👋Hey, Monmouth friends!

This week brings park adventures, theater nights, library discoveries and fresh reasons to dine out. Add a little Halloween mischief—and a few trips worth dreaming about—and your calendar could get pleasantly crowded.

👀What’s on tap:

🌳 In the Parks: Thompson Park Day, autumn walks and creative pursuits
📚 Beyond the Books: Music, games, gardening and practical help
🎭 Around Monmouth: Theater, markets, ghost stories and weekend outings
🎃 Take the Grandkids: Boardwalk boos and storybook treats
🍽️ Local Flavor: Restaurant news, pasta bragging rights and a Halloween sip
🎉 Local Business Cheers: First-anniversary milestones
🏓 Get Moving: A new indoor pickleball club on the horizon
🎄 Mark Your Calendar: Atlantic City’s holiday plans
🛳️ Cruise Corner: Disney unveils plans for new ship

Up first…

See what’s happening in Monmouth County Parks this week!

🎤 Give your ghosts the microphone. Open Mic Poetry explores “What Haunts You” in poems written as dialogue. Share your own work, read a favorite poet or settle in and listen. Selections must be family-friendly. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7–8:30 p.m., Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft. Free.

🪗 Before playlists, there were bellows. Hear accordion melodies of the 1890s while exploring Historic Longstreet Farm. An afternoon of very old-school hits. Saturday, Oct. 17, 1–3 p.m., Holmdel. Free.

🎃 A whole lot of fall, all in one park. Thompson Park Day brings wagon rides, a petting farm, entertainment, Halloween Touch-a-Truck, pie-eating contests and plenty of grandkid-approved fun on Sunday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Thompson Park, Lincroft. New this year: a Dog Parade & Costume Contest at 11 a.m. Many activities are free; select attractions require tickets or a $10 wristband, and some accept tickets only. The dog contest is $10 per dog, with advance registration required. Scarecrow-making and jack-o’-lantern contests are $10 per entry; register ahead to guarantee a spot, or sign up that day while supplies last. Details and registration

🦜 Visit Belize. Skip the airport. A Park System naturalist introduces the country’s rainforests, home to jaguars, green iguanas, howler monkeys and more than 400 bird species. All the wonder, none of the packing. Sunday, Oct. 18, 1–2 p.m., Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen. Free.

🧵 Good things take stitches. Watch a traditional quilting demonstration and admire the patient handiwork behind those beautiful patterns. Sunday, Oct. 18, 1–3 p.m., Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Free.

🍂 Take the scenic route through Wednesday. Join the Awesome Autumn Amble for a naturalist-led trail walk and conversations about the plants and animals you encounter. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m., Thompson Park, Lincroft. Meet in the Old Orchard parking lot. Free. All ages welcome.

🎨 Artists, turn up the color. The Park System seeks entries for The Sound of Color, an exhibit exploring how color creates an emotional or visceral response. All mediums are welcome to apply. Entry deadline: Dec. 15. The exhibit runs Jan. 22–March 12 at the Gallery in Thompson Park’s Creative Arts Center, Lincroft. Application details under “The Gallery at Thompson Park”

See what’s happening at Monmouth County libraries this week.

🃏 Play your cards right. Intermediate bridge players can join the weekly game at West Long Branch Library, Wednesdays, Oct. 14 and 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Seats are first come, first served—no saving one for your favorite partner.

🌷 Spring’s best parties start underground. Master gardener Debbie LaGattuta explains bulb combinations, planting basics and how to stagger those beautiful blooms. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 1:30–2:30 p.m., Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury. Register to guarantee seating.

🤖 Artificial intelligence. Actual conversation. Why AI Is Our Ultimate Test pairs a video featuring Tristan Harris with a community discussion led by Andres Ramirez of the AI Safety Awareness Project. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Holmdel Branch, or Friday, Oct. 16, 10–11 a.m., Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

🀄 Thursday has a winning hand. Holmdel’s player-led Game Day offers mahjongg or bridge, with five tables and supplies. Thursday, Oct. 15, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Holmdel Branch. The Mah Jongg Club follows from 1–4 p.m., with casual play for experienced players.

👻 A book club with possession issues. The Stephen King Book Club discusses William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist. You may want to leave a light on afterward. Thursday, Oct. 15, 7–8 p.m., Atlantic Highlands Branch.

