📰 Monmouth Senior Scoop | Feb. 18–25, 2026

This week’s Monmouth Senior Scoop is stacked: free tax help, free shredding, Broadway sparkle, bagpipes on the horizon, and yes — the forecast is finally flirting with the 50s. Let’s get into it.

🗂️ Did You Know? Senior Freeze could put money back in your pocket
🗂️ Time to Shred 16 FREE paper shredding events
📰 Prime Time News Tax perks, Social Security security & health alerts
🎉 Out & About (Feb. 18–25) Maple Festival, Mardi Bingo, Chili Cook-Off & more
🍀 St. Patrick’s Parades + Where to Get Irish Soda Bread
💰 Free Tax Help AARP locations across Monmouth County
♠️ Let the Games Begin Bridge, Mahjongg & Chess at the library
📚 Beyond the Books Dance, history, AI talks & yoga
📺 TV Time What to stream this week
🎢 Take the Grandkids Universal magic in Philly
🌍✈️ Wanderlust Weekly Vegas bingo, immersive trips & Disney cruises
🌤 One Last Thing… Warmer weather is finally here

Up first…

If your property taxes have been climbing faster than your grocery bill, listen up.

New Jersey’s Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) Program reimburses eligible seniors and disabled residents for property tax increases on their primary home (or mobile home site fees).

Even better? The 2025 application is now a combined form covering:
✔ Senior Freeze
✔ ANCHOR
✔ Stay NJ

One application. Multiple programs. Fewer headaches.

Eligibility is based on age, income and residency for 2024 & 2025.
🗓 Deadline: Nov. 2, 2026

Decluttering just got easier. Monmouth County is hosting 16 FREE paper shredding events in 2026 — open to residents of all 53 municipalities.

You can bring up to 100 pounds of old paperwork (about four big boxes). Staples? Fine. Paper clips? Fine. Giant binder clips? Remove those.

📍 Stops include Upper Freehold (March 21), Brielle (April 11), Keyport (April 25), Eatontown (May 9) … all the way through Middletown (Nov. 21).

You now have no excuse to keep that expired warranty from 1997.

Details: visitmonmouth.com

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

10 Tax Breaks for People Over 50
Growing older qualifies you for a variety of tax perks that aren't available to younger workers. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 12.

Why 'Locking' Your Social Security Number Is the New Credit Freeze
Here is how to keep your Social Security number private in an age of aggressive cybercriminals. Kiplinger, Feb. 12.

The Guthrie Case Raises a Hard Question: Can You Protect Parents From Afar?
Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping highlights the challenges families face when elderly loved ones live alone. USA Today, Feb. 11.

Apple Watch's High Blood Pressure Alert Has Gaps Regarding Seniors, Study Warns
Middle-aged folks and seniors who don’t get a warning might still be at risk for undiagnosed high blood pressure. HealthDay News, Feb. 10.

Fresh Farmers & Makers Market
📍 Bell Works – 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel
🗓 Wednesdays starting Feb. 18
🕚 11 AM–5 PM (through early March; 4 PM closing later in season)

Midweek pick-me-up? Yes, please. Fresh produce, local vendors, handmade goodies — all under one very cool roof. A perfect excuse to get out, stroll, and maybe grab lunch while you’re there.

That’s Love! The Dorothy Dandridge Musical
📍 Axelrod Performing Arts Center – Deal
🗓 Feb. 18–March 8
🎟 Matinee & evening performances (Feb. 18–25 shows include 2 PM, 3 PM & 7 PM options)

A dazzling new musical about the first Black woman nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress. Jazz, blues, Broadway energy — plus a little old-Hollywood sparkle. Great night-out material.

Liberty Cocktail Party Fundraiser
📍 Molly Pitcher Inn – Red Bank
🗓 Friday, Feb. 20
🕡 6:30–9:30 PM

Live music, buffet dinner, dessert, and two drink tickets — all supporting Fair Haven’s America 250 festivities. Wear your red, white & blue and toast 250 years in style.

