From Puzzles to Pot Roast Pie: What’s Buzzing This Week in Monmouth

👋Hey there, Monmouth friends!

It may be cold out there, but your calendar’s heating up. We’ve got history talks, puzzle showdowns, new restaurant buzz, smart winter tips, and even a cozy chair yoga sesh waiting for you at the library. Plus, Freehold just made a national foodie list, and a sizzling new spot is headed for Asbury Park.

So pour something warm, scroll on down, and let’s catch up…

📚 Beyond the Books: Medicare Q&As, genealogy club, chair yoga, and a Burr-Hamilton faceoff

🧩 Library Spotlight: Jigsaw puzzle tournament & revolutionary lectures you’ll want to register for ASAP

🍽️ Local Flavor: Freehold’s 618 lands on Yelp’s Top 100 + new Peruvian hotspot coming to Asbury

🧤 Senior Safety: FirstEnergy’s 12 cold snap survival tips (plus outage help + bill support links)

🍖 In the Kitchen: What’s trending with beef in 2026 — global bites, quick recipes & nostalgic faves

🌱 In the Parks: February events to get you moving (and crafting with groundhogs 🐾)

🌿 Did You Know? Your local senior center is bursting with events — check out the full list!

Up first…

Yelp just dropped its Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. for 2026, and guess who made the cut? That’s right — Freehold’s very own 618 checked in at No. 95 on the list.

Opened in 2016, this modern American spot is known for its crowd-pleasing menu — think housemade pastas, fresh seafood, steaks done right, and a wedding venue that gets rave reviews too.

How did Yelp pick their faves? It’s all based on review volume, star ratings, and health score data — and Jersey didn’t disappoint.

Hungry for the full list? Check it out on Yelp. Then maybe grab a reservation before everyone else does. 😎

But wait, there’s more...

🌶️ Esquina No. 525 is heating things up in Asbury Park this spring! Originally slated to be an Indian concept, the restaurant pivoted to Peruvian-inspired Latin cuisine, blending coastal flair with bold flavors and a breezy, beachy vibe. The spot will feature a killer cocktail program and open at — you guessed it — 525 Cookman Ave., formerly home to The Bonney Read and The Mainstay.

The restaurant comes from the Hungry Trio group (the same folks behind Aarzu in Freehold and Ramen Nagomi), and while the Indian concept is on pause, the owners say it’s still on the roadmap for Asbury.

📍 Stay tuned for the grand opening date. In the meantime, you can already smell the spices from here.

Live music under the stars? Count us in. The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Monmouth County Tourism just dropped the first three names in their ParkStage Summer 2026 lineup — and it’s looking like a real crowd-pleaser.

🎤 Here’s who’s taking the stage:

🎟️ Tickets go on sale Friday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m.
Get yours at parkstage.org or Ticketmaster before they’re gone!

This new outdoor venue at the East Freehold Park Fairgrounds will be a marquee destination for live music, comedy, and entertainment — all part of Monmouth County’s celebration of America 250 and the Basie’s 100th anniversary.

💬 “ParkStage is going to create unforgettable summer nights and support local businesses,” said County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone. We couldn’t agree more.

Pro tip: Free on-site parking, scenic vibes, and VIP options available. Stay tuned for more acts to be announced!

As winter digs in, FirstEnergy wants to keep you safe, warm, and in control of your power bill. A few smart habits can go a long way during extreme cold — and help prevent power strain when everyone’s cranking up the heat.

Here are 12 quick tips to help you ride out the next cold snap like a pro:

🧣 Safety First:

🔋 Be Prepared:

🪟 Seal & Save:

🔧 Need more help?
Explore energy-saving tools: firstenergycorp.com/saveenergy
Need bill assistance or budget billing? Visit: firstenergycorp.com/billassist

⚡ Power Out?

Want outage text alerts? Text REG to 544487, then STAT anytime for updates.

💡 Stay warm, stay safe, and pass this along to a neighbor who might need a heads-up!

On her first day in office, Governor Mikie Sherrill made good on a big promise — signing two executive orders aimed at tackling high electric bills across New Jersey.