🤝 Support worth sharing. The Jersey Shore Prostate Cancer Support Group offers peer-to-peer education and guidance for patients and caregivers. Thursday, Oct. 15, 7–8:30 p.m., Library Headquarters, Manalapan, or online. Registration required.

🏡 Give your property-tax paperwork a helping hand. Get assistance navigating ANCHOR, Senior Freeze and Stay NJ applications. Friday, Oct. 16, 10:30–11:30 a.m., Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury. Registration required.

💬 Someone to talk to, close to home. Licensed counselors aboard the Mobile Mental Health Van offer support for stress, worry, alcohol or drug use, plus connections to additional services. Friday, Oct. 16, 1–4 p.m., Hazlet Township Branch parking lot. Free; no insurance or registration needed.

🎶 Your favorites called. They’re playing at the library. Rhythm N’ Sound brings songs from the 1940s through the ’80s to Wall Township Branch, Friday, Oct. 16, 2–3 p.m. Plenty of musical memories in one afternoon.

📖 A little shelf indulgence. Browse books starting at 50 cents, plus puzzles and games, at the Hazlet Fall Book Sale. Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Hazlet Township Branch. Your next good read could cost less than the bookmark!

📦 Make room for your next chapter. Donate eligible books, DVDs and vinyl records at Ocean Township’s Book Donation Day. Saturday, Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m.–noon—or until the book room fills—at Ocean Township Branch, rain or shine. Items must be in good condition and from a smoke-free home.

🧘 Start Monday on a softer note. Gentle seated stretches, breathing and crystal-bowl sounds come together in Stacy Newfeld’s movement and mindfulness session. Monday, Oct. 19, 9:30–10:30 a.m., Holmdel Branch.

🌿 Find your balance—and some breathing room. Explore qigong and tai chi in a moving meditation focused on strength, balance and flexibility. Monday, Oct. 19, 10–11 a.m., West Long Branch Community Center. All abilities welcome. Wear comfortable clothing and flexible, closed-toe sneakers.

💵 More know-how. Less money out the door. Learn about potential savings through NJSave and free online classes through GetSetUp. Monday, Oct. 19, 2–3 p.m., Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

🩺 Medicare questions? Pull up a chair. SHIP offers free, confidential, unbiased Medicare information in one-on-one sessions. Monday, Oct. 19, and Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2:30–4:30 p.m., Library Headquarters, Manalapan. Walk-ins welcome; first come, first served.

🧘‍♀️ Unroll the mat. Unclench the day. Steven Russell welcomes beginners and experienced yogis for breath, concentration and movement. Monday, Oct. 19, 6:30–8 p.m., Library Headquarters, Manalapan. Free. Bring a yoga mat or thick towel.

🦋 A little wild, with a plan. Learn strategies for creating native plant gardens that feel intentional and beautiful. Monday, Oct. 19, 7–8 p.m., Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury.

🪑 Take a seat. Get a stretch. Lisa Broad leads Chair Yoga; no previous yoga experience needed. Tuesday, Oct. 20, 10–10:45 a.m., Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

✨ Put a little joy on the agenda. Manifest Joy with Books and Bowls explores affirmations, influential books and ways to do more of what you love, finishing with a sound-bowl session. Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6–7 p.m., Allentown Branch. Registration required.

🔎 There’s history in those files. Archivist Mary Hussey explains how to use county records for genealogy, property research and more. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1:30–2:30 p.m., Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

🎃 Keep your head. Join the discussion. The Gothic Literature Book Club tackles The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, followed by an optional presentation on the history behind the legend. Wednesday, Oct. 21, discussion 5:30–6:30 p.m., Marlboro Branch; history presentation at 6:30 p.m.

🎲 Game night gets an upgrade. Learn beginner-friendly favorites such as Sushi Go!, Splendor and Ticket to Ride. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6–8 p.m., Library Headquarters, Manalapan. No need to know the rules beforehand.

🌸 Give scrap paper a second act. Make handmade recycled paper with Debbie Hadley of WILD Jersey, adding plant materials for color and texture. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Howell Branch. Registration required.

Links to the latest news on aging.

🏃 Exercise Can Slow Parkinson's Progression, Study Says: Movement might be key to slowing the progression of both the mental and physical degeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease. HealthDay News, Oct. 8.

💊 Should Seniors Take GLP-1s? Benefits, Safety and Risks: Discover potential health benefits, side effect risks, muscle loss prevention tips and expert advice for older adults. U.S. News & World Report, Oct. 6.

