

It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!

Wait… how is it mid-July already?!
We blinked and suddenly it’s peak Jersey summer — the shore’s packed, the AC’s working overtime, and your neighbor’s tomatoes are winning the neighborhood produce war (again). But don’t sweat it — unless you’re actually outside, in which case… hydrate! We've got fresh events, cool tips, and plenty of ways to enjoy every last scoop of summer. Let’s get to it!

👀What’s on tap today

1. 🎨 Festive & Fun:
Hackettstown’s street fair and Harvey Cedars’ arts festival are calling your name! Expect crafts, food, and small-town charm.

2. 🧀 Cheese, Cats & Cheers:
Whether you're into gourmet melts at Unionville Vineyards or meeting fancy felines at the Garden State Cat Expo, there's something quirky and delightful waiting this weekend.

3. 🌴 Surprise Retirement Haven:
Why are seniors rushing to Myrtle Beach? We’ve got the scoop on the coastal town’s unexpected transformation into a golden-years getaway.

Up first…

News & Notes

🎉 Celebrate 50 Years of Fun at the Monmouth County Fair! 🎡

Mark your calendar! The Monmouth County Fair is turning 50 — and you’re invited to the party next week! From Wednesday, July 23 to Sunday, July 27, head to the East Freehold Showgrounds for five days of classic fair fun, live entertainment, and community pride.

✨ Opening night features hot air balloon rides and fireworks (weather permitting!)
🎶 Enjoy music all week long — from Yasgur’s Farm to a Tribute to Elton John
🎭 Watch jugglers, dinosaur puppets, pro wrestlers, and stunt dogs wow the crowd
🌼 Check out the Home & Garden Tent and admire crafts, flowers, honey, and more
🎠 Feeling adventurous? Grab a ride wristband and enjoy unlimited thrills!

💵 Admission: $10 for adults, but seniors 65+ get in FREE on Sunday, July 27!
💸 Early birds get half-price admission during the first two hours each day!

Come for the memories, stay for the magic — this milestone fair is the perfect way to celebrate summer in Monmouth County. 🥳

📍 Full schedule & details: MonmouthCountyFair.com

Grandkid Corner: Pie + Prizes = Sweet Summer Fun! 🥧🏆

Calling all little pie lovers! 🍓 The Monmouth County Fair’s pie-eating contest is back on Sunday, July 27, and it’s a blast for all ages!

👧 Ages 12 & under compete at 12:30 p.m.
🧑 Ages 13 & up go at 12:45 p.m.
📍 On-site sign-up starts at 11 a.m. at the Main Stage
👕 All participants get a fun t-shirt
🏅 Winners go home with a trophy — and a full belly!

Pies are donated by Wemrock Orchards (yum!).

🦟 Mosquito Control Awareness

Bzzzz... it’s that time of year again! Mosquito season is in full swing, and these pesky biters can carry health risks. Monmouth County Commissioners are reminding residents to take a few simple steps to stay healthy this summer.

🧴 Wear repellent
👕 Cover up with long sleeves and pants
🌅 Avoid outdoor time at dawn and dusk
💧 Dump standing water in flower pots, birdbaths & buckets

🚪Dealing with a mosquito invasion? You can request a free home inspection from the County's Mosquito Control Division to help you find and fix mosquito breeding spots.

Learn more at visitmonmouth.com or follow @MonmouthGovNJ on social. A few small actions can make your summer a whole lot more comfortable — and healthier too!

🌳 In the Parks This Week: Music, Moths & More! 🎶🦋🎭

Looking for something fun, free, and outdoorsy? Monmouth County parks are buzzing (literally!) with activity this week — here’s what’s happening:

🎸 Concert in the Park: Country Night
Friday, July 18 • 7–8:30 p.m.
Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft
Get your boots tappin’ with Austin City Nights – modern country with a classic rock twist. Bring chairs, snacks & soft drinks. If it rains, we move indoors!

🦋 Moths of the Night
Friday, July 18 • 9–10:30 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
Discover the nighttime world of New Jersey’s 1,500+ moth species. We’ll see which fluttery friends show up under the lights!