Executive Order No. 1:
✅ Freezes upcoming rate hikes for NJ families
✅ Uses state funds to offset June’s electric bill increases
✅ Gives the Board of Public Utilities power to pause or modify utility decisions
✅ Calls for a full review of utility business models to prioritize ratepayer savings

Executive Order No. 2:
✅ Plans to massively expand in-state energy generation, including solar, battery storage, and long-term nuclear
✅ Goal: more local power = lower bills

🗣️ “These rate hikes are unacceptable... I will not stop fighting to make New Jersey more affordable,” said Sherrill.

Want to read more? Full details at NJ.gov.

Calling all green thumbs! 🌿 The Monmouth County Park System is hosting a National Seed Swap Day event and you’re invited to dig in.

🗓️ Saturday, January 31
🕥 10:30–11:30 a.m.
📍 Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen

Bring your extra veggie, flower, or native plant seeds (no invasives, please!) and trade them with fellow local gardeners. Here’s how it works:

Totally free, totally fun — and a great way to get a head start on spring.

📞 Call 732-872-2670 for details
💻 More info: www.MonmouthCountyParks.com

Feeling cabin fever coming on? Step out in style this week with live music, trail-side tea, cozy concerts, and a little prohibition-era mystery. Here’s what’s happening:

🍵 Social Graces Tea at Oasis Farms
📍 89 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Red Bank
🗓️ Wed, Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11 | 2–4 PM
Afternoon tea, farm fresh style! Interns at Oasis TLC prepare and serve in a charming historic tea room. Reservations are a must and go fast — plan ahead! Info

🦭 Seal & Winter Waterfowl Walks – Sandy Hook
📍 18 Hartshorne Dr, Highlands
🗓️ Multiple dates | Jan. 29–Mar. 26
Join the American Littoral Society for a brisk beachside stroll to spot seals and seabirds! Dress warm and bring your binoculars. Info

🎻 Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
📍 Pollak Theatre, Monmouth U.
🗓️ Fri, Jan. 30 | 6 PM
Thousands of candles, a string quartet, and the sweet sounds of “Landslide,” “Gypsy,” and “Don’t Stop.” Need we say more? Info

🍸 Murder in the Speakeasy – 3BR Distillery
📍 7 Main St, Keyport
🗓️ Fri, Jan. 30 | 8–11 PM
It’s 1920s Prohibition and there’s a murder at the warehouse-turned-speakeasy. Costumes encouraged. Cocktails optional. Info

🍀 Highlands Beef & Brew St. Patrick’s Fundraiser
📍 Proving Ground, Highlands
🗓️ Sun, Feb. 1 | 3–7 PM
Live Irish music, dancers, a buffet dinner, and a couple of cold ones — all in support of the 2026 St. Paddy’s Parade. Info

🎭 The Good Thief – Two River Theater
📍 21 Bridge Ave, Red Bank
🗓️ Feb. 4–7 | Various showtimes
A small-time Irish crook’s big confession spirals into chaos in this gripping, limited-run drama starring Broadway's Christopher Fitzgerald. Info

🎶 An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee
📍 Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Red Bank
🗓️ Thu, Feb. 5 | 7:30 PM
Expect powerhouse vocals, hits you forgot you loved, and maybe a love song or two from this real-life musical couple. Info

Think your county parks go quiet in winter? Not a chance. The Monmouth County Park System is packing February with free, fresh-air fun — from hands-on history to groundhog crafts to breezy bird walks. Bundle up and get out there! 🧤🦅🌾

🪓 Cutting, Splitting & Hewing
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
🗓️ Sunday, February 1 | 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Learn how farmers used to warm up — with a two-man saw and a broad ax. It’s hands-on (and a little muscle-building). Adults only. FREE!

🐾 Groundhogs, Woodchucks & Whistlepigs… Oh My!
📍 Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
🗓️ Sunday, February 1 | 1–3 p.m.
Midwinter vibes + groundhog facts + a fun craft to take home = a perfect Sunday afternoon. FREE!

👀 Casual Birder Walk
📍 Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
🗓️ Tuesday, February 3 | 9 a.m.
No birdwatching experience? No problem. Take a chill walk with a Park System Naturalist and see what feathered friends pop up. Limited binoculars available. FREE!

Need more park inspiration? Tap into it all at MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732‑842‑4000. (TTY/TDD: 711)

Oscar season is here and the Academy didn’t hold back — Sinners and One Battle After Another are leading the pack with a combined 29 nominations and more A-list drama than a reality show reunion. 🎭

Here’s where to watch the buzziest films — from vampire musicals to ping-pong thrillers — right from your recliner.

