Monmouth Senior Scoop: June Fun, Smart Tips & Weekend Plans

June is rolling in with a little bit of everything: farmers markets, outdoor concerts, library programs, local history, summer safety tips, Pride celebrations, garden help, tasty treats and a few smart reminders to keep life running smoothly.

🛡️ Senior Smart — Medicare Fraud Prevention Week and how to guard your card
🍽️ In the Kitchen — Big summer flavor on the grill
📌 Mark Your Calendar — Deep Cut Gardens Open House in Middletown
🌳 In the Parks — Saunters, music, canoe rentals, farm fun and birding
📚 Beyond the Books — Bridge, Mah Jongg, brain health, music and chair yoga
🌊 Wanderlust Weekly — A Bahamas waterpark, Disney weather help and off-season Europe
🍦 Tasty Treats — Freddy’s Summer Custard Tour
🎟️ Weekend Plans — Greek festival, house tour, markets, concerts, Pride, Juneteenth and more
🎭 Day Trippin’ — Princeton Festival and Paper Mill Playhouse dining news

Up first….

Medicare scams are still big business — and seniors are often the target. That’s why the fifth annual Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, beginning Monday, June 1, is putting the spotlight on a simple but important message: people with Medicare are often the first and best line of defense against fraud.

The awareness week is led by Senior Medicare Patrol, a national program of the U.S. Administration for Community Living that helps Medicare beneficiaries, families and caregivers spot possible fraud, billing errors and scams.

“Medicare fraud is big business for criminals,” said Brandy Bauer, director of the SMP Resource Center. She said Medicare Fraud Prevention Week is a chance to remind people that they can take steps to prevent, detect and report fraud.

Senior Medicare Patrol advises people with Medicare to be careful with their personal information and to watch for suspicious billing or too-good-to-be-true offers.

A few key tips:

Bauer also warned that scammers may offer “free” products such as back braces, knee braces or genetic tests — or claim that your doctor asked them to call. As the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For more fraud prevention tips, recent scam alerts and help finding your local SMP program, visit the SMP Resource Center or call 1-877-808-2468. The bottom line: guard your Medicare card like a credit card, read your statements carefully and don’t be rushed by anyone on the phone. A little caution can save a lot of trouble.

Summer grilling season is here, and pitmaster Erica Roby is serving up a little confidence with the cookout. In partnership with the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand, funded by beef farmers and ranchers, Roby shared three new recipes designed to help home cooks feel more comfortable at the grill.

Ababa Street Beef Bowls are inspired by East African flavors, with ribeye steak, berbere spice, garlic, ginger, lemon, peppers, onions and tomatoes served over rice. Louisiana One Pan Beef goes Cajun-style with ribeye, red potatoes, peppers, onions, corn, smoked paprika, lemon and herbs — and it can be made in the oven if rain crashes the cookout. And for hot days, Summer Beef Cups keep things fresh with seasoned ground beef tucked into crisp lettuce cups with carrots, cucumbers, herbs and a tangy lime dressing.

For more grilling ideas and beginner tips, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com and check out the Grilling Favorites and Grilling Basics sections.

Garden lovers, this one’s for you. Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown will hold an Open House on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the gardens should be showing off in full bloom.

Visitors can stroll through the gardens and greenhouses, learn about the site’s bonsai collection, and take in the koi pond at this Monmouth County Park System favorite. Deep Cut Gardens, located on Red Hill Road in Middletown, is dedicated to home gardeners and features a living collection of cultivated and native plants.

For more information, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000. The TTY/TDD number for people with hearing impairment is 711.

Monmouth County parks are rolling into June with a little something for everyone — trail walks, live music, birding, old-fashioned demonstrations and even canoe rentals for anyone ready to test their “I’ve still got it” paddling skills.

Start with a Superb Summer Saunter, a free guided walk with a Park System Naturalist from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on select Wednesdays. Upcoming walks include June 3 at Big Brook Park in Marlboro — meet in the lower pond parking lot; June 10 at Freneau Woods Park in Aberdeen — meet in the Visitor Center parking lot; and June 24 at Manasquan Reservoir in Howell — meet in the Environmental Center parking lot.