🎹 Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
Saturday, July 19 • 1–3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Step back in time and enjoy charming tunes on the accordion as you stroll the farm.

🎻 Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Jam
Sunday, July 20 • 1–3 p.m.
Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft
Grab your banjo or just kick back and enjoy the toe-tappin’ sounds of a live bluegrass jam!

📖 Open Mic Poetry: Comedy & Tragedy
Sunday, July 20 • 3–4:30 p.m.
Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft
Read your own poems or share a favorite classic. All ages welcome! (Pre-register to read: 732-542-1642, ext. 4648)

🎟️ All events are FREE — so bring a friend, a chair, and your love for the arts and outdoors!

📚 At the Library This Week: Health, Harmony & Stephen King! 🎶📖💊

Looking for a cool (and free!) way to spend your week? Your local libraries have something for every mood — from mindful movement to mystery, from ragtime tunes to book bargains:

🪑 Chair Yoga with Stacy Newfeld
Monday, July 21 • 10–11 AM • Holmdel Branch
Gentle movement, deep breathing, and a moment of calm to start your week right.

🃏 Learn to Play Bridge
Monday, July 21 • 6–8:30 PM • Manalapan HQ
Already know the ropes? Come play and connect with fellow card lovers.

🎭 Medication & the Older Adult (WISE Program)
Thursday, July 17 • 10 AM–12 PM • Marlboro Branch
Learn how to manage medications safely. Vital info, friendly faces!

🎹 Showtunes Sing-Along with Laurie Gold
Thursday, July 17 • 1–2 PM • Marlboro Branch
Broadway classics and piano magic — come sing your heart out!

👻 Stephen King Book Club: It
Thursday, July 17 • 7–8 PM • Atlantic Highlands
Eerie sewer monsters, childhood promises, and a chilling good time.

⚓ Historically Speaking: The Wreck of the Manasquan
Thursday, July 17 • 7–8 PM • Online (Zoom)
Join diver/historian Dan Lieb to uncover the mystery behind a shipwreck off our coast.

✍️ Silent Writing Club
Saturday, July 19 • 11 AM–1 PM • Hazlet Branch
Bring your notebook, grab a prompt, and finally start that memoir or poem.

🎉 GIANT Book Sale!
Wednesday, July 23 • 10 AM–8 PM • Ocean Twp. Branch
Thousands of books, CDs, DVDs & vinyl — all beautifully organized and priced to go!

🦟 BUG OFF!! Mosquito & Tick Safety
Wednesday, July 23 • 1:30–2:30 PM • Eastern Branch (Shrewsbury)
Protect yourself and your grandkids this summer with tips from the experts.

🎼 Fred Lehotay & the Ragtimers in Concert
Wednesday, July 23 • 2–3 PM • Howell Branch
Foot-stomping ragtime, light refreshments, and lots of smiles.

🕊️ Lost & Found: Bereavement Support Group
Wednesday, July 23 • 6:45–8 PM • Manalapan HQ
Gentle support for those navigating life after loss.

🧠 Did You Know?
Museum passes are available to cardholders! Visit the Intrepid, Battleship NJ, and more — ask your librarian how.

🚨 Scam Alert
Don’t Get Zapped by Fake Utility Calls! ⚡📞

Seniors across the region are being targeted by scammers pretending to be from your power or gas company — and they’re turning up the pressure!

🔌 The scheme: You get a call saying you owe money or that a “service switch” has triggered a cancellation fee. They demand payment right now — via gift card, crypto, or prepaid debit card. Sound fishy? It is.

🧓 “Don’t panic and don’t pay,” says AARP. Real utility companies NEVER call demanding payment out of the blue, and they’ll never ask for gift cards or crypto.

🛑 Here’s how to stay safe:
✅ Stay calm — real shutoffs come with plenty of warning
✅ Hang up and call the number on your actual bill
✅ Never share bank info, Social Security numbers, or codes
✅ Report suspicious calls to your utility, the FTC, or local police

📞 Need help? Call AARP’s Fraud Watch helpline: 1-877-908-3360
Or report scams online at reportfraud.ftc.gov

🧠 Remember: If it feels urgent or fishy, it’s probably phony!

