👋Hey, Monmouth friends!

October’s calendar is filling up fast, with fall festivals, live music, library game nights and outings with the grandkids. We’ve also got useful local updates, fresh dinner ideas and two day trips worth the drive. Let’s find you something fun to do this week.

👀What’s on tap:

🗞️ News and Notes: Senior housing, caregiver support and ways to give back
📍 Local Events: Festivals, food tastings, music and theater
📚 Beyond the Books: Games, dancing, a movie and an AI conversation
🍰 Tasty Treats: Halloween sweets with a little heat
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Take the Grandkids: Pumpkins, big trucks and spooky fun
🍽️ In the Kitchen: Salmon and scallops shake up dinner
🚗 Day Trippin’: Cape May stars and Longwood’s autumn colors

Up first…

🗞️ News and Notes

Monmouth County news that matters to seniors.

🐾 New pet-loss support group in Eatontown: Monmouth County SPCA launches Memory Circle on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 6–7 p.m. The free group welcomes people grieving a pet, whether the loss is recent or years ago. No advance registration is needed. Its new Senior Snuggle Sundays program also offers monthly visits with shelter pets and therapy dogs. Read more.

🤝 A little support for those who give so much: Monmouth County’s 17th Annual Caregiver Retreat will offer unpaid caregivers breakfast, resources and sessions on burnout, mindfulness, healthcare advocacy and powers of attorney. Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., at the Sheraton Eatontown Hotel. Seats are limited; register at 732-431-7450. Official announcement.

🧠 Senior and memory-care resources under one roof: A free Senior and Memory Care Resource Fair will connect older adults and caregivers with local services supporting healthy aging, independence and memory care. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 3:30–6:30 p.m., at Matawan Municipal and Community Center. Sponsored by Matawan Aberdeen Public Library. Details here.

🏠 Senior housing funding secured: Affordable Housing Alliance has secured $1.145 million to help repair 10 homes in North Middletown and Port Monmouth and build 10 new senior housing units in Millstone. Announced in September, the funding closes the project’s final funding gap, with construction anticipated in 2027. Applications have not been announced as open. Read the update.

☎️ Put your listening skills to good use: CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties is recruiting volunteers for its 24-hour crisis hotline. A free six-week training program begins Oct. 20, covering confidential crisis intervention, information and referrals. A meaningful opportunity for readers looking to give back. Learn more.

Now that you’re caught up, let’s find some fun events worth putting on the calendar.

📍 Local Events

Monmouth County events seniors will enjoy.

👜 Bingo with a little bag envy: Halloween Handbags & Bingo pairs a cash-bar cocktail reception and designer handbag raffles with eight bingo games offering cash prizes. Thursday, Oct. 8, 6–10 p.m., at Middletown Arts Center. Bingo begins at 7:30 p.m. Your lucky charm deserves a night out.

🎸 A little Joni for your Friday night: The Joni Project celebrates Joni Mitchell’s music with singer and multi-instrumentalist Katie Pearlman, performing the songs in Mitchell’s original open guitar tunings alongside a seasoned band. Friday, Oct. 9, 7:30–10 p.m., at Bell Theater at Bell Works, Holmdel. A night for those who know every word—and still find something new in the songs.

🚪 Everything goes wrong. That’s the fun: Noises Off takes audiences backstage with a theater troupe whose production spirals into missed cues, slamming doors and gloriously chaotic comedy. Oct. 9–24 at Spring Lake Theatre. Performances are Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays, Oct. 11 and 18, at 2 p.m.

🔦 Take a walk on Asbury’s spooky side: Asbury Park Ghost Tours explore the city’s haunted history, local legends and tales of restless spirits. Options include downtown, boardwalk and haunted pub tours. Fridays, Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30, 8–10 p.m., with the Paranormal Museum in Asbury Park, listed as the event location. Check your selected tour’s meeting details before heading out.

🛍️ Someone else’s cleanout could make your Saturday: Hunt for treasures at the Hazlet Town-Wide Garage Sale, Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., throughout Hazlet. Check the township’s live interactive Google Map before shopping to preview sale locations and items. A little route planning leaves more time for bargain spotting.

