Monmouth Senior Scoop: Headlines, Happenings & More

New year, same great Scoop! We’re kicking off 2026 with flavor, fun, and a fresh lineup of local events you won’t want to miss. From football feasts and trivia nights to candlelit concerts and seal-spotting strolls, this week’s edition is packed with ways to stay connected, cozy, and curious. So grab a warm mug, settle in, and let’s dive into what’s happening around town (and in your kitchen)!

👀 In This Week’s Scoop

🩺 Prime Time News: What’s new in Medicare, money & local headlines
📺 TV Time: Two hit shows are back—get the popcorn
📅 Local Happenings: What’s going on around Monmouth this week
🧘 Beyond the Books: Chair yoga, workshops & library gems
🎂 Birthday Cheers: Local shoutouts + famous candles to blow out

Up first…

Stars & Strides 5K & Freedom Walk Coming to Holmdel This June

Lace up, Jersey! The MonmouthNJ 250 Stars & Strides Flag Day 5K and 1-Mile Freedom Walk is ready to roll — and registration is now open!

📍 Where: Bell Works, Holmdel
📅 When: Sunday, June 14
💰 How much: $30 until May 14, then $35
👕 Free tee: Only if you register by May 14!

🎤 “As an avid runner, I can’t think of a more exciting way to help celebrate America’s 250th birthday than with a patriotic, high-energy event like this,” said Commissioner Director Tom Arnone, Co-Chair of the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime race — and the dress code is simple: red, white, and blue!”

💬 Co-Chair Christine Giordano Hanlon agrees: “We’re going big for the nation’s semiquincentennial (say that five times fast), and this signature race is just the start. Join the fun, then check out all the other events we’ve got planned at monmouthnj250.org.”

🏅 Awards go to the top three male and female finishers overall — and in 14 different age groups.
🚶 Not a runner? No problem. The 1-Mile Freedom Walk is a non-timed stroll of pride and patriotism.

🎁 Bonus feel-good moment: Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Monmouth County Park System, supporting local parks, access for individuals with disabilities, historic preservation, and rec programs for urban youth.

👉 Ready to register? March yourself over to monmouthnj250.org and hit the Engage tab.

New Jersey has a whole network of experts dedicated to helping veterans and their families?

Through NJ’s Veterans Service Offices (VSOs), trained officers assist the state’s 325,000+ veterans with everything from filing claims to finding support for housing, education, employment, medical care, and more. They’re like your personal VA GPS — helping you or a loved one navigate benefits, services, and resources.

💻 Learn more or find help:
👉 www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/vso

Pull up a chair (or a laptop!) — Monmouth County libraries are serving up smart, supportive programs tailored just for older adults this January. Whether you're sorting through Medicare decisions, building healthier habits, or navigating life after loss, there’s a seat with your name on it.

🧾 Medicare 101 – Demystified!
📍 In Person | Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
📅 Friday, Jan. 9 | 🕤 10:30–11:30 AM
New to Medicare or about to sign up? AARP NJ's Pamela Intile walks you through the ABCs (and D plans) of Medicare in plain English — coverage, costs, and smart choices included.
👉 Registration strongly suggested to guarantee seating.

🤝 One-on-One Medicare Help (SHIP)
📍 In Person | HQ Library, Manalapan – Room 7
📅 Monday, Jan. 12 | 🕝 2:30–4:00 PM
Have questions about your coverage? Get free, confidential guidance from Kalpana Sheth, a certified SHIP counselor with over a decade of experience. Walk-ins welcome!

🥦 Nutrition Essentials for Healthy Aging
📍 In Person | Colts Neck Branch
📅 Tuesday, Jan. 13 | 🕡 6:30–7:30 PM
Cut through the noise and learn how small changes can lead to long-term results. Plant-based pro Rachel Epstein shares doable tips, smart swaps, meal plans, and trackers to make healthy living easier (and tastier).
📝 Registration required

💬 Online Bereavement Support Group
📍 Virtual | Join from home
🗓️ Monthly: Second Wednesday | ⏰ 6:45–8:00 PM
Next meeting: Jan. 14
Grief can be lonely — but you don’t have to go it alone. Led by support facilitator Beth Stamp, this gentle, welcoming online space is for anyone processing the loss of a loved one.
🖥️ Register online to receive the Zoom link.

