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👋Hey, Monmouth friends!

November has a way of filling the calendar before we’ve even found the good serving platter. Before the holiday bustle takes over, grab a cup of something warm and settle in for this week’s Scoop.

👀What’s on tap:

🇺🇸 Veterans Day: Thanks and a few freebies
🍂 Out & About: Music, markets and holiday outings
✨ Take the Grandkids: Local farms light up
📚 Beyond the Books: Games, crafts and helpful programs
📰 Prime Time News: Seasonal blues and sunscreen news
🍴 Local Flavor: Fresh seafood and Thanksgiving treats
🦃 Did You Know? Hinck’s homegrown turkey tradition
🚢 Cruise Corner & Travel: Sales and sunny escapes
📺 TV Time: New dramas and holiday romance

Up first…

Here’s one for the grandkid calendar: Three New Jersey farms—including two in Monmouth County—are among USA TODAY 10Best’s 20 contenders for best farm holiday lights. Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge and The Village at Anne Ellen in Manalapan join Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford on the list.

🌷 Tiptoe through the twinkling tulips: Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge, lights up more than 80,000 tulips, with a musical windmill show, glowing play equipment and a giant igloo snowball pit. Nov. 13–Jan. 10, with holiday closures. Want an extra “wow” from the grandchildren? Drone shows run Dec. 17–22.

🎅 Next stop, Christmas village: A hayride through the tree fields leads to The Village at Anne Ellen, Manalapan, where hundreds of thousands of lights surround a life-sized gingerbread house, giant igloo and candy cane factory. The grandkids can visit Santa, mail him a letter and try his 4D sleigh ride. Apparently, even Santa has upgraded his transportation.

A little extra thanks this Veterans Day. From a meal on the house to a free haircut, businesses are finding ways to thank those who served. If you’re a veteran or have one in the family, take a peek at News 12 New Jersey’s roundup of Veterans Day deals and discounts before heading out.

🐟 A fresh catch in Fair Haven: Sandy Hook Seafood is now open, bringing together the teams behind Sea Bright’s 2nd Jetty and Highlands’ One Willow. The market offers fresh fish—including locally caught bluefin tuna and New Jersey scallops—alongside sushi, poke bowls, homemade chowders and chef-prepared meals. Stop in for a lobster Caesar wrap, filet o’ fish sandwich or prawn corn dog, or pick up dinner and give your stove the night off. Open Tuesday–Friday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

🦃 Did you know? At Hinck’s Turkey Farm, the egg came first. The Wall Township family business dates to 1938, with roots in selling eggs door-to-door along the Shore. Customers started requesting holiday turkeys, Richard Hinck began raising them in a garage, and a Thanksgiving tradition was hatched. Four generations later, its offerings include fresh turkeys, cooked turkey dinners, homemade sides and baked goods. Planning your feast? Cooked orders for Thanksgiving week are already filled. Hinck’s says an update on additional fresh turkey and breast availability will be posted Nov. 10 at noon—so keep an eye on its website. These birds have quite a following!

See what’s happening around Monmouth County this week.

🛍️ Shop small, give thoughtfully: Browse the Bell Works Fresh Saturday Market in Holmdel, Saturday, Nov. 14, for finds from local makers and small businesses. A pleasant way to start the gift list before December starts making demands.

🎁 Fifty-plus ways to tackle your gift list: The Holiday Vendor & Craft Fair comes to the VFW in Port Monmouth, Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with more than 50 vendors and crafters. Admission is free, with plenty of parking.

🧵 Handmade for the holidays: The Holiday Craft & Vendor Show fills The Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Township, Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., with more than 150 crafters. Browse for gifts and enjoy the historic setting along the way. Rain date: Sunday, Nov. 15.

☕ Your coffee habit gets a field trip: The NJ Coffee Festival returns to Warehouse 100, Freehold, Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 14–15, with coffee and tea vendors, pastries, tastings and coffee conversations.

🍎 A fresh-air shopping stop: The Howell Harvest Market brings local farmers, artisan food vendors and handmade makers to Echo Lake Park, Howell, Sunday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. This outdoor market is free, with free parking, and welcomes families and pets.