Music lovers can head to Thompson Park Activity Barn in Lincroft on Friday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. for a free Concert in the Park with the Colts Neck Community Band, featuring everything from light classical music to marches and Broadway favorites. Indoor seating is available, or bring a lawn chair.

History and craft fans have plenty to explore at Historic Walnford in Upper Freehold. The Penn/Jersey Basket Weaving Guild will demonstrate basket making on Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Saturday, June 6, from noon to 3:30 p.m., artist Lauren Muney will cut freehand silhouettes using only paper and scissors, with portraits available on a first-come, first-served basis. Walnford will also host Music on the Porch on Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 3 p.m., featuring toe-tapping tunes from an acoustic duo.

Over at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel, Dairy Day takes place Saturday, June 6, from 1 to 3 p.m., with cheesemaking, butter churning and ice cream-making demonstrations showing the important role dairy cows played in farm life.

For a little time on the water, Thompson Park Canoe Rentals will be offered at Marlu Lake on Saturdays and Sundays, June 6 and 7 and June 20 and 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Canoes are available for all ages, with those under 18 accompanied by an adult. The cost is $15 per boat for one to three people for two hours, cash or check only, and all rentals must be returned by 3 p.m.

Also at Historic Walnford, visitors can catch free Milling Demonstrations on weekends throughout June — June 6 and 7, 13 and 14, 20 and 21, and 27 and 28 — at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Each 15-minute demonstration shows the 19th-century gristmill grinding corn into meal.

And for bird lovers, the next Casual Birder walk is Tuesday, June 9, at 9 a.m. at Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area in Manasquan. Join a Park System Naturalist for a relaxed 90-minute bird walk — no expert status required. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow.

The Monmouth County Library system has a busy week ahead, with plenty of reasons to stop by — whether your idea of fun is a good bridge hand, a little live music, a Revolutionary War camp or a gentle stretch that does not require getting down on the floor.

♠️ Bridge at West Long Branch Library
Bridge players can gather at the West Long Branch Library, 95 Poplar Avenue, on Wednesday, June 3, and Wednesday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This in-person program is for intermediate players. Seating is first come, first served, and saving seats is not allowed. For details, call 732-222-5993.

🀄 Thursday Game Day in Holmdel
The Holmdel Library is hosting casual, player-led games of mahjongg and bridge on Thursday, June 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tables and supplies are provided, with space for five tables. No registration is required, but seating is first come, first seated, and players may rotate in if more people attend than there are seats.

🀄 Holmdel Mah Jongg Club
Experienced mah jongg players can stick around for the weekly Holmdel Mah Jongg Club on Thursday, June 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. Tables and mah jongg sets are provided, and spectators are welcome. Capacity is 20 players, with seating in order of arrival. The group follows National Mah Jongg League rules.

🧠 Healthy Brain Habits: Strategies to Improve Brain Health
On Thursday, June 4, from 6 to 7 p.m., the library will host an online program co-sponsored by Alzheimer’s New Jersey. Presenter Jenna Noecker, BSW, will discuss brain health, dementia risk factors and practical lifestyle strategies — including exercise, sleep and social engagement — that may support brain health over time. Registration is required, and the event link will be sent by email.

🇺🇸 Rev250: Camp Out with the Colonials
History comes to life at the Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury on Saturday, June 6, from 1 to 4 p.m., when Ogden’s First NJ Regiment sets up camp at the library. Visitors can experience Revolutionary War life through reenactments, military stories, period medical demonstrations, camp life, hands-on activities and games. It is part of New Jersey’s REV 250 programming.

🎶 Jamming with the Jug-Band!
The Swampgrass Jug-Band brings its kazoo, ukulele, harmonica, washboard and good-time sound to the Hazlet Township Library on Saturday, June 6, from 2 to 3 p.m. Expect acoustic blues, folk, jug band, string band, bluegrass and jazz — and maybe even a chance to play along.

🎤 Decades of Groove
Get ready to tap your toes at Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan on Sunday, June 7, from 2 to 3 p.m., when The Angel Cats perform hits from the ’60s through the ’90s. The program is free, seating is first come, first seated, and no registration or library card is required.

