🌟 Hello, friends!
Summer’s winding down, but fun isn’t! From concerts under the stars to craft fairs and day trips, there’s plenty for Monmouth County seniors to enjoy this week. Let’s dive in!
👀 What’s on tap this week:
📰 Bill shock! Electric costs are climbing—see how seniors can save 💡
🎭 Out & About – Fun county events you’ll want on your calendar 🎶
🍲 Tasty Bite – Jersey Fresh Eggplant Sandwiches (perfect for late summer 🧺)
📺 Couch Time – New shows worth a binge this week 📺
Up first…
⚡ NJ Seniors Tackle Rising Electric Bills
Electric bills are climbing this summer in New Jersey—up to 20% higher—thanks to soaring demand and energy-hungry AI data centers. For seniors on fixed incomes, that extra pinch can really hurt.
💡 Quick Tips to Cut Costs:
Fans first: Use fans before cranking the AC.
Off-peak appliances: Run washers and dryers early morning or late evening.
LED it up: Swap bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs.
Seal leaks: Keep cool air in with properly sealed doors and windows.
💰 Help is Available:
Residential Universal Bill Credit: $100 total ($50 in Sept., $50 in Oct.) for all ratepayers.
NJ Lifeline Credit: $225/year for seniors 65+ or certain Social Security disability recipients.
REAP Program: Seven $25 bill credits automatically applied.
PSE&G Summer Relief: $30 credit for July and August.
Even small changes—and these credits—can help keep things comfortable without breaking the bank.
🗞️Prime Time News
Links to the latest news on aging from trusted media sources.
Eight Strategies for Deciding When to File for Social Security: Applying at age 70 maximizes your monthly payout, but claiming early could provide advantages that can’t be quantified on a spreadsheet. Kiplinger, Aug. 21.
What Is the Latest COVID Vaccine Guidance for Older Adults? Older adults continue to be at greater risk for severe COVID illness, hospitalization, and death due to weakening immunity that occurs over time. National Council On Aging, Aug. 21.
To Downsize or Not to Downsize? That is the Retirement Question: As you approach retirement, you may think that downsizing to a smaller home makes a lot of sense. But before you pull the trigger, give some thought to the reverse: “upsizing” to a larger home that suits your expected lifestyle in retirement. Kiplinger, Aug. 17.
Try This When Your Doctor Says ‘Yes’ to a Preventive Test but Insurance Says ‘No’: If you’ve been denied coverage, you need to know why. Health insurance companies are required to explain every denial. KFF Health News, Aug. 21.
When I Go, I’m Going Green: More Americans are choosing burials in which everything is biodegradable. The New York Times, Aug. 23.
🎭 Local Events
Get ready, Monmouth! These local happenings are perfect for a weekend outing:
🎤 Live Music & Performances
Funky Fridays Gazebo Concert Series – Downtown Freehold
📅 Fri, Aug 29 | ⏰ 7–9 PM | 📍 10 E Main St, Freehold
👉 Kick back outdoors and enjoy free live tunes in the heart of Freehold.Yacht Lobsters (Soft Rock Revue) – Whitechapel Projects, Long Branch
📅 Fri, Aug 29 | ⏰ 7–10 PM | 📍 15 2nd Ave
👉 A breezy evening of soft rock favorites—think yacht rock with a twist.Saturday Serenade: Dynamic Duo – Downtown Freehold Gazebo
📅 Sat, Aug 30 | ⏰ 7–9 PM | 📍 10 E Main St, Freehold
👉 A charming night of live music under the stars.James Taylor in Concert – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
📅 Sat, Aug 30 | ⏰ 7:30–10:30 PM | 📍 116 Garden State Pkwy
👉 A living legend with timeless songs—this one’s for the memory books.FBAC Jazz, Blues & More Summer Concert Series – Downtown Freehold
📅 Sun, Aug 31 | ⏰ 7–9 PM | 📍 Downtown Freehold Gazebo
👉 Smooth sounds in a cozy setting—perfect for winding down your weekend.Damn the Torpedoes: Tom Petty Tribute – The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park
📅 Sun, Aug 31 | ⏰ 8–11 PM | 📍 1213 Ocean Ave N
👉 Relive the magic of Petty’s greatest hits with this acclaimed tribute band.