Maple Syrup Festival
📍 Happy Day Farm
🗓 Feb. 21–22 (multiple time slots starting 10 AM)

Sugar shack demos, 700+ maple trees, tractor rides, goats, chickens — and yes, pancakes with fresh syrup. Sweet, sticky, and surprisingly educational.

A Doll’s House (World Premiere Adaptation)
📍 Two River Theater
🗓 Feb. 21–March 15
🎟 Feb. 21–25 shows include 1 PM, 3 PM & 7–8 PM options

Ibsen’s classic, reimagined in 1950s New Jersey and woven with Black cultural influences. Powerful storytelling. Perfect matinee outing.

Life of the Mardi Bingo Brunch
📍 Asbury Ale House
🗓 Saturday, Feb. 21
🕐 1–4 PM

Brunch. Bingo. Beads. One complimentary Hurricane cocktail and a shot at a trip-for-two grand prize. Laissez les bons temps roll, Monmouth style.

Waves of Wonder: Bubbly Brunch & Marine Carnival
📍 West Long Branch Community Center
🗓 Sunday, Feb. 22
🕙 10 AM–1 PM

Hosted by Clean Ocean Action. Marine activities, live music, brunch bites — and a feel-good cause. Shell-ebrate responsibly. 🐚

Winter Fresh Farmers Market
📍 Ocean Grove
🗓 Sunday, Feb. 22
🕙 10 AM–1 PM

Food-only market featuring Asbury FRESH vendors. Stock up on winter veggies and baked goods without freezing your toes off.

Highlands Annual Chili Cook-Off
📍 Chubby Pickle
🗓 Sunday, Feb. 22
🕒 3–7 PM

Professional vs. amateur chili showdowns, two beer tickets included, Irish dancers, bagpipes — and proceeds benefit the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Vote wisely.

George Washington Birthday Celebration
📍 Colts Neck Inn
🗓 Sunday, Feb. 22
🕔 5–8 PM

Meet George, Martha & Revolutionary War friends. Live quartet. Period costumes encouraged. History + dinner = solid Sunday plan.

Pier Village Restaurant Week
📍 Pier Village
🗓 Feb. 24–March 4
🕚 11 AM–10 PM daily

Prix-fixe menus, sweet treats, and oceanfront dining deals. Try somewhere new. Or revisit an old favorite. That sea breeze never gets old.

George Harrison Birthday Celebration
📍 Bell Theater
🗓 Feb. 27–28
🎟 7:30 PM (Fri) & 8 PM (Sat)

A deep dive into Harrison’s Beatles years, solo career, and Traveling Wilburys era. Perfect for anyone who still hums “Here Comes the Sun.”

Get your green on — March in Monmouth is full of festive parades! Here’s where you can catch the bagpipes, floats, dancers, and shamrock spirit this year.

Tip: Bring a chair or blanket for best viewing, and don’t forget to wear something green — everyone’s a little Irish in March! ☘️✨And here are some great local places in Monmouth County where you can look for top-notch Irish soda bread (or other delicious treats you can pair with it around St. Patrick’s Day).

🍀 Delicious Orchards – Colts Neck
Huge fan favorite — known for seasonal Irish soda bread (with or without raisins) and classic baked goods you can grab on the way home.

🍀 Mueller’s Bakery – Bay Head
A long-standing Jersey Shore bakery offering traditional Irish soda bread year-round — raisins included — and a wide lineup of beloved pastries.

🍀 Normandie Bakery – Hazlet
Classic soda bread among other seasonal Irish treats, baked in-house for decades.

🍀 The Macaroon Shop – Avon-By-The-Sea
A local favorite for seasonal Irish soda bread and fun St. Patrick’s Day goodies alongside cookies and cupcakes.

🍀 The Baker’s Grove – Shrewsbury
Highly rated neighborhood bakery — ask if they’re featuring Irish soda bread around March (they’re known for great breads).