🚋 Let the trolley handle the traveling: The Savor the Shore Trolley Tour returns to Spring Lake, Sunday, Nov. 15, noon–5 p.m. Hop between participating stops for an afternoon celebrating local flavors and Shore hospitality. Check the event page for tickets and boarding details.

📻 Bedford Falls, with a radio-era twist: Center Players presents It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at Mattison Crossing, Freehold, Sunday, Nov. 15, at 1 and 4 p.m. Enjoy the holiday favorite in a format that recalls radio’s storytelling heyday.

🕺 An afternoon back in the ’70s: The 70’s Show brings the decade’s greatest hits to the Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove, Sunday, Nov. 15, 3–5:30 p.m. Come for the music; see how many lyrics are still tucked away in your memory.

🎶 Still all out of love: Air Supply’s A Matter of Time Tour arrives at the Count Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Red Bank, Sunday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. The duo behind “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love” and “The One That You Love” brings an evening of familiar love songs.

Links to the latest news on aging.

Shorter Days and Dark Afternoons Can Trigger Depression. Here’s How to Fight Back: As winter approaches and daylight hours grow shorter, people prone to seasonal depression can feel it in their bodies and brains. Associated Press, Nov. 4.

Inpatient Rehab, Nursing Facility or Home? How To Choose the Right Rehab After A Hospital Stay: A broken hip, a stroke or major surgery can leave you or someone you love needing weeks of therapy to walk, dress or speak again. HealthDay News, Nov. 3.

5 Reasons You Should Take Social Security At 62 (and 5 Reasons You Should Wait): There are valid reasons to take Social Security early at age 62, though many experts say it's best to wait until your full retirement age. Kiplinger, Nov. 3.

A new arrival in the sunscreen aisle: For the first time in more than 25 years, Americans have a new sunscreen ingredient to choose from. The FDA approved bemotrizinol, also called BEMT, in June, and the first products containing it are reaching U.S. shelves, including formulas from Neutrogena. The ingredient has long been used in Europe and elsewhere. Associated Press.

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

💍 A little something you made yourself: Join Adult Jewelry Making at the Atlantic Highlands Branch, Thursday, Nov. 12, 5–7 p.m. The Bayshore Family Success Center supplies all the materials; you supply the creative decisions.

🎄 Give old holiday cards a new life: Turn vintage cards and embellishments into retro decorations at Create Your Own 3D Ornaments!, Hazlet Branch, Monday, Nov. 16, 6:30–7:30 p.m. A little nostalgia for this year’s tree.

🫖 Something’s brewing in Colts Neck: Explore chamomile, peppermint and lavender at Tea Time Workshop: Sweet Bayou Lou’s Educate, Make and Take, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6:30–8 p.m., Colts Neck Branch. Herbalist V leads this hands-on introduction to herbal teas, their flavors and traditional uses.

🎨 A buffet with no dishes afterward: Explore self-guided projects and different materials at the Adult Craft Buffet, Hazlet Branch, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6–8 p.m. Experienced crafters and curious beginners are welcome.

🀄 Make Thursday your game day: Head to the Holmdel Branch, Thursday, Nov. 12, for player-led Mahjongg or Bridge, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., with tables and supplies provided. Prefer an afternoon session? The Mah Jongg Club meets 1–4 p.m., with sets supplied. The afternoon club is for experienced players; no instruction is provided.

♠️ Bridge players, pull up a chair: Bridge at West Long Branch Library meets Wednesday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., for intermediate players. Seats are first come, first served—and no saving one for your partner.

🎲 Try something beyond Monopoly: Modern Board Game Night brings beginner-friendly games such as Sushi Go!, Splendor and Ticket to Ride to Library Headquarters, Manalapan, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6–8 p.m. Learn as you play; no board-game résumé needed.

🩺 Fit in a wellness check: Professional, certified nurses offer Free Wellness Screenings at the Hazlet Branch, Friday, Nov. 13, 1–4 p.m. Available services include blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checks, stroke assessment and community resources.