🌿 Festivals & Outdoor Fun
49th Annual Belmar Five Mile Run – Belmar Boardwalk
📅 Sat, Aug 30 | ⏰ 8–9:30 AM | 📍 Ocean Ave & 2nd Ave
👉 Lace up for a classic Jersey Shore run with ocean breezes and boardwalk vibes.50th Annual NJ Clearwater Festival – Asbury Park
📅 Sat, Aug 30 | ⏰ 10 AM–5 PM | 📍 1305 Main St
👉 Celebrate 50 years of music, food, and eco-friendly fun.BBQ & Craft Beer Festival – Monmouth Park, Oceanport
📅 Sat, Aug 30 – Mon, Sep 1 | ⏰ 11:30 AM–5 PM | 📍 175 Oceanport Ave
👉 A Labor Day weekend feast: ribs, brisket, and local brews galore.Woofstock 2025 – Bayonet Farm, Holmdel
📅 Sun, Aug 31 | ⏰ 4–6 PM | 📍 41 Middletown Rd
👉 Bring your pup! A fun, dog-friendly festival with vendors and music.
🍷 Food & Community
Watermelon & Wine – 4JG’s Winery, Colts Neck
📅 Sat, Aug 30 | ⏰ 12–5 PM | 📍 127 Hillsdale Rd
👉 Sip wine while snacking on sweet summer watermelon.High Tide Makers & Artisan Market – Pier Village, Long Branch
📅 Sun, Aug 31 – Sat, Sep 14 | 📍 Carousel Stage, 50 Chelsea Ave
👉 Shop local! Handcrafted goods, art, and more by the beach.
🧵 Arts & Demonstrations
Smocking Demonstration – Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
📅 Sat, Aug 30 | ⏰ 1–3 PM | 📍 44 Longstreet Rd
🎟️ FREE!
👉 Step back in time and see traditional needlework in action.
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🌟 Senior Centers Near You
Stay active, make friends, and have fun—Monmouth County senior centers offer fitness classes, games, workshops, meals, trips, and more.
🏡 Next Chapter Homes
✨ This Week’s 55+ Market Snapshot
Considering a downsizing move—or just love to peek at what’s out there? Here’s a roundup of homes for sale right now in Monmouth County’s 55+ communities.
✨ Howell – Pine View Estates
💲 $639,000
🛏 2 beds | 🛁 2 baths | 📐 1,401 sq ft
Built in 2006, this ranch offers easy single-level living on a manageable 6,534 sq ft lot.
🧾 Taxes: $7,612/year | 🏘️ HOA: $335/month
[More Info]
✨ Holmdel – Regency at Holmdel
💲 $1,400,000
🛏 3 beds | 🛁 4 baths | 📐 3,417 sq ft
A luxury adult community built in 2018 with upscale amenities and plenty of space for entertaining.
🏘️ HOA: $645/month | 🧾 Taxes: $17,376/year
Info
✨ Farmingdale – Regency at Allaire
💲 $980,000
🛏 2 beds | 🛁 2 baths | 📐 2,053 sq ft
Modern ranch built in 2022—nearly new with a spacious open layout designed for easy living.
🧾 Taxes: $15,197/year | 🏘️ HOA: $390/month
[More Info]
✨ Ocean Township – Nobility Crest at Ocean
💲 $559,900
🛏 2 beds | 🛁 2 baths | 📐 1,520 sq ft
Condo living in a sought-after 55+ community with social activities and resort-style amenities.
🧾 Taxes: $6,063/year | 🏘️ HOA: $550/month
[More Info]
🧺Farm Fresh: Hello, Eggplant Season!
New Jersey’s purple beauty is taking center stage—yes, it’s eggplant season! From farm stands to farmers markets, these glossy gems are begging to be turned into something delicious. And we found just the recipe: Cheesy Jersey Fresh Eggplant Sandwiches. Think crispy golden slices, melty cheese, and crusty bread… it’s basically summer between two slices. Grab some Jersey Fresh eggplant and take a big bite out of the season! 😋💜
🧑🌾Farmer’s Market Tip: Look for eggplants that feel heavy for their size and have smooth, shiny skin—those are the freshest picks.
🌻And check out these fun Sunday farmers markets in Monmouth County.
Asbury Fresh
Sundays, Now – Sept. 28, 9 am – 1 pm
An eclectic market experience based in Asbury Park, NJ. Asbury Fresh was born in the spring of 2012 out of a simple desire to bring fresh, local produce, artisan food, and handmade goods to downtown Asbury Park. Press Plaza, Emory Street, between Lake and Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Point Pleasant Beach FRESH Farmers & Makers Market
Sundays, June 22 – Aug. 31, 9 am – 1 pm
Shop for farm-fresh produce, unique handmade goods, and connect with the people who make it all happen.
317 Cooks Rd (in the NJ Transit Parking Lot) Point Pleasant Beach
Howell Farmers Market
Sundays, Now – Oct.26, 10 am – 2 pm
Stroll through a lively market filled with farm-fresh produce, delicious baked goods, unique crafts, and more. Gather your friends and family to enjoy a perfect morning of local shopping, community vibes, and weekend fun.