🧘 Chair Yoga at Headquarters
On Tuesday, June 9, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., yoga instructor Lisa Broad will lead Chair Yoga at the library’s Headquarters branch in Manalapan. The class is designed to improve flexibility, strength, balance, range of motion and relaxation — all without needing to get up and down from the floor.

💙 Lost and Found: Virtual Bereavement Support Group
The library’s online bereavement support group meets Wednesday, June 10, from 6:45 to 8 p.m. Led by support facilitator Beth Stamp, the group offers a space to share experiences, feelings and ideas for moving forward after the loss of a loved one. The event is online, and the link will be sent by registration email.

Norwegian Cruise Line is adding a major new attraction to its private island in the Bahamas. Great Tides Waterpark is set to open Sept. 4, 2026, at Great Stirrup Cay, giving cruise guests a new way to turn a beach day into a full-on water adventure.

The nearly six-acre waterpark will feature 19 slides, including the 170-foot Tidal Tower, water coasters, racing slides, tube slides and plenty of “hold onto your sun hat” moments. Other highlights include Cliffside Cove, home to the industry’s first and highest cliff jumps; The Great Slide, billed as the Caribbean’s only four-person body slide; Fearless Falls racing slides; and a hidden Grotto Bar is tucked beneath the action.

Younger guests can splash through Splash Cay, a 9,000-square-foot kids’ zone, while adventure seekers can float along the Wandering River, an 800-foot, high-energy twist on the classic lazy river. The waterpark is part of a larger refresh of Great Stirrup Cay, which also includes the expansive Great Life Lagoon with a beach-style entry pool, swim-up bars and plenty of ocean-view lounging. Guests can also check out the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, family-friendly Splash Harbor and the island’s new tram system for easier exploring.

Travelers can visit Great Stirrup Cay year-round, with seasonal sailings from convenient homeports including New York and Philadelphia, as well as Florida ports in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando/Port Canaveral and Miami.

For families cruising with grandkids, this could be a big selling point — just be warned: once the kids hear “19 water slides,” your quiet beach chair plans may need a backup plan.

Planning a Disney trip now comes with a little extra help from the forecast. AccuWeather and Disney Experiences have teamed up on Disney Weather Check, powered by AccuWeather, a new weather forecasting and alert system designed just for Disney parks and resorts.

Guests can use the customized mobile app to get real-time forecasts and location-specific weather alerts while visiting Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Aulani, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. The idea is simple: help visitors better plan their day, whether that means packing ponchos, shifting plans around a storm or knowing when to head for that indoor show.

For grandparents traveling with family, this could be especially handy. A little weather warning can go a long way when you’re juggling park tickets, dinner reservations, tired feet and very strong opinions about one more ride.

Holland America Line is giving travelers more ways to see Europe without the summer crowds. The cruise line is expanding to year-round cruising in Europe for its 2027–2028 season, with Nieuw Statendam staying in the region through winter.

The new schedule adds a dozen cruises across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, including more than 70 additional port days, plus longer stays and more overnights in select cities. That means travelers can enjoy a slower, more relaxed version of Europe — think Christmas markets glowing after dark, cooler Mediterranean days, fewer crowds and more time to wander.

Holiday sailings include festive itineraries through Scandinavia, the Baltic region, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Helsinki and Stockholm, with some overnight stops built in. Later in the season, the ship heads south for Mediterranean cruises that offer a calmer way to experience some of Europe’s most popular ports.

For older travelers who prefer a gentler pace — and don’t mind trading peak-season heat for cozy markets, mild weather and a little extra elbow room — this could be a very tempting way to do Europe.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is kicking off summer with a sweet little road trip — no suitcase required. Starting June 1, the chain will launch its Summer Custard Tour, featuring a new Custard of the Week for 13 consecutive weeks.

The first few flavors sound like a dessert lover’s calendar: Rocky Road Sundae from June 1–7, with chocolate custard, marshmallow, chocolate chips and pecans; Bananas Foster Shake from June 8–14, with vanilla custard, fresh banana, caramel and cinnamon streusel; Cookie Dough Overload Concrete from June 15–21; and a Latte Shake made with OREO® from June 22–28, mixing vanilla custard, OREO cookies and cold brew coffee.