💬 Medicare questions? Bring them along: Get free, confidential, unbiased information through one-on-one SHIP assistance Monday, Nov. 16, or Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2:30–4:30 p.m. both days, at Library Headquarters, Manalapan. These are in-person sessions in the Zoom Room; walk-ins are welcome, first come, first served.

🤝 Caregivers deserve care, too: Celebrating National Family Caregivers Month recognizes those caring for loved ones, Monday, Nov. 16, 6–7:30 p.m., at Library Headquarters, Manalapan. Francine Porges and Nicole Steed present the program, co-sponsored by Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey.

🪑 Take a stretch break: Instructor Lisa Broad leads Chair Yoga at Library Headquarters, Manalapan, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 10–10:45 a.m. No previous yoga experience is needed.

🧠 Make sense of memory changes: Understanding Memory Loss, co-sponsored by Alzheimer’s New Jersey, explores normal age-related changes and memory problems that disrupt daily life. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6–7 p.m., Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

🎬 An afternoon with the King of Pop: Catch Michael (2026), rated PG-13, the Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua, at the Howell Branch, Thursday, Nov. 12, 1–3:10 p.m.

🌎 A closer look at plastic: Watch The Plastic Detox at Library Headquarters, Manalapan, Thursday, Nov. 12, 6:30–8 p.m. The documentary screening is co-sponsored by the Manalapan Environmental Commission and Beyond Plastics, NJ.

🌙 It’s a wonderful bite: Jimmy Stewart famously offered to lasso the moon. MoonPie is making it a little easier to bring home. The nostalgic marshmallow-and-graham-cracker treat has released a limited-edition “Lasso the Moon” box of 12 chocolate MoonPies tied to Jimmy, the new biopic about the actor and World War II veteran. A portion of sales benefits the USO, which has sent MoonPies to service members since World War II. Find them at lassothemoonpie.com while supplies last. A sweet gift for the classic-movie fan on your list—assuming all 12 survive the trip.

🍰 Assigned dessert? Consider this your shortcut: Paris Baguette’s Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving cake collection is available through Nov. 29, with Caramel Apple Streusel Trifle, Pumpkin Spice Layer Cake, Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing and Caramel Apple Streusel Cheesecake. Think cinnamon apples, pumpkin spice cream, buttery streusel and caramel drizzle—with no mixing bowls to wash. The carrot cake also comes by the slice, should you feel a little research is in order!

A little fresh air, a little time travel—and everything’s free.

🍳 Before air fryers, there was this: Watch a Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, Saturdays, Nov. 14 and 28, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. See what’s cooking on the woodstove and how kitchens, recipes and cooking techniques have changed since the 1890s. Free.

🎹 An afternoon of old favorites—really old: Enjoy Piano Ballads from the Turn-of-the-Century at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1–3 p.m. Stop in for popular ballads from days gone by. Pair it with the cookstove demonstration for a leisurely afternoon in another era. Free.

🐟 Who’s swimming in Jersey’s waters? A Park System naturalist introduces the Nonnative Fish of New Jersey at Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen, Sunday, Nov. 15, from 1–2 p.m. Learn about nonnative and invasive species and the threats they pose to our aquatic ecosystems. Free.

🐦 Birding without the pop quiz: Join the Casual Birder walk at Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 9 a.m. Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot for a relaxed, roughly 90-minute walk with a naturalist. Beginners welcome; a limited number of binoculars will be available. Free.

More information from Monmouth County Parks → or call 732-842-4000.

🌊 Princess turns Black Friday blue: Princess Cruises’ Blue Friday sale runs Nov. 6–Dec. 7, advertising up to 50% off cruise fares, up to $400 in instant savings and free cruise fares for third and fourth guests on select voyages. Taxes and fees still apply. Destinations include Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean and beyond. Among the featured sailings: a seven-day Inside Passage cruise round-trip from Seattle aboard Star Princess, departing May 9, 2027, and a seven-day Mediterranean voyage from Rome to Athens aboard Sun Princess, departing Aug. 22, 2027.