Streaming on HBO Max + Prime Video
Ryan Coogler goes full gothic with a bluesy, gangster vampire musical (yes, really), starring Michael B. Jordan playing two roles. Double the Jordan, double the drama.

Streaming on HBO Max | Rent on Prime Video, Apple TV
DiCaprio! Penn! Del Toro! Teyana Taylor! This genre-smashing farce-slash-thriller-slash-parenting saga is everything, everywhere, all at once.

Buy on Apple TV
Stellan Skarsgård stuns in this soul-searching drama about family, fame, and finally showing up. Deep, dreamy, and definitely award-worthy.

In theaters only
A high-stakes ping-pong flick with Timothée Chalamet swinging for gold. Think Rocky, but with a paddle. Game. Set. Obsession.

Streaming on Netflix
Del Toro reimagines Mary Shelley’s monster tale with Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi. No bolts, no clichés — just emotion, shadows, and father-son tension.

In theaters only
Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley star in this Shakespearean heartbreak from Chloé Zhao. A historical maybe-true, maybe-not tearjerker.

Streaming on Peacock
Yorgos Lanthimos does it again — weird, wild, and unsettling. Emma Stone gets kidnapped. Jesse Plemons gets unhinged. You get glued to the screen.

Streaming on Netflix
Joel Edgerton broods in this slow-burning Idaho frontier tale. Quiet, poetic, and beautifully rugged.

Streaming on Apple TV | Buy on Prime Video, Apple TV
Brad Pitt races again! Old friends, fast cars, and sleek shots from the Top Gun: Maverick guy. Buckle up.

Rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV
Ethan Hawke as Lorenz Hart, post-breakup with Rodgers. One night in 1943. One big Broadway heartbreak.

Rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV
Mary Bronstein turned parenting burnout into an Oscar-nominated fever dream. Rose Byrne delivers big feels.

Rent or buy on Apple TV, Prime Video | Also in theaters
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson channel a Milwaukee Neil Diamond tribute act. Based on a real doc. Big hair, big dreams, and big emotion.

🎥 Popcorn’s optional. Opinions aren’t. Got a favorite? Hit reply and let us know your picks.
We'll be over here cueing up Sinners with the lights off and volume up.

Your library card just got a serious upgrade. This week’s lineup is full of good advice, helpful humans, and a bit of yoga breathwork. Here's what’s happening beyond the bookshelves:

👥 Caring for the Caregivers
📍 Manalapan HQ – Room 2/3
🗓️ Thursday, Jan. 29 | 2–3 p.m.
How do you help over 2,500 local seniors for free? Nicole Steed of Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey is here to tell you. Learn how their 1,200 volunteers support seniors, disabled adults, veterans, and those living with dementia — all while helping folks stay safe and independent at home.

🧘 Chair Yoga Series
📍 Holmdel Library
🗓️ Mondays | Jan. 5, Feb. 2, Mar. 2, Mar. 16, Apr. 6 & 20 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Start your week with calm, clarity, and gentle movement. No experience necessary. Just bring your breath and your best comfy pants. 🧘‍♀️

💡 What’s New with Medicare in 2026?
📍 Manalapan HQ
🗓️ Monday, Feb. 2 | 12–1 p.m. & 6–7 p.m.
Two sessions, same smart info: Natasha Bishop from Monmouth County Family & Children’s Service breaks down Medicare updates, enrollment, related programs, and how to get the help you need.

💬 One-on-One SHIP Q&A
📍 Manalapan HQ – Room 7
🗓️ Monday, Feb. 2 | 2:30–4:00 p.m.
Got questions about your Medicare coverage? Get free, confidential help from SHIP counselor Kalpana Sheth — no sales pitch, no pressure, just solid guidance.

🧾 AARP Tax-Aide Help
📍 Wall Branch – Feb. 2 | 1–4 p.m.
📍 Marlboro Branch – Feb. 4 | 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Trained AARP volunteers will help prepare most Federal and NJ returns for free. No appointment needed in Wall, but Marlboro prefers you register online here. Walk-ins before noon may be accepted, space permitting.

📞 Questions? Call your local branch or check the full calendar at MonmouthCountyLib.org

Bookworms, history buffs, puzzle champs — this one's for you.

