👋Hey, Monmouth friends!

October’s taking its final bow with ghost tours, glowing pumpkins and a little disco. We’ve also got November park outings, library plans and an easy Halloween supper for the grandkids. Let’s see what’s brewing.

👀What’s on tap this week:

📰 News & Notes: Early voting is underway, plus expanded tick identification services
🎃 Around Town: Halloween happenings, live music and theater worth a calendar spot
🌳 In the Parks: Autumn walks, poetry and a peek into the past
📚 Beyond the Books: Game days, Medicare help and a movie matinee
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Take the Grandkids: Glowing gourds and underwater pumpkin carving
🍽️ In the Kitchen: Mummy dogs for little goblins and beef recipes with global flavor
📺 TV Time: Fresh laughs, mysteries and familiar faces
🎬 At the Movies: The buzz around You Can See Everything—and AMC’s senior savings
📅 Mark Your Calendar: Handmade finds at the Park System’s Fall Craft Show

Up first…

Monmouth County has expanded its free tick identification service with new drop boxes at the Middletown Health Department and Freehold Area Health Department in Freehold Township, plus a new online submission form. Residents can also continue bringing ticks to the Office of Mosquito Control in Tinton Falls.

The service provides a written report identifying the tick’s species and life stage, estimating how long it was attached and explaining what those findings may mean for disease risk—information residents can share with their doctor.

Drop-off hours: Middletown and Tinton Falls, weekdays, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Freehold Township, weekdays, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Get submission instructions and more information.

🗳️ Your ballot, your schedule. Early voting is underway, and Monmouth County voters have through Sunday, Nov. 1, to cast their ballot at any of the county’s 10 early voting locations, regardless of which town they call home. Hours are Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Prefer the Election Day tradition? Tuesday, Nov. 3, is the day to vote at your assigned polling place. Find voting locations and election information at Monmouth County Votes.

🏠 A deadline worth sticking on the fridge: Eligible New Jersey residents have until Monday, Nov. 2, to apply for property tax relief. Residents 65 and older and qualifying disabled homeowners, including mobile homeowners, can use one PAS-1 application to apply for ANCHOR, Senior Freeze and Stay NJ, subject to each program’s eligibility rules. Homeowners and renters under 65 can apply for ANCHOR using ANC-1. Apply online here.

🪩 Give that costume a disco moment: Disco After Dark takes over Bar Bella at Bell Works with DJ Pepeloco, signature cocktails and a costume contest. Bring your dancing shoes—and an outfit that lets you move. Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:30–9:30 p.m., Holmdel.

🐴 Your carriage awaits—with a spooky storyline: Haunted Halloween Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides depart from Pete Sensi Park for a narrated seasonal outing. Rides leave every 20 minutes; seating is limited, so advance registration is recommended. Friday, Oct. 30, 6–9 p.m., Allentown.

👻 Asbury Park Ghost Tours explore the city’s haunted past, from downtown legends to eerie boardwalk tales. A separate haunted pub tour adds historic bars to the mix. Check your chosen tour’s departure details. Friday, Oct. 30, 8–10 p.m., Asbury Park. Info

🍎 One last orchard stroll: Spooktacular Weekend at 4 JG’s Orchard & Vineyard brings a scavenger hunt, Halloween treats, seasonal sips and fire pits to the orchard and vineyard. Costumes welcome. Saturday–Sunday, Oct. 31–Nov. 1, noon–5 p.m., Colts Neck.

🎸 The neighborhood comes with a soundtrack: Asbury Park PorchFest brings more than 100 local musicians to porches around the city for a free afternoon of live music supporting local charities. Wander, listen and find a new favorite. Saturday, Oct. 31, 1–6 p.m., Asbury Park. Rain date: Nov. 7.

🍷 A little Hallo-Wine spirit: Fox Hollow Vineyards’ Hallo-Wine Spooktacular features DJ Jaiden, dancing, seasonal treats and Halloween surprises. Gather your favorite ghouls; costumes are encouraged. Saturday, Oct. 31, 2–5 p.m., Holmdel.