📜 Meet the people who keep our past present: Monmouth County Archives and History Day brings together speakers, a county history exhibit and more than 50 representatives from historical societies, museums and archives. Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m., at Robert J. Collins Arena, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft. Free and open to the public.

👟 Move for a meaningful cause: The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey’s 24th Annual Run/Walk/Roll for Brain Injury Awareness brings survivors, families, caregivers and supporters together to raise funds for statewide programs. Saturday, Oct. 10, 9:30 a.m.–noon, at the Bradley Beach Boardwalk, Ocean Avenue North and Fifth Avenue.

🏕️ Step into a Civil War camp: Living History: The American Civil War brings reenactors, artifacts, replicas and camp displays to the Joseph Murray Farmhouse at Poricy Park. Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at 345 Oak Hill Road, Middletown. An educational outing for history buffs of every generation.

🍂 Handmade finds with a live soundtrack: Ocean Grove’s Fall Harvest Arts & Crafts Festival fills Main Avenue and Pilgrim Pathway on Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Browse makers and artisans, grab a bite and enjoy Jo Wymer Band, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., and Chuck Lambert Blues, 1–4 p.m. Leave a little time for the town’s shops, too.

🧙 These witches trade broomsticks for paddles: Watch costumed witches and warlocks take to the water during The Witches of Spring Lake Paddle for a Cause, Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.–noon, on Spring Lake. This colorful community fundraiser has a rain date of Sunday, Oct. 11.

🐈 A weekend with serious cattitude: The Catsbury Park Cat Convention features more than 50 cat-themed vendors, adoptable cats, expert talks, art sessions and interactive activities. Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., at Bell Works in Holmdel. Proceeds benefit Catsbury Park and its rescue partners.

⚓ Make a day of it by the marina: Atlantic Highlands Day brings live music, food trucks, local artist vendors, an adult beverage garden and a touch-a-truck area to the Marina Lawn at Atlantic Highlands Marina, Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Face painting and caricatures add to the family fun.

🍁 Main Street puts on its fall best: The Allentown Fall Festival brings crafters, local businesses, food trucks, children’s activities, street music and a beer and wine garden to downtown. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10–11, noon–5 p.m., along Main Street, Allentown.

🪕 Pull up a lawn chair and settle into the strings: The Jersey Shore Folk Festival features Belmar Grass and Dark City Strings, along with another afternoon act, plus food, vendors, art and drinks. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2–9:30 p.m., at Asbury Park–Wall Elks Lodge. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; outside food and drinks aren’t permitted.

🎆 Lake Como celebrates with a bang: The 30th Annual Lake Como Day features food trucks, vendors, a beer and wine garden, pumpkin painting, a petting zoo, live music from E-Boro Bandits and Shut Up Gus, and fireworks. Saturday, Oct. 10, 3–9 p.m., along the Lake Como lakefront. An afternoon of fall fun with a sparkling finish.

🎻 Movie night gets the full orchestra treatment: The New Jersey Symphony’s Hollywood Hits: From West Side Story to Spirited Away, conducted by Keitaro Harada, features music from West Side Story, Spirited Away and An American in Paris, plus The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Saturday, Oct. 10, 7:30–9:30 p.m., at the Count Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Red Bank.

🍰 Your favorite Miami roommates are back—with extra mischief: Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue brings a decidedly grown-up comedy featuring Sophia, Blanche, Rose and Dorothy to the stage. Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 and 7 p.m., at the Count Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Red Bank. Expect adult humor and a very unconventional reunion.

🎻 Old-time tunes, good-time company: The Oakley Farm Tuesday Old Time Jam welcomes listeners and musicians of every skill level, with acoustic stringed instruments encouraged. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6:30–9 p.m., at Oakley Farm Museum, Freehold. Bring your instrument or simply come enjoy the music.

Three good reasons to give your kitchen the night off.

🥂 Follow your appetite through Highlands: The Annual Fall Taste of Highlands serves up food samples and cocktails from 18 local restaurants and retailers, Saturday, Oct. 10, noon–5 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are $50, including tastings, a business map, the Seastreak Courtesy Shuttle and free parking. Check in at Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave., for your map and bracelet. Collect stamps at every stop and return your completed map for a chance to win tickets to future events.