Craft. Connect. Create. Converse.
There’s a lot more than books waiting for you at Monmouth County libraries this January. From genealogy sleuthing to short story chats, garden wisdom to tai chi — these free and friendly programs are tailor-made for curious, creative, community-loving adults. Here’s what’s on tap:

Genealogy Club
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
📅 Wed, Jan. 7 | 🕑 2–3 PM
Got roots? Whether you’re just starting out or already knee-deep in great-grandpas, this welcoming group helps you navigate ancestry tools and share discoveries. Moderated by genealogy pro Deborah Alfano.
👉 Registration encouraged to save your seat!

Short & Sweet Story Group: “Now I Lay Me”
📍 Ocean Township Branch
📅 Thurs, Jan. 8 | 🕥 10:30–11:30 AM
Start the new year with Hemingway’s haunting short story and a thoughtful group chat. All experience levels welcome — bring your insights, tissues, and literary curiosity.
📝 Register for your copy via email!

Mahjongg & Bridge
📍 Holmdel Branch
📅 Every Thurs (Jan. 8 too!) | 🕤 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
It’s BYO strategy and zero registration. Five tables. First come, first seated. No seat-saving funny business. Let’s play!
🀄♠️ Supported by Friends of the Library.

Holmdel Mah Jongg Club
📍 Holmdel Branch
📅 Thurs, Jan. 8 | 🕐 1–4 PM
For experienced players only — grab a chair and click those tiles. Spectators welcome if you just want to learn by watching.

Knit Wits Club
📍 HQ Library, Manalapan
📅 Thurs, Jan. 8 | 🕡 6:30–8:30 PM
Knit, crochet, needlepoint, or tinker — bring your project and your yarn gossip. Led by local fiber legend Camille Scala.
🧵 BYO supplies. No registration needed.

Rutgers Master Gardeners: Lettuce Help You!
📍 Online
📅 Thurs, Jan. 8 | 🕖 7–8 PM
Zoom in with your biggest gardening questions and get answers from Monmouth’s own Diane Larson. Submit questions in advance — no dirt under the nails required.
🪴 Register to receive the link.

Creative Writer’s Workshop
📍 Allentown Branch
📅 Thurs, Jan. 8 | 🕖 7–8:45 PM
Bring 5 copies of your work and connect with fellow writers in a constructive, creative circle led by author Michael Pedowitz.
📎 Registration requested but not required.

Writers Workshop with Molly Fox
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
📅 Fri, Jan. 9 | 🕥 10:30 AM–12 PM
Pick a prompt, pen your thoughts, and (optionally!) share in this gentle, guided session with writing instructor Molly Fox.

Intro to Qigong & Tai Chi
📍 West Long Branch Community Center
📅 Mon, Jan. 12 | 🕙 10–11 AM
Feel stronger, steadier, and more centered through this meditative movement class for all abilities.
🧘‍♀️ Registration required. Wear comfy shoes and bring water.

Yoga for Beginners
📍 HQ Library, Manalapan
📅 Mon, Jan. 12 | 🕡 6:30–8 PM
Leave stress at the door in this gentle class led by certified Dharma Yoga teacher Steven Russell. No need to register — just bring a mat or thick towel and show up. 🧘‍♂️

📍 Allentown Branch
📅 Wed, Jan. 14 | 🕐 1–3 PM
Bring your yarn project and hang with fellow stitchers in a friendly, no-pressure setting. All crafts and experience levels welcome — just don’t forget your supplies!

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

Healthy to 100: Secrets from Countries Where Retirees Age Best: Longevity is a team sport, according to author Ken Stern. Here's the secret sauce for living long, healthy lives from countries like Italy and Japan. Kiplinger, Jan. 3

Vaccines Are Helping Older People More Than We Knew: Many shots seem to have “off-target” benefits, such as lowering the risk of dementia, studies have found. The New York Times, Jan. 3.