🍀 Benchmark Breads – Little Silver
Beloved for artisanal loaves; call ahead to see if Irish soda bread is on the menu for St. Patrick’s Day season.

🍀 Nick + Sons Bakery – Spring Lake
Excellent classic bakery that often features seasonal treats — worth checking around March.

It’s tax season — but don’t panic. The AARP Tax-Aide Program is offering FREE in-person tax prep across Monmouth County, thanks to trained AARP Foundation volunteers. They’ll prepare most Federal and NJ returns (simple to moderate). More complex returns may not qualify. And yes — if you’re filing jointly, both taxpayers must be present.

Here’s where you can go the week of Feb. 18–25:

🗓 Feb. 18, 19, 21 & 25
🕙 10 AM–2:30 PM
Appointments preferred (book online). Limited walk-ins before noon.

🗓 Ongoing through April 11
🕘 Tues & Thurs: 9 AM–5 PM
🕘 Saturdays: 9 AM–1 PM
Appointment required.

🗓 Feb. 20 & 23
🕐 1–4 PM (Fri) | 1–5 PM (Mon)
Walk-ins, first come first served.

🗓 Feb. 20, 23 & 24
🕐 1–4 PM
Walk-ins, first come first served.

✔️ Bring all required documents (check your branch’s registration link for the full list).
✔️ Space is limited each session.

Get more information here.

Cards, tiles, strategy — and zero screen time. Monmouth County Library branches are bringing the fun this week with plenty of ways to shuffle, stack, and shout “Mahjong!”

📍 Monmouth County Library – West Long Branch
🗓 Wednesdays (Feb. 18 & 25)
🕚 11 AM–1 PM

Intermediate players, this table’s for you. First come, first seated — no saving seats, no excuses.

📍 Library Headquarters – Manalapan
🗓 Wednesdays (Feb. 18 & 25)
🕛 12–4:45 PM

Want to sharpen your skills? Come learn this interactive twist on bridge. Seats are limited, so arrive early.

📍 Eastern Branch – Shrewsbury
🗓 Thursday, Feb. 19
🕤 9:30 AM–12 PM

Doors open at 9:30 AM. Collaborative tables, volunteer experts, and a friendly rotation system. First come, first seated.

📍 Holmdel Branch
🗓 Thursday, Feb. 19
🕤 9:30 AM–12:30 PM

Mahjongg and Bridge. Player-led, casual, five tables available. If there’s a wait, players rotate in. No registration needed.

📍 Holmdel Branch
🗓 Thursday, Feb. 19
🕐 1–4 PM

Experienced players welcome. Tiles provided (bring your card). Seating limited to 20 — first come, first seated.

📍 Holmdel Branch
🗓 Thursday, Feb. 19
🕔 5–8 PM

All ages, all skill levels. Drop in, challenge someone new, and maybe channel your inner Bobby Fischer.

📍 Library Headquarters – Manalapan
🗓 Monday, Feb. 23
🕕 6–8:30 PM

Evening bridge for players who already know the game. Limited seating — arrive early.

📍 West Long Branch Branch
🗓 Tuesday, Feb. 24
🕐 1–4 PM

Weekly program. Tiles provided, bring your own card. Beginners welcome (some knowledge required). Extra players rotate in — no seat saving!

From salsa steps to meditation breaths, this week’s Monmouth County Library lineup is giving “something for everyone.” Here’s the quick-and-fun rundown:

Social Dance Club – Manalapan
🗓 Thurs, Feb. 19 | 🕛 12–1:30 PM
Salsa, tango, swing, waltz — no partner needed. Lloyd “Silqui” Davis keeps it welcoming and fun. Beginners to seasoned dancers all welcome. (Registration recommended.)

Dance Like a Colonial – Wall
🗓 Sat, Feb. 21 | 🕥 10:30 AM–1:30 PM
Live music + simple country dances + Revolutionary flair. Reel, cotillion, and fun for all ages.