🍲 Family secrets are simmering: In “Stir” at Two River Theater, two siblings reconnect while piecing together their mother’s beloved black bean recipe. Memories, family revelations and comedy share the kitchen. Oct. 31–Nov. 22, Red Bank. Opening weekend: Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.; additional matinees and evening performances follow.

🎬 Back into the woods—safely seated this time: The Count Basie Center screens “The Blair Witch Project,” followed by a live Q&A with all three original stars: Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams. Hear how they made those woods feel so terrifying. Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m., Red Bank.

🇺🇸 A birthday tribute with orchestral backing: “America at 250” at Algonquin Arts Theatre celebrates the nation’s milestone through music reflecting the voices, stories and sounds of the American experience. Sunday, Nov. 1, 3–5 p.m., Manasquan.

Head to Monmouth County’s parks this week for a little history, a walk in the woods or a turn at the microphone. All events below are free.

🌽 A little corn, a lot of history: Watch a 19th-century gristmill turn corn into meal during Milling Demonstrations at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Each demonstration lasts about 15 minutes. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 31–Nov. 29, at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

🎤 Give thanks—or give us a verse: Open Mic Poetry welcomes original poems and favorite works on gratitude or poems written as instructions. Come to read or simply listen; selections must be family-friendly. Sunday, Nov. 1, 3–4:30 p.m., Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft.

🍂 Take the scenic route: Join a park naturalist for an Awesome Autumn Amble, exploring the trails and the season’s plant and animal activity. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 10 a.m., Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen—meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. A second walk is Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m., Hartshorne Woods Park—meet in the Rocky Point section parking lot in Highlands. All ages welcome; those under 18 must be with an adult.

🏡 Step into another century: Explore a restored 18th-century house during Historic Portland Place Tours at Hartshorne Woods Park, in the Locust section of Middletown. Exhibits tell the story of the region and the Hartshorne family. Wednesday–Sunday, Nov. 4–8 and Nov. 11–15, at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Register that day at the Portland Place Visitor Center.

Find more information through the Monmouth County Park System.

Get a head start on the holiday gift list. The Monmouth County Park System’s Fall Craft Show brings more than 40 local artists and crafters to the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center in Tinton Falls on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Browse handmade jewelry, wreaths, pottery, candles, painted glassware, pet gifts and more. You might even find something for that person who insists they “don’t need a thing.”

Admission and parking are free. More information.

A little movement, promising research and a heads-up for your phone.

🚶 Low Daily Step Counts Linked to Dementia, Parkinson’s and Stroke: Your fitness tracker may reveal more than your daily step count. It could also offer clues about your future brain health. HealthDay News, Oct. 20.

🪑 What Chair Yoga Can Do for Your Body: At first glance, chair yoga might seem like a workout just for older adults with mobility issues. But it shouldn’t be pigeonholed. Time, Oct. 20.

🔬 A Novel mRNA Cancer Vaccine Helps Reduce the Chances of Melanoma Patients’ Tumors Returning: A first-of-its-kind cancer vaccine is significantly reducing the chances that melanoma patients’ tumors come back. Associated Press, Oct. 22.

📞 Medicare Scam Calls Spike as Open Enrollment Begins: Scammers already know your enrollment window, and they’re dialing now. The Street, Oct. 18.

🎃 Pumpkins with a side of sharks: Fintastic Pumpkin Glow at Adventure Aquarium in Camden lights up the exhibits with glowing gourds above and below the water, alongside sharks, stingrays and other aquatic neighbors. Catch “Meet the Divers,” then watch the dive team carve pumpkins underwater. Suddenly, carving one at the kitchen table seems pretty easy!

Through Sunday, Nov. 1. Ticket prices vary by date.

🥟 A little globe-trotting, no passport required. Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.’s new One Ingredient, Endless Cultures video series explores beef dishes from around the world. Put a fresh spin on dinner with these three recipes:

Still hungry? Explore the full video series and more recipes here.

Ghostly laughs, familiar comedy faces and a fresh helping of espionage—here’s what’s arriving on TV and streaming.

👻 The spirits are feeling festive: “Ghosts” returns with a one-hour Halloween event featuring the spirited residents of Woodstone Mansion. Thursday, Oct. 29, at 9 p.m. on CBS.