The 2026 Retirement Changes That Will Affect You: There are many changes coming to retirement benefits and planning in 2026. Here’s a list covering the significant changes. U.S. News & World Report, Dec. 29.

Five Financial Blind Spots That Burden Grieving Spouses: Proactive strategies can help avoid the financial fog of loss later. WSJ, Jan. 3

Hot tip: Nature doesn’t close for winter.
Monmouth County Parks is turning the chill into a thrill with beach walks, Victorian crafts, stargazing, and games that pre-date Netflix (and Monopoly). Bundle up, grab a thermos, and enjoy the great outdoors — and the great indoors — this January.

Winter Beach Walk
📍 Fisherman’s Cove, Manasquan
🗓️ Sat, Jan. 10 | ⏰ 11 AM–12:30 PM
Stroll the shore with a Park Naturalist and collect some of the ocean’s frosty treasures. Shell bag recommended, flip-flops not.
FREE!

Parlor Games for Wintry Weather
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
🗓️ Sat, Jan. 10 | ⏰ 12–2:30 PM
Take a break from your Wordle streak and try your hand at Halma, Basilinda, and other Gilded Age games. FREE!

Under the Winter Stars
📍 Dorbrook Rec Area, Colts Neck
🗓️ Sat, Jan. 10 | ⏰ 7:30–8:30 PM
Flashlights out, chairs up! Spot constellations and winter sky wonders (clouds permitting). Open to all ages — no telescope required.
FREE!

Make-and-Take Victorian Dolls
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
🗓️ Sun, Jan. 11 | ⏰ 11 AM–2 PM
Drop in with your grandkid to craft your own rag doll or corn husk cutie — no batteries or screens involved.
FREE!

Wondrous Winter Walks
❄️ Wed, Jan. 14 @ Clayton Park (Upper Freehold)
❄️ Wed, Jan. 28 @ Freneau Woods Park (Aberdeen)
🕙 10–11:30 AM
Join a Naturalist-led walk where the birds chirp louder and the air smells like adventure. Dress warm and wear boots with grip — we’re trekking over roots, not rugs.
FREE!

New Study Shows Retirees Are Leaving NJ — But the Garden State’s Still Got Hustle

Well, it’s official: New Jersey once again tops the list for people packing up and heading out. According to United Van Lines’ 49th Annual National Movers Study, a whopping 62% of moves in 2025 were outbound, making it the #1 state for exits… for the eighth year in a row.

But don’t cue the sad Bruce ballads just yet — the picture’s more nuanced.

👶 Younger professionals and families are still moving into Jersey, treating it as a "launch state" for careers, connections, and commutes. What we’re really losing? Retirees looking for sunshine, smaller towns, and lower costs of living.

The big winners for inbound moves?
📍 Oregon (65%)
📍 West Virginia (62%)
📍 South Carolina (61%)

Americans are also trending toward smaller cities like:
🏡 Eugene-Springfield, OR (85% inbound)
🏖️ Wilmington, NC (83%)
🌳 Dover, DE (79%)

Meanwhile, Northeast states like New York (58%) and Maryland (with Hagerstown at a whopping 88% outbound) joined New Jersey in the "see ya later" column — mostly due to retirement, affordability, and lifestyle shifts.

So if you’re sticking around, consider yourself part of the Jersey stubborn squad. 💪 And if you’re planning a move? You’ve got plenty of company headed southbound.

The best game day gatherings have two essentials: snacks that score big and a crew to cheer with. And let’s be real — no football feast is complete without a bowl (or two) of creamy, dreamy guacamole.

Start strong with a crowd-pleasing classic: rich, velvety Avocados From Mexico teamed up with crispy bacon for a dip that’s pure touchdown energy. It’s the perfect play to crush cravings before halftime. [Get the recipe]

🥑 Avocado Trivia Break!
In the weeks before the Big Game, over 250 million pounds of avocados are imported to the U.S. That’s enough to cover a football field more than 400,000 times — now that’s a guac-load of game day goodness!

Whether you’re a trivia champ, a guac enthusiast, or just here for the candlelight vibes, there’s something fresh happening nearby this week.