Kelly’s Knit & Crochet Circle – Howell
🗓 Sat, Feb. 21 | 🕚 11 AM–1 PM
Bring your yarn. All skill levels welcome. Friendly, relaxed, creative vibes.

Music That Changed America – Shrewsbury
🗓 Sun, Feb. 22 | 🕑 2–3 PM
Louis Armstrong to Michael Jackson. Free live concert celebrating Black History Month. Ragtime, swing, pop — timeless classics.

Everyday Uses of AI – Shrewsbury
🗓 Fri, Feb. 20 | 🕥 10:30–11:30 AM
Voice assistants, healthcare, customer service — AI is already in your life. Learn how it works (and how to use it).

All History is Local – Ocean Township
🗓 Sat, Feb. 21 | 🕒 3–4 PM
The role of Black and Indigenous soldiers at the Battle of Monmouth. Fascinating Revolutionary history.

Early Allentown & the Revolution – Allentown
🗓 Tues, Feb. 24 | 🕡 6:30–7:30 PM
How this mill town helped the Cause in the 1770s.

Seals & Winter Waterfowl – Shrewsbury
🗓 Wed, Feb. 25 | 🕜 1:30–2:30 PM
Learn which coastal critters thrive in winter — and how to spot them.

Slavery in Monmouth County – Shrewsbury
🗓 Wed, Feb. 25 | 🕖 7–8 PM
A powerful look at New Jersey’s overlooked slave history.

Yoga for Beginners – Manalapan
🗓 Mon, Feb. 23 | 🕡 6:30–8 PM
Bring a mat or towel. All levels welcome.

De-Stress Through Meditation & Breathing – Shrewsbury
🗓 Mon, Feb. 23 | 🕖 7–8:30 PM
Gentle relaxation techniques. Registration required.

Chair Yoga – Manalapan
🗓 Tues, Feb. 24 | 🕙 10–10:45 AM
Accessible, supportive, no floor work needed.

SHIP Medicare Q&A (One-on-One) – Manalapan
🗓 Mon, Feb. 23 | 🕝 2:30–4 PM
Free, unbiased Medicare guidance. Walk-ins welcome.

Walk-In Blood Pressure Screening – Manalapan
🗓 Wed, Feb. 25 | 🕙 10 AM–12 PM
Quick check, no registration.

Lost & Found Bereavement Support Group – Manalapan
🗓 Wed, Feb. 25 | 🕡 6:45 PM
Support, sharing, and community.

Remote ready? Here’s what’s new (and nostalgic) on your couch this week:

🎬 Urchin (Hulu)
Actor Harris Dickinson steps behind the camera for a gritty London drama about an unhoused addict trying to survive. Critics are buzzing — heavy, but powerful.

❄️ Dead of Winter (HBO Max, Friday, Feb. 20)
Emma Thompson + Minnesota blizzard + armed couple in a remote cabin. Enough said. Cozy up — this thriller is icy.

🌫 Still in your Wuthering Heights era?
Pick your Heathcliff:
• The 1939 Laurence Olivier classic (HBO Max)
• The faithful 1992 Ralph Fiennes version (free on Kanopy)
• Andrea Arnold’s 2011 reimagining (free on Tubi)
• The 2009 British miniseries (BritBox)

🕵️ The Night Agent – Season 3 (Netflix, Thursday)
More counter-intelligence drama, international intrigue, and life-or-death secrets. Istanbul this time.

🥊 The Last Thing He Told Me – Season 2 (Apple TV, Friday)
Jennifer Garner returns — and so does the husband who vanished five years ago. Expect danger, twists, and yes, some action.

Big news, grandparents — the rides are coming to you (no plane ticket required).

Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition just made its world premiere at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia — and it’s basically a backstage pass to the worlds your grandkids love.