😂 Remember when these folks were the new kids? “SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of” celebrates the Canadian sketch-comedy institution that helped launch some very familiar funny faces. Expect a nostalgic look at its characters, cast and lasting influence. Friday, Oct. 30, on Netflix.

🔎 Small town, big trouble: “Nocturne” stars Liev Schreiber as a former soldier and homicide detective whose move to Pennsylvania takes a frightening turn when a serial killer targets his community and family. Zazie Beetz and Stephen Graham also star. Friday, Oct. 30, on Apple TV, with two episodes; new episodes follow weekly.

⛳ Another shot at a second chance: Owen Wilson returns in Season 2 of “Stick,” the comedy about a washed-up professional golfer who finds renewed purpose mentoring a talented young player. Golf knowledge optional; an appreciation for imperfect people helps. Wednesday, Nov. 4, on Apple TV, with two episodes followed by weekly releases.

🕵️ Secrets don’t stay buried for long: Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw reunite for Season 2 of “Black Doves.” The stylish spy thriller brings Helen and Sam back into a dangerous world of shifting loyalties, with Neve Campbell joining the cast. Thursday, Nov. 5, on Netflix.

🎬 The movie everyone’s talking about—and trying not to spoil: “You Can See Everything” follows disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in the weeks before prison. Filmmakers Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim turn that access into an unusual documentary that has audiences debating what—and whom—to believe. Go in curious, and avoid the spoilers.

Planning a movie outing? AMC offers senior ticket pricing for ages 60 and older all day, every day—no special weekday required. Choose the Senior ticket option when booking; prices vary by theater and showtime. See AMC’s offers.

🌭 Grandma’s got this Halloween all wrapped up. Turn ordinary hot dogs into little mummies with strips of refrigerated crescent dough, a little cheese and mustard eyes. These Crescent Mummy Dogs from Pillsbury make a fun supper before trick-or-treating—and the grandkids can help with the wrapping.

A little friendly competition, a movie afternoon and help untangling Medicare questions—Monmouth County Libraries have plenty on its calendar.

🀄 Make Thursday your game day: Join player-led Mahjongg or Bridge at Holmdel Library, Thursday, Oct. 29, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Prefer an afternoon at the tiles? The Holmdel Mah Jongg Club meets 1–4 p.m. Tables and sets are provided for the afternoon’s casual sessions; experience is needed, as instruction isn’t offered.

💬 Medicare questions? Pull up a chair: Get free, confidential, unbiased information during One-on-One SHIP Q&A at Library Headquarters, Manalapan, Monday, Nov. 2, 2:30–4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, with assistance provided first come, first served.

🧘 Give your shoulders—and your schedule—a little breathing room: Yoga with Nicole: Flow and Spritz blends gentle yoga, a short meditation and creativity. Monday, Nov. 2, 6–7:30 p.m., Hazlet Library.

♠️ Your Wednesday hand awaits: Intermediate players can join Bridge at West Long Branch Library on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Seats are first come, first served—no saving one for your favorite partner.

🎬 A forecast with history hanging in the balance: The Hazlet Movie Matinee screens “Pressure” (PG-13), following Eisenhower and meteorologist James Stagg through the tense 72 hours before D-Day. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2–4 p.m., Hazlet Library.

🎲 New games, no expertise required: Modern Board Game Night offers beginner-friendly favorites including Sushi Go!, Splendor and Ticket to Ride. Come learn something new—and meet your competition. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6–8 p.m., Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

Europe, without the overnight flight. Travel expert and public television favorite Rick Steves joins the New Jersey Symphony Nov. 7–8 for Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey, with performances at Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown and State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick.

Steves hosts in person, pairing travel stories and European history with sweeping music and big-screen footage. Nicholas Hersh conducts a musical itinerary through Austria, Germany, Norway and France, including Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.”

Going to Morristown? Steves also gives a live travel talk at MPAC on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m., ahead of the afternoon concert. Check the New Jersey Symphony for tickets and performance details.

Whether you’re heading out in costume or staying home with the remote, we hope your week includes good company and something fun.

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See you next week,
😎The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: Event schedules, prices and availability can change, so check the event links before heading out. Also, the Monmouth Senior Scoop does not offer medical, financial or legal advice.