💵 More Than 20 Million Medicare Beneficiaries May Get One-Time $90 Payment — Here’s Who Qualifies: President Donald Trump said Friday on Truth Social that his administration will start sending the payments “immediately.” CNBC, Oct. 5.

🧾 What the 2026 Senior Tax Deduction Means for Retirees: Older Americans can expect some important tax changes in 2026, largely due to provisions in last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. GoBankingRates.com, Oct. 8.

💼 How Working Part Time in Retirement Can Quietly Change Your Social Security Benefits: Part-time work has become a common way for retirees to stay engaged, supplement income or ease into retirement. But once Social Security enters the picture, even small work decisions can ripple through benefits in ways many people don’t anticipate. GoBankRates.com, Oct. 11

See what’s happening around Monmouth County this week!

🏈 Four Super Bowl rings. Plenty of stories. Terry Bradshaw visits The Vogel for a moderated conversation and Q&A about Looking for Terry, his new memoir. Expect humor, candor and a look behind the familiar television grin. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m., Red Bank. Info and tickets

🥕 Give your grocery run some personality. Shop produce and handmade goods at the Bell Works Fresh Wednesday Farmers & Makers Market. Wednesdays, Oct. 14–Nov. 25, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Holmdel. Market details

🌙 Your Friday could use a little mystery. Lunar Faire Night Market: Dark Carnival brings a carnival twist to night-market browsing. Friday, Oct. 16, Freehold. Come curious.

🎭 Everything’s coming up ambition. Gypsy brings the ultimate stage mother, show-business dreams and plenty of brass and heart to the Middletown Arts Center. Oct. 16–25: Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m., Middletown. Tickets

🍽️ Consider yourself invited. Oliver! takes the Algonquin stage with Dickens’ beloved story and songs including “Food, Glorious Food.” Oct. 16–25: Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m., Manasquan. Tickets

👟 Put some purpose in your stride. Join the Mary’s Place by the Sea Walk-a-thon and 5K to support its work helping women with cancer. Saturday, Oct. 17, Ocean Grove.

🎉 Make room for community fun. Foundation FunFest offers another reason to get out and enjoy the day. Saturday, Oct. 17, Manalapan. Check the linked lineup for details.

🦐 Let someone else handle the seafood. The New Jersey Seafood Festival is set for Saturday, Oct. 17, Holmdel. Bring your appetite.

💿 Your next great find might be on vinyl. Holdfast Records presents the Asbury Park Record Show, with thousands of records from tri-state vendors. Saturday, Oct. 17, noon–5 p.m., Grand Arcade at Convention Hall, Asbury Park. Free admission. More info

📚 A book fair with garden magic. Books, Blooms & Magic brings authors, artisans, live music, seasonal food and books to Calgo Gardens. Saturday, Oct. 17, noon–4 p.m., Freehold. Browse, stroll and find something worth curling up with. Details

🎃 Give those costumes a dress rehearsal. The Red Bank Halloween Parade brings seasonal spirit downtown. Sunday, Oct. 18, Red Bank. People-watching, with considerably more capes.

🐾 Four paws. One good cause. Bark for Life of Central Jersey brings dogs and their humans together to support the American Cancer Society. Sunday, Oct. 18, Holmdel.

👻 History has a spooky side. Allaire Ghost Tours explore documented ghost stories and parts of buildings usually closed to the public. Sunday, Oct. 18, 6–7:30 p.m. or 8–9:30 p.m., Historic Village at Allaire, Wall. A historic walking tour, with eerie tales included. Details and tickets

🕶️ Some things improve with age. Browse vintage clothing, records, memorabilia, retro home goods and antiques at the Asbury Park Vintage Market. Sunday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park. Ticketed early shopping and free later admission are offered; check entry details before going. More info

🎭 Dinner comes with a side of suspicion. Add a masquerade mask to your formal or semi-formal attire for All Fur Love Animal Rescue’s Murder Mystery Dinner. Sunday, Oct. 18, 4:30–8:30 p.m., Our House Restaurant, Farmingdale. Follow the clues and support a good cause. Tickets

Here’s some state-wide outings happening this weekend worth the trip!

👻 The boardwalk gets a boo-over. Boo at the Boardwalk adds Halloween fun to a classic Jenkinson’s outing. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17–18, Point Pleasant Beach.

🐾 A little boo for your animal-loving crew. Boo at the Refuge brings a Halloween outing to Popcorn Park Animal Refuge. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17–18, Forked River. Gather the grandkids for a seasonal adventure with an animal twist. Check the event page for hours, admission and activities.