🍴 Your dinner plans just got more interesting: Marlboro Restaurant Week runs Oct. 11–18, with specials at participating restaurants throughout town. Gather a few friends, reserve a table and try somewhere new—or revisit an old favorite. Check individual restaurant offers for menus, prices and availability.

👟 A passport with excellent taste: Flavor of Freehold turns downtown into a tasting tour Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 13–14, 5:30–8 p.m. Follow your tasting “passport” between restaurants, bars and shops for signature samples from local favorites. Tickets are $25; listed location: 10 East Main St., Downtown Freehold. Comfortable shoes and a curious appetite make a fine traveling pair.

The libraries have a few plans for you, too—and a quiet afternoon isn’t necessarily one of them.

📚 Beyond the Books

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

♠️ Your next good hand awaits: Bridge at West Long Branch Library brings intermediate players together for friendly competition. Wednesdays, Oct. 7 and Oct. 14, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., at West Long Branch Library. Participation is first come, first served, with no saving seats—punctuality is part of the strategy.

🎲 Your move, game lovers: Try beginner-friendly favorites such as Sushi Go!, Splendor and Ticket to Ride at Modern Board Game Night, coordinated by board game enthusiast Alex K. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6–8 p.m., in Rooms 4 and 5 at Library Headquarters, Manalapan. Bring your curiosity and a mildly competitive streak.

🀄 Thursday has its game face on: Gather for Mahjongg or Bridge at Holmdel’s Thursday Game Day. These player-led sessions have five tables available, with supplies provided. Thursday, Oct. 8, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in the Holmdel Library Meeting Room. A little table talk beats another morning of scrolling.

💃 Give those dancing shoes a library card: Practice popular and traditional ballroom dances at Social Dance Club, led by instructor Lloyd “Silqui” Davis. Thursday, Oct. 8, noon–1:30 p.m., in the Lower Gallery at Library Headquarters, Manalapan. Work on your steps and enjoy some company along the way.

🎬 Miranda’s back—and business is anything but casual: Howell Library screens The Devil Wears Prada 2, as Miranda Priestly navigates a changing magazine industry and faces her former assistant Emily, now a powerful luxury executive. Thursday, Oct. 8, 1–3 p.m., at Howell Library. Rated PG-13. Your most comfortable sweater is perfectly acceptable attire.

🀄 Make room for a little tile time: The Holmdel Mah Jongg Club offers a friendly, casual afternoon for experienced players, with tables and sets provided. Thursday, Oct. 8, 1–4 p.m., at Holmdel Library. Bring your game skills; these sessions aren’t instructional.

🤖 Artificial intelligence, real questions: Why AI Is Our Ultimate Test: Screening & Community Conversation pairs a video featuring Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, with a discussion led by Andres Ramirez of the AI Safety Awareness Project. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6:30–7:30 p.m., at Holmdel Library. Come curious about the technology that seems to be turning up everywhere.

After all that playing, dancing and learning, a little something sweet seems in order.

🍰 Tasty Treats

👻 Something sweet, something spooky—and something with a kick: Paris Baguette’s Halloween menu is here through Nov. 1, bringing ghosts, spiders and a little sweet heat to the bakery case. New this year: a Ghost Pepper Chocolate Marble Mochi Donut and Ghost Pepper Iced Hot Chocolate, both pairing rich chocolate with a fiery finish.

Our pick? The Vanilla Scream Ghost Cake, with vanilla sponge, pastry cream and fresh strawberries beneath soft cream frosting, ghosts and chocolate spider webs. There’s also a Dirt & Worms Chocolate Chiffon Cake, available whole or by the slice, plus cookies-and-cream donuts dressed for the occasion.

🎃 A treat for the bargain hunters: PB Rewards members can get a free pastry with any beverage purchase on Oct. 31. Find a nearby bakery here. Finally, a ghost we’d happily invite to dessert.

Speaking of Halloween spirit, here’s where to make a little mischief—and some memories—with the grandkids.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Take the Grandkids

Fun outings for making memories with the grandkids.