⚔️ Friendly Rivals: Burr vs. Hamilton at Monmouth
📍 Allentown Branch
🗓️ Wednesday, Jan. 28 | 2:30–4:30 p.m.
They fought on the same side… until they didn’t. 🐴 Historian Dr. David Martin dives into the real story of Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton — from battlefield bros to that infamous duel in Weehawken. Presented with support from the NJ State Library’s REV 250 initiative.
➡️ Registration requested – space is limited!

🧩 Revolutionary Pieces: Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament
📍 Manalapan HQ – Lower Gallery
🗓️ Saturday, Jan. 31 | 2–4 p.m.
Celebrate National Puzzle Day with a good old-fashioned jigsaw showdown. You’ll compete using the same 500-piece Revolutionary War-themed puzzle. Teams of 1–4 welcome. Bragging rights (and maybe a prize) for the fastest fingers in Monmouth.
➡️ Registration required. Arrive 30 mins early to check in.

🌳 Genealogy Club
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
🗓️ Wednesday, Feb. 4 | 2–3 p.m.
Got a mystery branch in your family tree? 🌿 Whether you're a total beginner or halfway to “Finding Your Roots,” join this friendly group for helpful tutorials, research tips, and a chance to share your ancestor-fueled a-ha moments.
➡️ Register to guarantee your seat.

Beef’s still what’s for dinner — but in 2026, it’s getting a few fun (and flavorful) upgrades. According to the folks behind Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner., here’s how beef is trending this year — and why your weeknight meals are about to get a little more exciting:

🌍 Global Cravings, Local Plates
Spice things up with Mini Korean Beef Patties (Wanja Jeon) — think egg-battered, pan-fried beef bites dipped in Korean BBQ sauce and spicy mayo. It’s bold, it’s fun, and it might just steal the spotlight from your usual meatballs.

⚡ Quick & Tasty Wins
The air fryer is your MVP. Case in point: Beef Brisket Taquitos — just tuck some leftover brisket, cheese, and salsa into tortillas, crisp them up, and boom: dinner, handled.

👵 Comfort Food Comeback
Feeling nostalgic? So is everyone else. Beef Stroganoff and Shepherd’s Pot Roast Pie are making a comeback in kitchens across the country. These throwback dishes channel grandma’s cooking with all the cozy feels.

Hungry for more ideas? Check out recipes and inspiration at BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

P.S. Got a retro beef recipe of your own? Send it in — we’d love to feature it!

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

Medicare Just Dealt Enrollees a Huge Blow in 2026: For years, Medicare allowed enrollees to access care via telehealth. But that option is going away for many services starting Jan. 31, leaving many seniors in the lurch. The Motley Fool, Jan. 21.

The Best Retirement Strategies for Leaving Money Behind: Three retirement withdrawal strategies to consider if your goal is to maximize bequests. Morningstar, Jan. 20.

I Regret Moving to a 55+ Community, But My Wife Loves It. What Can I Do? We asked real estate and psychotherapist professionals for advice. Kiplinger, Jan. 24.

She Was Raising Kids While Traveling Non-Stop to Care for Her Parents. It's Not Uncommon: Nearly 1 in 4 American adults are in the sandwich generation, caring for aging parents and their children at the same time, according to a Pew Research Center survey. USA Today, Jan. 22.

In addition to all the events we highlight here each week, your local senior center is a goldmine of fun! Think: chair yoga, tech classes, card games, movie nights, line dancing, art workshops, and yes — often free coffee. ☕💃

Pop in, say hi, and check the bulletin board — you might just find your new favorite hobby (or bingo rival). Find your local senior center here.

Some folks scroll Yelp to find what’s hot. You? You read the Monmouth Senior Scoop and already knew 618 was the real deal. Stay tuned — next week we’re spotlighting even more local gems (and maybe a cookie recipe or two).

Stay warm, stay curious, and stay local 💛
— The Monmouth Senior Scoop Team

💌 Got a tip, event, or recipe to share? Hit reply — we love hearing from you!
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📝 Friendly Disclaimer:
We do our best to keep things accurate, upbeat, and useful — but this newsletter is just for fun and information. It’s not medical, legal, or financial advice, and while we double-check our event listings and news briefs, things change! Always call ahead and bundle up accordingly! 😉