And just in time for the Fourth of July, Freddy’s will serve a Red White & Blueberry Concrete from June 29–July 5, made with vanilla custard, strawberries and blueberries.

Basically, it’s summer in a cup — with whipped cream and a cherry on top.

Monmouth County is heading into the weekend with a packed calendar — historic homes, farmers markets, festivals, concerts, antiques, gardens, Irish music, Pride, Juneteenth and live entertainment.

🏡 Spring Lake Historical Society House Tour
Thursday, June 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Spring Lake
Take a self-guided peek inside some of Spring Lake’s most charming historic homes, landmarks and inns during this longtime local favorite, now in its 45th season. Expect Victorian architecture, coastal style and beautifully restored interiors. Info

🥬 Wall Township Farmers Market
Thursday, June 4 | 1901 Baileys Corner Road, Wall Township
The Wall Township Farmers Market is back every Thursday from June 4 through Sept. 24, from 2 to 7 p.m. Stop by for fresh produce, local farm goods, baked treats, handmade crafts, flowers, coffee, live music and a little Thursday afternoon community fun. Shop local, support small businesses and see what’s fresh each week. Info

🇬🇷 Bayshore Greek Festival
Thursday, June 4–Sunday, June 7 | Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, Holmdel
This annual festival features authentic Greek food, traditional music and dance, carnival rides and vendors. Hours are 6–10 p.m. Thursday, 5–11 p.m. Friday, 1–11 p.m. Saturday and noon–7 p.m. Sunday. Info

🌽 Allenhurst Farmers Market
Friday, June 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | 201 Main St., Allenhurst
Spend a Friday morning by the Shore browsing local farmers, food artisans, makers, baked goods, specialty foods and handmade finds. It runs rain or shine. Info

🎶 The Righteous Brothers
Friday, June 5, 7:30 p.m. | Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank
The Lovin’ Feelin’ is back as Bill Medley and Bucky Heard bring the Righteous Brothers’ classic sound to Red Bank, with hits including “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” “Unchained Melody,” “Soul & Inspiration” and more. Info

🛍️ Canterbury Fair
Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. | St. George’s by-the-River, Rumson
The 78th annual fair returns with its popular White Elephant Marketplace, garden items, jewelry, treasures, kids’ activities, baked goods, tea, burgers and plenty of unexpected finds. Info

🕰️ Antique & Vintage Show at Allaire
Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Township
Browse antiques, farmhouse décor, pottery, linens, glassware, estate jewelry and vintage treasures while enjoying the historic village, bakery, general store and open buildings. Info

🌸 Keyport Garden Walk
Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Keyport
Celebrate 15 years of beautiful gardens with a free community event featuring private and public gardens, garden talks, an artisan market, live music, trolley service and plenty of inspiration for your own backyard. Info

🌎 Rally for the Two Rivers Eco-Fest
Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Victory Park, Rumson
This free family-friendly festival celebrates environmental stewardship with live music, eco-friendly crafts, seining, face painting, hands-on activities and live animal meet-and-greets. Info

🎨 Allaire Arts Festival
Saturday, June 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Township
Artists from around New Jersey will show and sell fine art, photography and sculpture in a scenic village setting. Visitors can also enjoy live art demonstrations, historic buildings, the General Store and Allaire Bakery. Rain date is Sunday, June 7. Info

🎸 The B Street Band: The Boss Bash
Saturday, June 6, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan
Springsteen fans, this one’s calling your name. The B Street Band brings its high-energy tribute to the Boss to Algonquin’s annual fundraising bash, with two chances to catch the show. Info

🎂 Willie Nile Birthday Bash
Saturday, June 6, 7:30 p.m. | The Vogel, Red Bank
Willie Nile celebrates his 78th birthday with a career-spanning show covering five decades and 15 studio albums, plus the fan favorites longtime listeners know and love. Info

🎻 Season Finale: Symphonie Fantastique
Saturday, June 6, 7:30 p.m. | Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank
The New Jersey Symphony closes the season with Berlioz’s swirling Symphonie Fantastique, pianist Emanuel Ax, new music from Allison Loggins-Hull and Xian Zhang conducting. Info