Echo Lake Park, 1225 Maxim-Southard Road, Howell
Marlboro Farmers Market
Sundays, June – October, 9 am – 1 pm
Set on 56 acres of preserved land, the Marlboro Farmers Market provides a venue for small family farmers and businesses to sell locally grown produce directly to the community.
444 Route 520, Marlboro
📺 What to Stream This Week: Aug. 25–31
🦸♂️ “Thunderbolts” – Disney+, Wednesday
Marvel may have had mixed reviews in theaters, but this ragtag superhero team still shines. ⭐ Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, and David Harbour bring star power to a story of reluctant heroes.
🐶 “The Friend” – Paramount+, Monday
Naomi Watts inherits a Great Dane named Apollo in this heartfelt adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s novel. A story about grief, love, and the dogs that heal us. 💖
🕵️♀️ “The Thursday Murder Club” – Netflix, Thursday
Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and friends tackle a murder from their retirement community in this cozy whodunit. 🔍
✨ New Series Highlights:
💻 “Upload” Season 4 – Prime Video, Monday
Robbie Amell navigates a virtual afterlife in Greg Daniels’ sci-fi comedy finale. 🤖
⚰️ “My Funeral” – MhZ Choice, Tuesday
An Icelandic dark comedy about a man hosting his own funeral. 😅
🍰 “With Love, Meghan” Season 2 – Netflix, Tuesday
Meghan Markle entertains celebs and whips up treats in Montecito. 🥂
🎖️ “The Terminal List: Dark Wolf” – Prime Video, Wednesday
A prequel dive into the Navy SEAL thriller franchise. 🏴☠️
💁♀️ “Middlehood” – YouTube, Wednesday
A humorous look at menopause and midlife challenges. 🌸
🎡Boardwalk Beat
🚋 Cape May Trolley Tours: Senior-Friendly Fun!
Cape May is full of history, Victorian charm, and scenic views—and there’s no better way to take it all in than on a trolley tour! Here are some must-try options:
Historic District Tour 🏛️
Glide through Cape May’s National Historic Landmark District and admire the beautifully preserved Victorian homes. Perfect for fans of architecture and nostalgia!Mansions by the Sea 🌊
Peek inside the grand seaside estates and learn their fascinating backstories. It’s like stepping into a living history book with ocean breezes included.Ghosts of Cape May 👻
For those who enjoy a little spookiness, this evening tour shares ghost stories and mysterious tales from the past. Great for a fun, slightly thrilling night out!Spirits & Oddities 🕯️
Explore Cape May’s quirky and unusual history, from odd artifacts to offbeat local legends. A charming mix of history and curiosity that’s perfect for a leisurely evening ride.
💡 Tip for Seniors: Most tours are wheelchair-accessible and offer plenty of stops for photo ops or a gentle stretch. Bring a camera, a sun hat, and enjoy the slow pace—it’s all about the experience!
👨👩👧👦 Take the Grandkids! These trolley tours are sure to keep their attention!
Picture This Selfie Trolley Ride 📸
Ride through Cape May’s hidden gems, snap selfies, film a TikTok or two, and prove to the grandkids that “portrait mode” isn’t just for the kids. History comes sprinkled in, so everyone will pick up fun facts while striking their best angle.Children’s Trolley Ride 🧙♀️
Tailored for kids ages 3–7, this 30-minute ride is full of “show and tell” surprises—gingerbread houses you can’t eat, witches’ caps on rooftops, and stories that keep little imaginations spinning. Begins and ends at the Ocean Street trolley stop; arrive early if you want the best seats for your tiny historians-in-training.
Learn more at https://www.capemaychamber.com/events.
Farberware® Classic Series 8 Piece Cookware Set in Aqua
🎂🍳 Farberware Turns 125!
Guess who’s blowing out 125 candles this year? 🎉 Farberware! The cookware brand that’s been sizzling in kitchens since 1900 is celebrating with a fresh batch of colorful pots, shiny pans, and even a retro-style chicken fryer.
From grandma’s trusty coffee percolator ☕ to today’s TikTok-worthy aqua cookware, Farberware has been part of family meals for generations. And now, they’re marking the milestone with special anniversary collections, exclusive Macy’s sets, and fun recipe collabs that bring everyone to the table.
So if your frying pan is older than your grandkids (and let’s be honest, it might be 😂), this is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to something new.
👉 Check out the birthday collection at FarberwareCookware.com.
📚 Beyond the Books
See what’s happening for seniors at Monmouth County libraries this week.