💊 Smarter Prescriptions, Safer Care

Hackensack Meridian Health is teaming up with tech company DrFirst to make getting and understanding your medications easier and safer — all thanks to artificial intelligence (AI).

With this new system, doctors can quickly access your medication history and insurance info, cut down on paperwork, and help avoid prescription mix-ups. You'll also get personalized messages about your meds, including cost-saving options and instructions — no app needed!

It's a high-tech step toward better care, less confusion, and fewer delays. 🏥✨

New Blood Test Brings Hope for Earlier Alzheimer’s Detection

Great news for seniors and caregivers! Quest Diagnostics, based in Secaucus, is rolling out an FDA-cleared blood test that can help doctors spot signs of Alzheimer’s disease sooner and more easily — with just a simple blood draw.

🧪 The test is designed for adults 50+ who are experiencing memory or cognitive changes.
💡 It uses advanced lab technology to detect proteins linked to Alzheimer’s, and it’s much less invasive (and far more affordable) than traditional scans or spinal taps.
🏥 With a doctor’s order, you can take the test at one of Quest’s many NJ locations.

“This could be a game-changer in how we detect and treat Alzheimer’s,” says Dr. Michael Racke, neurologist and Quest medical director.

📍 Learn more at QuestForTheCure.com

Remember, early detection = better care options and more time for planning.

Cruise News

🌟 New Cruise Ship Alert: Star of the Seas Joins Royal Caribbean Fleet

Royal Caribbean's next showstopper, Star of the Seas, has officially joined the fleet and is set to make waves starting August 2025. The sister ship to the record-breaking Icon of the Seas, this new vessel promises more wow-worthy experiences, from dazzling entertainment to incredible dining and family-friendly adventures.

Seniors looking to sail in style with their children or grandchildren can start booking now—Star of the Seas will debut in Port Canaveral, Florida, with Caribbean itineraries perfect for multigenerational travel.

🛳️ Learn more: Star of the Seas announcement

Tasty Treats

🥔 Still Bringing the Potato Salad (and Proud of It!)

Sure, the younger generation may turn up their noses at mayo and carbs—but we know the truth: no summer barbecue is complete without a big bowl of potato salad! Whether it’s Grandma’s secret recipe or your own creamy creation, this classic side dish never goes out of style. It’s comfort food, conversation starter, and tradition all in one bite. Lettuce wraps? Please. We brought the potatoes.

Here's a classic and delicious potato salad recipe that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or Sunday dinners—and always a hit with both seniors and grandkids!

🥔 Best-Ever Classic Potato Salad
Creamy, tangy, and packed with nostalgic flavor

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped

• ½ small red onion or sweet onion, finely chopped

• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)

• Paprika for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool slightly.

2. Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix it all: In a large bowl, combine potatoes, celery, onion, chopped eggs, and dressing. Toss gently until everything is coated.

4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving (overnight is even better!).

5. Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley and paprika just before serving.

🥔 Reader Tips: How You Make the Perfect Potato Salad

1. “Add a splash of pickle juice!” – Marlene from Red Bank
   “I always mix a spoonful of dill pickle juice into the dressing. It gives the salad a little zing without being overpowering.”

2. “Use half mayo, half sour cream.” – Joe from Freehold
   “For a lighter, tangier dressing, I use half mayonnaise and half sour cream. It makes the texture creamier without being too rich.”

3. “Don’t skip the eggs!” – Evelyn from Middletown
   “Chopped hard-boiled eggs are a must in my potato salad—my grandkids call them ‘little bites of happiness.’”

4. “Chill your potatoes before mixing.” – Ron from Manalapan
   “If you mix warm potatoes with the mayo, it can get mushy. I let mine cool completely first for the best texture.”

Thanks to everyone who participated in our poll! Want to feature your favorite cooking tip in our newsletter? Send it in—we’d love to hear from you! 🍽️

Prime Time News

NJ Makes It Easier for Veterans to Access Health Care on the Go

If you or a loved one is a veteran traveling through New Jersey, there's some great news: the state has partnered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make health care support more accessible—right at your next rest stop.