☘️ New Jersey Irish Festival
Sunday, June 7, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Monmouth Park, Oceanport
Now in its 54th season, this celebration of Irish culture features live music on multiple stages, piping and drumming competitions, step dancing, vendors, Irish crafts and the always-memorable Human Horse Race. Info

🏳️‍🌈 Jersey Pride Parade and Festival
Sunday, June 7, noon to 7 p.m. | Asbury Park Boardwalk
New Jersey’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ celebration returns to Asbury Park for its 33rd year with a parade, live entertainment, vendors and a big boardwalk community celebration. Info

❤️ Juneteenth Festival
Sunday, June 7, noon to 5 p.m. | Downtown Freehold Borough
Freehold’s Juneteenth celebration includes music, food, shopping, historical reenactments, living history presentations, educational exhibits and discussions connecting the American Revolution to the long journey toward emancipation. Info

👧 Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Got the Moves
Sunday, June 7, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. | Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank
Take the little ones to sing, dance and play with Elmo and friends in this new Sesame Street Live show. A VIP photo experience is also available for families who want a little extra “sunny day” magic. Info

🎡 Coming Up: Saint Leo the Great Carnival
Tuesday, June 9–Friday, June 12, 6 to 10 p.m. | Lincroft
The popular annual carnival returns with rides, games, a 50/50 raffle, live entertainment, food stands and a beer tent. Info

🎤 Coming Up: Indigo Girls
Wednesday, June 10, 7:30 p.m. | Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank
The Grammy-winning duo brings four decades of powerful songs and harmonies to Red Bank, including the enduring favorite “Closer to Fine.” Info

The 2026 Princeton Festival opens June 5–21 at Morven Museum & Garden, bringing a packed lineup of Broadway favorites, opera stars, ballet, Baroque music, jazz, rock and family-friendly fun to one of New Jersey’s prettiest cultural settings.

Opening weekend starts Friday, June 5, with Sierra Boggess, Broadway’s original Little Mermaid, in a cabaret-style evening of Broadway songs and personal stories. On Saturday, June 6, opera lovers can hear Metropolitan Opera star Sondra Radvanovsky perform arias by Verdi and Puccini with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, joined by tenor Victor Starsky.

Sunday, June 7, is Community Day, with free morning yoga in the garden, an instrument petting zoo, musical story time, a quilting exhibition and a 30-minute Swan Lake experience with audience participation. The day wraps up with An Evening of Dance, featuring American Repertory Ballet and the Princeton Symphony Orchestra.

The festival continues with Baroque concerts, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Queen tribute band Queen Nation, genre-blending trio Time for Three, and a final “Celebrating America at 250” weekend featuring Great Ladies of Jazz, The Bacon Brothers and an American Fanfare concert with vocalist Julie Benko.

Picnic boxes from Jammin’ Crepes can be pre-ordered for many mainstage performances, which means you can make an afternoon or evening of it — music, gardens and dinner without having to hunt for a parking-lot snack.

Tickets are available by phone at 609-497-0020 and online at princetonsymphony.org/festival.

Paper Mill Playhouse’s historic F.M. Kirby Carriage House has reopened after an $8.5 million renovation, expanding from a small 124-seat restaurant into a 228-seat, multi-level dining and event space open to both theatergoers and the general public.

The restaurant will continue offering themed prix-fixe dinners tied to Paper Mill productions, including a West Side Story-inspired menu during the show’s run through June 28. Chef Jacques Marra remains in charge of the kitchen, with a focus on immersive pre-theater dining as well as à la carte meals.

The expanded space includes a new first-floor dining room, bar seating and an upstairs Club Room for private events, performances and community gatherings. The renovation is part of Paper Mill’s larger $48.7 million Next Act Campaign to upgrade its campus.

Paper Mill Playhouse will close after June for theater renovations and is expected to reopen in November with Mary Poppins, but the Carriage House will remain open and host its own programming, including murder mystery nights, trivia, live music, comedy and more.

That’s it for this week’s Monmouth Senior Scoop. Thanks for reading, sharing and helping us keep Monmouth County seniors connected to what’s happening close to home.

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Until next time, stay curious, stay connected and enjoy the week.

— The Monmouth Senior Scoop team