🍬 Once upon a time, there was candy. Storybook Land’s Trick or Treat Weekends add seasonal fun to its fairy-tale setting. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17–18, Egg Harbor Township. Let the kids dress up and make some storybook magic.

🐧 Put a little waddle in your weekend. The Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle offers a penguin-themed reason to get the family moving. Sunday, Oct. 18, West Orange. Tuxedos optional.

After all that running around, let’s talk about something delicious.

🥤 A little boo in your boba. Tropical Smoothie Cafe introduces the Fanta Phantom Smoothie: Fanta Orange-flavored syrup, mango, banana, nonfat yogurt and cinnamon, topped with purple vanilla-flavored popping boba.

🍽️ Give the kitchen a night off. Marlboro Restaurant Week runs through Oct. 18, with more than 20 participating restaurants. Options include $36 lunch and $49 dinner menus at Amorina, a $49 three-course menu at Cuzin’s Sunday–Thursday, and burger and sandwich specials elsewhere. Offers and hours vary. Browse restaurants and menus

🥙 Two fresh stops for Freehold appetites. Cava was scheduled to open Oct. 12, followed by Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Oct. 13, at Freehold Marketplace. Mediterranean bowls or burgers and custard? A respectable lunch debate. Check opening status before making a special trip.

🍣 Anderson Market keeps adding reasons to linger. Recent additions include Studio Omakase, with a 14-seat counter and 12-course dinner tasting menu, and Lobby Bar, serving juices and smoothies by day, cocktails and snacks at night. Both opened in late September. And coming sometime this month, Little Andy’s is expected to open at Anderson Market, featuring its famous West Coast-inspired smash burgers and crinkle-cut fries!

🍝 Pasta worth driving for. Denville’s The Pasta Shop topped Yelp’s Top 100 Pasta Places of 2026, with fresh pasta and daily-made mozzarella. Planning a day trip? No reservations: seating is first come, first served, and waits can be long. BYOB is welcome.

And closer to home, Asbury Park’s Pasta Volo ranked No. 8, earning praise for build-your-own pasta bowls, affordable prices and takeout. National bragging rights, right here at the Shore.

While we’re celebrating good things close to home, let’s give these businesses a birthday nod. County commissioners recently recognized their milestones through Open for Business in Monmouth.

🍦 One year here, 14 years of sweet experience. Frozen Yo Café marked the first anniversary of its Manalapan location in September. Marian Santoro’s family-owned business has served customers for 14 years, offering delicious self-serve frozen yogurt, with assorted flavors and toppings.

🚗 A year in the driver’s seat. Sansone Jr.’s Keyport Kia celebrated its first anniversary in Keyport. Owned by Paul Sansone III, the dealership offers vehicle sales, leasing and maintenance services.

💪 Forty-five-minute workouts. F45 Training is celebrating one year in Manalapan under owner Bhaveesha Siyani. The studio offers 45-minute, full-body functional group workouts led by certified personal trainers.

And speaking of working up a little energy, here’s some news for the pickleball crowd.

Your pickleball game deserves fewer weather excuses. Pickleball Kingdom plans to open in Woodbridge in early 2027, with 14 full-size indoor courts, a practice half court, warm-up walls and climate-controlled comfort.

Owners Vidya Rentachintala and Ramya Pasupaleti plan leagues, clinics and community events for all ages and skill levels, plus digital scoreboards and instant replay. Finally, evidence for that shot you’ll discuss all week. The club will join the franchise’s New Jersey locations, including Tinton Falls.

A comedy legend, an Everest adventure and a trip to a lake you might want to avoid. Here’s what’s coming to your couch.

😄 Norm gets the last laugh. Judd Apatow pays affectionate tribute to the late comedian in Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald. The documentary explores the enduring appeal of the stand-up whose jokes and talk-show appearances still make the rounds online. Streaming Oct. 16 on Netflix. Dry wit. Lasting laughs.

🏔️ All the Everest drama. None of the frostbite. Tenzing tells the story of Tenzing Norgay, the often-overlooked mountaineer who reached Everest’s summit alongside Edmund Hillary. Genden Phuntsok stars as Norgay, with Tom Hiddleston as Hillary and Willem Dafoe co-starring. Directed by Jennifer Peedom. Streaming Oct. 16 on Apple TV.