Starting this month, flyers and posters are being placed at New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway service areas, the Farley Plaza on the Atlantic City Expressway, and NJ TRANSIT stations. These signs provide veterans with key information on:

• Telehealth options through VA Video Connect

• Nearest VA locations for in-person care

• 24/7 Veterans Crisis Line for confidential, immediate support

Whether you're a veteran from New Jersey or just passing through, this initiative makes sure you’re never far from help.

“Helping veterans access health care services is a simple, yet powerful way to show our gratitude,” said Governor Phil Murphy, who announced the initiative on the Welcome Home Veterans Radio Show. The effort follows similar programs in other high-traffic states like Pennsylvania and Nevada.

So next time you're traveling the Turnpike or riding NJ TRANSIT, look for the posters—because access to care shouldn't stop at state lines.

📞 Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then Press 1
💻 Learn more about VA telehealth: va.gov/telehealth

🩺 No More Appeal Fees: NJ Makes It Easier to Fight Denied Insurance Claims

Good news for New Jersey residents: you no longer have to pay a fee to appeal your health insurer’s decision to deny, reduce, or stop your benefits. Governor Phil Murphy just signed a new law that permanently eliminates fees for consumers using the Independent Health Care Appeals Program—a major win for healthcare access and fairness.

This program lets you request an independent review when your insurance company says a treatment or service isn't "medically necessary." And now, thanks to the new law, you can appeal for free.

💬 “Consumers have a right to fully utilize their health insurance,” said Governor Murphy. “By permanently eliminating this fee, we’re giving residents a stronger voice in their health coverage.”

In 2024 alone, over 800 insurance decisions were reversed or modified after consumers used this program. Now, with the financial barrier gone, even more New Jerseyans will be able to challenge unfair insurance decisions without added stress.

Who’s eligible?

• Anyone with individual, small employer, or fully insured large group health plans

• NJFamilyCare participants
  (Just be sure to complete your insurer’s internal appeal process first.)

Need to appeal?
Start at: https://www.state.nj.us/dobi/

🎉 This Week’s Can’t-Miss Events (July 16–20)

From sandcastles to fireworks and foodie fun—grab your sunhat and join the summer joy!

📅 Wednesday, July 16
🏖️ Annual Sandcastle Contest – Belmar (Monmouth County)
Watch the beach turn into a masterpiece gallery of sandy creations. Bring your camera!

🎆 Feast of Mt. Carmel – Berkeley Heights (Union County)
Food, fireworks, rides, and Italian traditions—this 100+ year-old feast is still going strong.

🎬 Newark Black Film Festival (July 16–20) – Newark (Essex County)
A week of thought-provoking films, panels, and cultural celebration at the Newark Museum of Art.

📅 Thursday, July 17
🌽 Galloway Green Market – Galloway (Atlantic County)
Fresh produce, artisan vendors, live music, and hometown charm.

🍷 Dining Out Jersey Foodie Expo – Paramus (Bergen County)
Sample gourmet bites, sip craft cocktails, and discover new favorite restaurants.

🚚 Anglesea Night Market & Food Truck Night – North Wildwood (Cape May County)
Sunset strolls, local eats, and seaside shopping—perfect for a weeknight treat.

🎡 Cape May County Fair (July 17–19) – Cape May Courthouse (Cape May County)
A classic fair with rides, farm animals, food, and old-fashioned fun for all ages.

📅 Friday, July 18
🔍 Murder Mystery Dinner: “Good Riddance!” – Carteret (Middlesex County)
A ‘90s-themed murder mystery with dinner and laughs. Totally tubular!

🫐 Blueberry Summer Fest – Whitesbog Village, Browns Mills (Burlington County)
Celebrate NJ’s state fruit with music, tours, crafts, and fresh-picked blueberries.

🚙 Bronco Invasion (July 18–20) – Wildwood (Cape May County)
Hundreds of Ford Broncos take over the beach. A must for car lovers!

📅 Saturday, July 19
👟 Sandy Sprint 5K Walk/Run – Sea Isle City (Cape May County)
Support ovarian cancer research with this meaningful and scenic coastal run/walk.

🎶 A Grateful Summer Music & Arts Festival – Hackettstown (Warren County)
Tie-dye, tunes, local art, and peace & love vibes for all.