📍 66 S Main St, Ocean Grove, NJ
🗓️ Sundays: Jan 11, Jan 25, Feb 8, Feb 22, Mar 8, Mar 22
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Skip the frozen pizza. This indoor food-only market brings your fave Asbury Fresh vendors into cozy quarters all winter long. Local bread, farm-fresh produce, small-batch treats—it's your Sunday snack stroll, perfected.

📍 18 Hartshorne Dr, Highlands, NJ
🗓️ Jan 13–Mar 26 (Various Dates)
🕘 Times vary, but so does the wildlife!

Waddle over to Sandy Hook with the American Littoral Society and meet your cold-weather coastal neighbors — seals, loons, and majestic waterfowl. Bring your layers, your binoculars, and your sense of wonder. Info

📍 1 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch, NJ
🗓️ Tues–Wed, Jan 13–14
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Name that theme song! Think you can ID every Full House catchphrase and John Hughes deep cut? This retro-fueled trivia night is your pop culture Super Bowl. Info

📍 66 S Main St, Ocean Grove, NJ
🗓️ Jan 15–17
🕖 Varies by night (Evenings)

Ruth Stage returns with Edward Albee’s psychological powerhouse, featuring Emmy winner Christian Jules LeBlanc. Think intense drama, Broadway talent, and dialogue so sharp you’ll feel it. Not your average night at the theater. Info

📍 Pollak Theater, Monmouth University
🗓️ Jan 16
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Dear gentle reader… this live string tribute to Bridgerton is straight out of a Regency dream. Surrounded by candlelight, let the romance (and orchestration) sweep you away. Info

If your New Year’s resolution was “less drama,” consider this your official permission to break it. Two big, buzzy shows are back—and both are making a case for a strong second act.

👨‍⚕️ The Pitt returns for another pulse-pounding day in a Pittsburgh ER, led by Noah Wyle’s emotionally unraveling, fan-favorite doc. After snagging five Emmys—including Best Drama and Best Actor—expect the pressure to be sky-high. Season 2 picks up ten months later, both in real life and in-show, with the entire July 4th weekend playing out in one shift. First episode drops Thursday, Jan. 9 at 9 p.m. on HBO Max.

🕵️ The Night Manager is finally back... nearly a decade later. Tom Hiddleston’s suave hotelier-turned-spy is once again in deep, though this time it’s with an entirely new, original storyline. Based on the John le Carré world that made Season 1 a hit, this next chapter begins Sunday on Prime Video with a three-episode drop. Fire up the kettle and settle in.

🍿 So yes—technically it’s a week of second seasons. But let’s be honest, both feel like brand-new premieres.

A big happy 76th birthday to Jim Brennan of Shrewsbury — here’s to another year of good health, great stories, and plenty of cake! You're in fantastic company this week...

Celebrating on Jan. 7, singer Kenny Loggins turns 78 (still keeping us in the danger zone), while actor David Caruso hits 70, and news icon Katie Couric turns 69. Also blowing out candles are Nicolas Cage (62), bassist Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go’s (67), and actor David Marciano (66).

On Jan. 8, game show legend Bob Eubanks celebrates 88 trips around the sun, and on Jan. 9, folk queen Joan Baez turns 85, guitar legend Jimmy Page hits 82, and singer Crystal Gayle is 75 and still making our brown eyes blue.

Rounding it out on Jan.10, we raise a mic to rock legends Rod Stewart (81), Donald Fagen of Steely Dan (78), and powerhouse Pat Benatar, turning 73.

Got a local birthday we should shout out next time? Send it our way! Just hit reply to this email!

🎬 That’s a wrap for this week’s Scoop! Until next time, keep moving, keep mingling, and keep making the most of every moment.

Warmly,
The Monmouth Senior Scoop Team
Powered by Better With Age NJ

P.S. We do our best to keep everything accurate and up to date, but details can change — so always check with event organizers before heading out. And just a friendly reminder: nothing in this newsletter should be taken as medical or legal advice (we’re fun, but we’re not your doctor or your lawyer). 😊📅⚖️🩺