⚓ Norwegian joins the holiday sale fleet: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Black Friday sale advertises 50% off all cruises, plus Free at Sea, with destinations ranging from Alaska and Europe to the Caribbean and Bahamas. The package offers perks such as an open bar, specialty dining, shore-excursion credits and Wi-Fi, subject to its terms. Limited-time bonuses on select sailings and staterooms include free prepaid gratuities or up to $1,000 off. Select sailings also offer kids-sail-free promotions—worth a look if a family vacation is on your wish list.

🏝️ Planning ahead has its sunny side: Royal Caribbean’s summer 2028 lineup covers April–October, with Caribbean and Mexico vacations aboard 11 ships departing from Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Northeast—worth a look if you’re hoping to skip the flight. Highlights include four Icon Class ships sailing from Florida and Texas and a refreshed Symphony of the Seas sailing from Miami. Depending on the itinerary, stops include Cozumel, Grand Turk, St. Croix and the line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

And for those who prefer to vacation on land…

🌴 A Caribbean escape for the grown-up crowd: Club Med St. Croix is now taking reservations for its planned Nov. 12, 2027, opening on Davis Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The 150-suite, all-inclusive resort welcomes guests ages 12 and older, making it an option for a couples’ getaway or a trip with the older grandchildren. Early booking rates start at $365 per person, per night. Rainforest-covered hills, Caribbean water and someone else handling dinner? That’s a promising forecast.

See what’s new on TV this week.

📸 Behind the famous photographs: Avedon arrives on Netflix Wednesday, Nov. 11. Director Ron Howard explores photographer Richard Avedon’s life and influence through personal archives, behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. A pick for anyone who remembers when a magazine cover could stop you in your tracks.

👑 More trouble at the palace: The Empress, Season 3 premieres on Netflix Thursday, Nov. 12. The German-language period drama returns with Empress Elisabeth facing fresh strains on her marriage and the empire. For viewers who like their royal intrigue with elaborate wardrobes.

🤝 A determined woman changes history: Being Heumann streams on Apple TV Friday, Nov. 13. Ruth Madeley and Mark Ruffalo star in this fact-based drama about disability rights activist Judy Heumann and the 1977 occupation of a San Francisco federal building.

🔐 A heist with three ticking clocks: 12 12 12 debuts on Apple TV Friday, Nov. 13, starring Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan as an FBI agent and a career criminal. The thriller follows the planning, execution and aftermath of a Zurich bank-vault robbery.

🤠 An old crush comes home for Christmas: My Christmas Cowboy premieres on Hallmark Channel Friday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. Amy Acker and Luke Macfarlane play former college acquaintances reunited in Texas, where a holiday ranch event gives them another chance. A ranch, an old crush AND Christmas lights? Hallmark knows its audience!

🎄 Christmas Eve, on repeat: The Nights Before Christmas premieres on Hallmark Channel Saturday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m. Tyler Hynes plays a man reliving Christmas Eve in New York, falling for a journalist played by Laci J Mailey who forgets him with every reset. He’s found the one. Now he just needs her to remember that!

Happy 68th birthday to Maura G. of Middletown, celebrating this week! Wishing you a year filled with happy surprises, favorite people and plans worth looking forward to. A few other celebrities celebrating birthdays this week include:

Nov. 10: Actor-comedian Sinbad turns 70, Mackenzie Phillips of One Day at a Time is 67, and Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville is 63. Nov. 11: Singer Marshall Crenshaw turns 73, actor Stanley Tucci is 66, Demi Moore is 64, Calista Flockhart is 62. Nov. 12: Sportscaster Al Michaels turns 82, and singer-songwriter Neil Young is 81.

Here’s to a good week ahead—and to our veterans, a heartfelt thank-you for your service and sacrifice. We’re grateful for you, this Veterans Day and always. 🇺🇸

See you next week,

😉The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

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Disclaimer: We bring the scoop on local events, not medical, legal or financial advice—leave those questions to the pros. Plans change, so double-check details before you go!