🧩 Autism Fundraiser at Northlandz – Flemington (Hunterdon County)
Support a great cause while exploring one of NJ’s most unique model train attractions.

🎞️ FilmOneFest – Atlantic Highlands (Monmouth County)
Dozens of short films under the stars. Bring a beach chair and settle in!

🎇 Tropicana Fireworks Show – Atlantic City (Atlantic County)
Every Friday night—free fireworks over the Boardwalk. A sparkling end to your day!

📅 Sunday, July 20
🐱 Garden State Cat Expo & Show – Edison (Middlesex County)
Purebred kitties, fun vendors, and plenty of purr-sonality on display.

🧀 Grilled Cheese Weekend at Unionville Vineyards – Ringoes (Hunterdon County)
Wine + gourmet grilled cheese + live music = yes, please!

🌺 Laurita Winery Luau Food Truck Festival – New Egypt (Ocean County)
A Hawaiian-inspired day of food, dancing, wine, and fire shows!

🎨 Harvey Cedars Arts Festival – Harvey Cedars (Ocean County)
One-of-a-kind coastal art and crafts—perfect for browsing or gifting.

🚶‍♂️ Hackettstown Street Fair – Hackettstown (Warren County)
Vendors, food, music, and family fun in charming downtown Hackettstown.

📝 Know of an event coming up?
Email us and we’ll help spread the word in our next issue of Better With Age NJ! 🌟

🎉 Birthday Shoutout: Happy 84th to Richard Kruse of Tinton Falls!
Wishing a wonderful birthday to Richard Kruse, who turns 84 tomorrow, July 17! May your day be filled with laughter, love, and sweet memories with family and friends. 🎂🎈

You're in great company, Richard! Here are a few famous folks who also blow out the candles on July 17:

🎭 Phyllis Diller – Trailblazing comedian who paved the way for generations of funny women.
🎶 Luke Bryan – Country music star known for hits like "Play It Again" and "Country Girl."
🎬 Donald Sutherland – Legendary actor known for roles in MASH*, The Hunger Games, and many more.
📖 Erle Stanley Gardner – Creator of Perry Mason, the iconic fictional defense attorney.

From all of us at Better With Age NJ — Happy Birthday, Richard! 🎉

One Last Thing

Myrtle Beach is now the fastest-growing U.S. metro for seniors

Once known as “Dirty Myrtle” for its wild biker scene and rowdy nightlife, Myrtle Beach has undergone a makeover—and retirees are loving it! The U.S. Census Bureau recently revealed that this coastal gem is now the nation’s fastest-growing metro for residents aged 65+, with a 6.3% increase over the past year and a whopping 22% surge since 2020.

Here’s why the silver set can’t resist:

• Sun, sand & serenity: Thought you knew Myrtle Beach? Picture its mile-long boardwalk and iconic Ferris wheel—now trading in live music and late-night cruises for pickleball courts, cozy diners, and peaceful beachside strolls.

• Perks from the pandemic: Folks from New York, Ohio, and beyond swapped chilly winters for remote work—or early retirement—under South Carolina’s sunny skies, low taxes, and easy pace .

• Aging with style… and numbers: Seniors now count for over 25% of Myrtle’s ~413,000 residents, far outpacing the national senior growth rate of 3.1%, while kids are dipping.

Read more here: Associated Press

🎬That’s a wrap!

🔒 Special Shoutout: To the Seniors Who Speak Up!
This week, we’re tipping our hats to the seniors who aren’t afraid to report scams—and we mean it! Whether it's a suspicious phone call, a fishy email, or a fake “grandchild in trouble,” it takes courage and wisdom to speak up, share your story, and protect others in the process.

💬 Reporting a scam isn’t embarrassing—it’s empowering.
You're helping neighbors, friends, and even total strangers stay one step ahead of today’s trickiest fraudsters.

So here’s to the truth-tellers, the phone hanger-uppers, and the brave souls who call the bank, tell a family member, or report it to the authorities. You’re our fraud-fighting heroes! 🛡️❤️

📞 If you spot a scam, report it:
1-877-FTC-HELP or ReportFraud.ftc.gov

❓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