🔪 Mother knows best? Perhaps skip that advice here. Crystal Lake, a new Friday the 13th prequel, heads back to the beginning of the horror legend. Linda Cardellini stars as Pamela Voorhees, Jason’s mother, in the eight-episode series on Peacock. The full season debuts Thursday, Oct. 15. For viewers who like their October entertainment with the lights on.

Ocean Casino Resort has North Pole adventures, local shopping, festive drinks and entertainment planned for the upcoming season.

🎅 Next stop: Santa. Santa’s Hideaway Adventure returns Nov. 5–Dec. 24, with an immersive elevator journey to the North Pole, Santa visits and photo opportunities. Advance tickets are available.

🍸 Make spirits bright. Jingle Bell Bar opens Nov. 14 in Nola’s Bar & Lounge. Expect seasonal cocktails, nostalgic décor and twinkling lights. The Boy Band Project performs Dec. 5. You probably still know the words.

🍬 Sweet dreams, literally. A new Gingerbread Dream Suite joins the holiday-themed rooms, available Nov. 26 through year’s end. Think peppermint décor, hot chocolate and cookies.

🍝 Dinner with a side of sparkle. Linguini By The Sea’s Winter Wonderland begins Nov. 27, pairing festive food and specialty cocktails with ocean views.

🛍️ Shop small. Think festive. Ocean’s Holiday Village features more than 30 local businesses. Noon–7 p.m., Nov. 28; Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 20. The first 200 shoppers each day receive a complimentary limited-edition gift.

🎪 The holidays take flight. Cirque Dreams Holidaze brings acrobatics, aerial performances and holiday music to Ovation Hall. Sunday, Dec. 20, 4 p.m.

Explore Ocean’s full holiday lineup

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Believe, is scheduled to set sail Dec. 18, 2027, from Fort Lauderdale—and general bookings open Oct. 19, 2026. Its four- and five-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruises will visit one or both of Disney’s island destinations, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Planning a grandkid getaway? Expect the first stage adaptation of Encanto, a new Frozen-inspired family restaurant, a Moana-themed Grand Hall and fireworks at sea. Yes, we’ll be talking about Bruno.

And the grown-ups get their own magic. Think an Ariel-inspired piano lounge, a Haunted Mansion bar, fine dining and an adults-only retreat with an infinity pool. Because making family memories should include a little time with your feet up.

Explore Disney Cruise Line and booking details

A little music, a little mystery and a cranberry or two. Here are seven reasons to take the scenic route beyond Monmouth County.

✨ Give your Friday a little glow. Gardens Aglow brings a seasonal evening outing to Essex County’s Presby Memorial Iris Gardens. Friday, Oct. 16, Montclair. The garden gets dressed for fall; you just need to show up.

👻 History takes a haunted turn. Historic Cold Spring Village becomes Ghoul Spring Village for an evening of Halloween atmosphere amid its historic setting. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16–17, Cape May. Check the event details for scare levels before bringing younger companions.

🎶 Four Jersey boys. One terrific soundtrack. Jersey Boys brings the story and music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to State Theatre New Jersey. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16–17, New Brunswick. “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry”—your memory probably has the lyrics covered.

🔮 Peek beyond the everyday. Historic Cold Spring Village’s Beyond the Veil offers another seasonal outing for the curious. Saturday, Oct. 17, Cape May. Check the village’s listing for the program and admission details, and consider pairing it with a day around town.

💡 Follow the lights around New Jersey. The New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge invites you to explore participating lighthouse and maritime sites across the state. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17–18. Map out a manageable route, check each stop’s access requirements and make the journey part of the fun.

🔴 Small berry. Big weekend. The Annual Chatsworth Cranberry Festival gives you a reason to explore this Pine Barrens town and celebrate one of Jersey’s signature crops. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17–18, Chatsworth. A fall outing with a pleasantly tart personality.

🎤 Motown makes an excellent Sunday plan. The Temptations and the Four Tops take the stage at State Theatre New Jersey. Sunday, Oct. 18, New Brunswick. Two legendary names, decades of musical memories and plenty of reasons to hum all the way home.

🙏Thanks for reading! We hope you find at least one thing fun to do this week!

📣Know about a local event, new business or story we should share? Send us the news! And if a friend could use a little more Scoop in their week, forward this free newsletter and invite them to subscribe.

😎See you next week,
The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: Event dates, times, prices, registration requirements and availability may change. Check with organizers before heading out. The Monmouth Senior Scoop does not offer medical or legal advice. Check with a professional when making important decisions.