💔 Lost & Found: Bereavement Support Group
Share, heal, and connect with others who understand—Wednesday, Aug. 27, 6:45 PM, Library HQ (Manalapan).♟ Holmdel Chess Club
From rookies to grandmasters—make your move Thursday, Aug. 28, 5–8 PM, Holmdel Branch.🧶 Knit Wits Craft Night
Bring your yarn, needles, and wit—Thursday, Aug. 28, 6:30–8:30 PM, Library HQ (Manalapan).✒️ Poetry Workshop with Angelica Recierdo
Read, write, and rhyme your way through Saturday, Aug. 30, 11 AM–12 PM, Atlantic Highlands Branch.🚪 Closed for Labor Day
Monday, Sept. 1—all branches closed, but the website’s open 24/7 for your bookish cravings.🎨 Senior Art Show Pick-Up
Artists, come reclaim your masterpieces—Tuesday, Sept. 2, 9 AM–2 PM, Room 7, Library HQ (Manalapan).🤝 Monmouth ACTS in My Community
Get connected to resources that matter—Tuesday, Sept. 2, 10 AM–1 PM, Allentown Branch.🀄 Mahjongg Madness
Tiles, laughter, and maybe a little friendly competition—Tuesday, Sept. 2, 1–4 PM, West Long Branch.🌳 Genealogy Club
Dig into your roots and discover your story—Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2–3 PM, Eastern Branch (Shrewsbury).
👉 Whether you’re into crafts, chess, poetry, or Mahjongg, the library has a little something for every mood this week! Learn more on the library system’s website.
Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced its Labor Day Sale, offering fares from $999 plus up to $200 onboard credit on more than 145 voyages sailing between 2025 and 2027.
Photo courtesy of Cunard
✈️ Wanderlust Weekly
See what’s making waves (and headlines) in the world of cruises, getaways, and grand adventures this week—perfect for daydreaming your next trip or just staying in the know.
🚢 Azamara Gets Even More Immersive – The cruise line is expanding its Destination Immersion® program for Winter 2026–27, promising deeper cultural experiences at every port. Info
🏰 Disney Stays from Just $82 – Fall magic is more affordable at Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels, with special rates starting at $82 per night. Info
🌊 Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas – Meet the new ship designed for the ultimate family vacation—think thrills, entertainment, and plenty of pool time. Info
🌍 Atlas Ocean Voyages Expands in Europe – For 2027, they’re adding 24 new expeditions and 7 brand-new ports—hello, undiscovered gems! Info
⚓ Cunard’s Labor Day Sale – Over 145 voyages are on sale, starting at $999, with onboard credit sweetening the deal. Info
🎸Rock Legend Lenny Kravitz to headline the 2025 Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival presented by Baha Mar. Info
🤖 Seniors & AI: Can AI Help Me Stay Independent?
AI isn’t here to take over—it’s here to make daily life a little easier and help you stay independent. From keeping track of appointments to managing tasks, these tools offer gentle support while letting you stay in control.
🛒 Need groceries? Try Instacart or Amazon Alexa to create a shopping list or place a delivery right from your phone or smart speaker.
💊 Forget to take medicine? Medisafe or your Google Home / Alexa reminders can alert you when it’s time.
📅 Have appointments? Use Google Calendar or Apple Calendar with AI assistants to schedule events and set reminders.
👣 Mobility challenges? Voice-controlled devices like Echo Show, Google Nest Hub, or smart lights let you control your environment hands-free.
With just a little guidance, AI becomes more than a curiosity—it’s a reliable companion that supports your independence, not replaces it.
Next week: What Questions Should I Ask AI? A Handy Cheat Sheet for Everyday Use
🥳Celebrating You!
🎉 A big happy birthday shoutout today to Sarah S. of Manalapan (73) and Harold K. of Freehold (68)! 🎉
🎂 May your day be filled with laughter, love, and plenty of cake. Here’s to making wonderful memories and a fantastic year ahead! 🎈
✨ Fun fact: You’re in great company—other famous names born on this day include Tuesday Weld (82) Golden Globe–winning actress (Looking for Mr. Goodbar) 🎬G.W. Bailey (81) beloved for The Closer & Police Academy 👮and Alex Lifeson (72) legendary guitarist of Rush 🎸
🕯️ One Last Thing: Jerry Adler (1929–2025)
New Jersey fans of The Sopranos will remember actor Jerry Adler as Hesh Rabkin, Tony Soprano’s wise and wry adviser—but Adler’s story is as inspiring as any of his characters. He passed last week at the age of 96. After decades behind the scenes on Broadway, he didn’t step in front of a camera until his 60s, proving it’s never too late to start a second career. Over the next 30+ years, Adler became a beloved TV and film actor, appearing on shows from The Sopranos to The Good Wife, while always cherishing the craft that first shaped him. His life reminds us that reinvention is possible at any age—and that your next act can be your most memorable one. ✨
🎬That’s a Wrap
❓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. And please consider sharing this newsletter with a friend!
😎See you next week!
The Better With Age New Jersey team