👻 History gets a haunting: Night of Frights fills the Historic Village at Allaire in Wall with ghosts, spooky scenes, glow-in-the-dark bubble shows, a fire juggler, fortune telling and scary storytelling. Oct. 9–10, 16–17, 23–24 and 30, 6–9 p.m. Rain or shine. Live actors and scarier areas make this one to match to your grandkids’ scare tolerance.

🎭 All the scenery, none of the screaming: Brookdale Haunted Theater offers Lights On, Scares Off walkthroughs with no actors, jump scares or loud noises—perfect for curious kids who’d rather peek behind the scenes. Saturday, Oct. 17, noon–2 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 24, 2–4 p.m., at Brookdale Performing Arts Center, Lincroft. For families who enjoy bigger frights, the full haunted attraction runs Oct. 9–11, 16–18, 23–25 and 29–30, 6–10 p.m.

🚚 Big trucks, little faces, good cause: The Charlotte Joy Touch-A-Truck Festival features more than 200 vehicles, plus rides, food, vendors and live entertainment, benefiting the Ashley Lauren Foundation’s work with New Jersey children battling cancer. Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at East Freehold Showgrounds in Freehold. A day with plenty of horsepower—and heart.

🎃 Small pumpkins, big decorating plans: Pumpkin Patch Day invites the kids to turn pumpkins into fall masterpieces. Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., at Third and Morris avenues, Spring Lake. Clear a little space on your porch. Their creation is coming home.

🍬 Costumes on, candy bags ready: Long Branch Day brings a pumpkin patch, costume contest, scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating, food vendors, a DJ and activities for all ages. Saturday, Oct. 10, 1–4 p.m., at Long Branch Public Library. An afternoon made for showing off those costumes before Halloween.

🎤 Do the Monster Mash—and dress the part: The Wag’s Halloween Spectacular mixes “Ghostbusters,” “Thriller” and “The Monster Mash” with spooky originals, dance numbers, comedy and costume changes. Saturday, Oct. 10, 7–9 p.m., at Middletown Arts Center. Come in costume for a chance to win a prize. Yes, grandparents can get into the spirit, too.

🌽 Fall fun by the farmful: Maple Leaf Farms Fall Fun Fest in Manalapan offers pumpkin picking, a corn maze, pig races, a bull riding show, country music and more than 30 family-friendly activities. Monday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Bring the grandkids for an autumn adventure—and wear shoes that can handle a little farm life.

When the day’s adventures bring you back home, we’ve got a fresh answer to “What’s for dinner?”

🍽️ In the Kitchen

Fresh recipes and tasty ideas to shake up your dinner routine.

🐟 Give chicken the night off: October is National Pescatarian Month, and Dish on Fish is serving up fresh ideas for getting more seafood into your dinner rotation. No kitchen overhaul required: try shrimp in your tacos, salmon in pasta or canned tuna in a favorite salad. Frozen fish and canned seafood can keep things convenient—and help keep the grocery bill in check.

Two new recipes to reel you in:

💍 “Marry Me” Salmon: A new contender for your dinner lineup, with a name that sets expectations considerably higher than “What’s in the fridge?”

🐚 Sheet Pan Scallops: A family-friendly way to put scallops on the menu and give your sheet pan something new to do.

Need more inspiration? Browse Dish on Fish’s monthly meal plans, family favorites and e-cookbook. Your next catch could be a new favorite dinner.

Dinner plans covered? Let’s give your next day out a little attention.

Fresh shows and returning favorites worth a little remote time.

🔎 New coast, same knack for trouble: Private Eyes West Coast reunites Jason Priestley and Cindy Sampson as investigators whose quieter new life is interrupted by murder. Premieres Monday, Oct. 5, at 8 p.m. on The CW.

🗽 The Big Apple gets an NCIS badge: NCIS: New York brings LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna home to partner with a special agent played by Scott Caan. Premieres Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 9 p.m. on CBS.

⚖️ Big Tech, meet your day in court: Cupertino stars Mike Colter as a lawyer challenging Silicon Valley’s powerful players. Premieres Thursday, Oct. 8, at 10 p.m. on CBS.

🧛 Even vampires have parenting problems: Eternally Yours follows centuries-married vampires adjusting to their daughter’s human boyfriend. Premieres Thursday, Oct. 8, at 8:30 p.m. on CBS.