We’re talking:

🧙‍♂️ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
🦈 Jaws
🟡 Minions
🦖 Jurassic World
🐉 How to Train Your Dragon
🎮 SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™

The 18,000-square-foot exhibit features eight galleries, 20 interactive experiences, and 100 real props and artifacts. Kids (and let’s be honest… you too) can program animation, experiment with projection mapping, step inside a ride vehicle, and snap photos with iconic scenes.

It runs Feb. 14–Sept. 7, 2026 — open daily, with special evening hours Thursday–Saturday. Daytime tickets include full museum admission. Evening tickets are exhibit-only and easier on the wallet. Perfect winter or spring break day trip.

Science + movie magic + Mario = grandparent win. 🎟️✨

Bingo’s Back, Europe Beckons & Disney Goes Big

Feeling the travel itch? You’re not alone. Between retro Vegas vibes, shorter immersive adventures, and Disney sailings around the globe, 2027 is already shaping up to be a very good year to pack a bag. Here’s what’s new in the travel world:

If you’ve ever said, “I miss the old Vegas,” good news — it just checked back in.

Circus Circus Las Vegas has debuted a traditional-style bingo hall and expanded its coin-operated slots. It’s now the only Las Vegas Strip property offering bingo and coin-operated machines.

Expect:
• Paper bingo cards
• Real ink daubers
• Five sessions (Thurs–Sun starting at 3 p.m.)
• 14 games per session
• Cash prizes from $50 to $1,500
• $30 full-session packages

It’s vintage Vegas — affordable, lively, and a little nostalgic — with modern updates across the property. If you’re craving cheap eats, classic gameplay, and throwback fun, this one’s for you.

Overseas Adventure Travel just launched its 2027 Immersions Collection — thoughtfully paced 9- and 10-day journeys designed for travelers over 50 who want meaningful cultural experiences without marathon itineraries.

Highlights include:

🇯🇴 Jordan – Petra, Wadi Rum desert overnights & floating in the Dead Sea
🇰🇪 Kenya – Amboseli & Masai Mara safari lodges
🇯🇵 Japan – Bullet trains, sushi-making, temples & time with sumo wrestlers
🇮🇹 Italy – Venice, Florence & Rome by high-speed rail

Small groups. Fewer hotel changes. More hands-on connection.

Bottom line: less rushing, more experiencing.

If you’ve got grandkids (or just love top-tier entertainment and seamless service), Disney Cruise Line just announced its Summer 2027 itineraries — and they’re expansive.

Here’s the lineup:

🇪🇺 Disney Wish heads to Europe
Croatia, Italy, Norway and beyond.

🏔 Alaska returns
Seven-night sailings from Vancouver aboard Disney Magic & Disney Wonder.

🏝 Bahamas & Caribbean expansion
Multiple ships sailing from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale, including short 3- and 4-night escapes and longer Southern Caribbean routes.

🇸🇬 Singapore sailings continue
Short Southeast Asia itineraries aboard Disney Adventure.

Plus:
🦸 Marvel Day at Sea returns
🎬 Pixar Day at Sea continues

Early booking for loyalty members begins Feb. 16. Public booking opens Feb. 23.

If you’re considering a multigenerational trip, booking early means better cabin selection — especially for adjoining rooms.

Good news, Monmouth.

The deep freeze is loosening its grip — and those giant gray snow piles in the ShopRite parking lot? Their days are numbered.

Forecasts for Feb. 18–22 show temperatures climbing out of the icebox and into much friendlier territory across New Jersey. Expect a gradual warm-up through the week, with daytime highs nudging into the 40s.

It’s not beach weather (let’s not get carried away), but it is melt-the-snowbank weather — and we’ll take it.😎

⁉️Questions, comments or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Just hit reply to this email.

See you next week!

The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: Events can change, tickets can sell out, and Mother Nature still does whatever she wants. Always double-check details before heading out. We share the fun — you make the final call. And as always, this newsletter is for informational purposes only not medical, legal, or tax advice. 😉