🏴‍☠️ Adventure is just a remote away: Treasure Island, starring David Oyelowo and Hayley Atwell, brings fresh life to the classic. Premieres Sunday, Oct. 11, at 10 p.m. on MGM+.

🍿 Something’s lurking offshore: Below stars Josh Hartnett in a coastal creature thriller. Arrives Thursday, Oct. 8, on Netflix.

🌍 Diplomacy rarely goes according to plan: Keri Russell returns for Season 4 of The Diplomat, Thursday, Oct. 15, on Netflix.

🕯️ A cold case with a haunting past: The Pet Cemetery Murders: A Ghost Story examines a reopened Louisiana murder investigation. Premieres Sunday, Oct. 11, at 9 p.m. on HBO.

💔 A breakup with collateral damage: Just premiered Oct. 1, War stars Dominic West and Sienna Miller as a wealthy couple divorcing. On HBO.

👻 Prefer your October viewing spooky? Carrie, a new Stephen King adaptation from Mike Flanagan, arrives Oct. 7 on Prime Video. Below, starring Josh Hartnett in a coastal creature thriller, debuts Oct. 8 on Netflix. And Crystal Lake, the Friday the 13th prequel starring Linda Cardellini, arrives Oct. 15 on Peacock.

Links to the latest news on aging.

Fear of Falling in Older Adults: Causes, Signs and Prevention: Learn why a fear of falling, which affects up to 60% of seniors, increases fall risks in seniors. Discover physical signs, home safety tips and balance exercises to overcome fall anxiety. U.S. News & World Report, Sept. 30.

1 In 5 Seniors at Risk for Dangerous Drug Interactions: About 22% of U.S. adults between 62 and 85 years of age had a drug regimen that put them at high risk for a harmful interaction in 2021-2023, researchers reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association. HealthDay News, Sept. 28.

Here’s Why Experts Say Now Is an Ideal Time to Protect Yourself from Flu: Medical experts urge getting a flu vaccination soon, before influenza starts spreading widely — and to get up to date on protection against other fall respiratory viruses, too. The Associated Press, Oct. 2.

Wearable Wrist Device Could Boost Stroke Rehab: A device worn on the wrist and powered by an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm can assess rehab progress in real time for people who've lost arm movement due to stroke, new research shows. HealthDay News, Oct. 1.

🚗 Day Trippin’

Your next adventure is just a car ride away.

🌟 Take the stairs to the stars: Climb the 199 steps of the Cape May Lighthouse during the Stairway to the Stars Lighthouse Climb on Saturday, Oct. 10. Scheduled around the new moon, this evening climb offers darker skies for stargazing—especially if the weather cooperates. Binoculars are welcome but must be securely worn at all times. A heavenly view, with a decidedly earthly workout getting there.

🍁 Mum’s the word—but these flowers deserve a little bragging: Longwood Gardens’ Autumn’s Colors brings golden foliage, garden strolls and spectacular blooms to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Oct. 2–Nov. 15. For the floral main attraction, plan your visit Oct. 16 or later, when the Chrysanthemum Festival fills the conservatories with more than 5,000 plants shaped into spirals, cascading clouds and a new double arch. These are decidedly not your supermarket mums.

Outside, explore three treehouses—including the ADA-accessible Lookout Loft—for fresh perspectives on the fall foliage, then stop by the miniature Garden Railway. Make time for seasonal food and drinks beneath the Beer Garden’s golden ginkgo trees, or reserve a table at 1906, Longwood’s signature restaurant.

✨ Stay for the evening sparkle: Illuminated Fountain Performances begin at 8:15 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31. A new Symphony of Horror show on Oct. 23 pairs scenes from Nosferatu with live organ music; Halloween Magic runs Oct. 24, 25 and 31.

🎬 That’s a Wrap!

Thanks for spending a little of your week with Monmouth Senior Scoop. Here’s to good company, new adventures and plenty to look forward to.

Know someone who’d enjoy the Scoop? Forward this newsletter and invite them to subscribe free at monmouthseniorscoop.com. Have local news or an event to share? Hit reply—we’d love to hear from you.

See you next week!

😎 The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: Event details can change; check with organizers before heading out. Content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal or financial advice.