👋Hey, Monmouth friends!

Summer may be eyeing the exit, but Monmouth County clearly missed the memo. This week brings oceanfront music, seafood feasts, farmers markets, rooftop movies, library fun and enough weekend plans to keep that lawn chair working overtime.

📅 Local Events — Jazz, markets, festivals, concerts and rooftop movies
🌳 In the Parks — Birdwatching and ways to join the volunteer team
📚 Beyond the Books — Bridge, Mahjongg, dancing and dueling pianos
🚗 Day Trippin’ — A world of folk traditions in South Brunswick
🍴 Local Flavor — Fogo de Chão fires up a new location
🍽️ In the Kitchen — Four globally inspired recipes for the grill
✂️ Clear the Clutter — Fall paper-shredding dates
📰 Prime Time News — Melanoma research, Stay NJ and Medicare headlines
📺 TV Time — Robert De Niro, Leanne Morgan and a beloved American poet
🎂 Celebrity Birthdays — Genies, rock stars and a local birthday shoutout

Here are the stories making headlines this week—and what they could mean for you.

Personalized Melanoma Vaccine Succeeds in Phase 3 Trial: Moderna and Merck announced that their individualized mRNA treatment, given with Keytruda after melanoma surgery, significantly delayed the cancer’s return and spread compared with Keytruda alone. The treatment is not yet FDA-approved, and detailed Phase 3 results have not been released. Moderna, Aug. 19.

Stay NJ Payments Reduced and Rescheduled: New Jersey says the remaining 2024 Stay NJ benefit will be split between payments in August and November. The budget change means recipients will receive a lower total benefit for calendar year 2026 than originally anticipated. Seniors can check their individual benefit amounts online. New Jersey Division of Taxation, updated Aug. 20.

Bill Would Protect Social Security From Student-Loan Garnishment: Proposed federal legislation would prevent the government from withholding Social Security and disability benefits to collect defaulted federal student-loan debt. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Aug. 17.

Costco Is Preparing to Enter the Medicare Business: Costco is partnering with nonprofit insurer SCAN to develop co-branded Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. The limited rollout is subject to federal approval, and participating states have not been fully announced. Kiplinger, Aug. 20.

See what’s happening around Monmouth County this week.

🎨 Make something shore-worthy. Turn sea glass, crushed glass and shells into framed art at Bakes Brewing Co. in Belmar on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 6–8 p.m. Your ticket includes a pint, because crafting is thirsty work. Info

🎷 Give summer a bluesy send-off. The Burners close Bradley Beach’s free Summer Jazz & Blues series at Riley Park on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 7–9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and soak up one last midweek groove.

🍅 Fill your tote with Jersey goodness. Shop produce, flowers, cheeses, jams, baked goods and more at the West End Farmers’ Market in Long Branch on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

🥕 Turn Thursday into market day. The Wall Township Farmers Market brings produce, baked goods, specialty foods, handmade wares and plenty of dinner inspiration to 1901 Baileys Corner Road on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 2–7 p.m.

🦞 Get crackin’. LobsterPalooza Night takes over The Columns in Avon on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 4–10 p.m. Choose from whole steamed lobster, lobster rolls or lobster ravioli, then stick around for live music by Jenny & James Duo at 6 p.m. No reservations—early claws get the lobster. Info

🎶 Picnic with a side of live music. The E Boro Bandits perform during Belmar’s America 250 Summer Concert Series on the library lawn on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 6–8 p.m. Bring your blanket, your people and maybe something snacky.

🌙 Take over Main Street. Downtown Manasquan goes car-free for Meet Me on Main on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 6–10 p.m. Grab dinner, browse the shops, catch live music and enjoy a townwide summer-night stroll.

🎱 Shout “Bingo!” like you mean it. Beach Bee Meadery in Long Branch hosts Bingo Night on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 6:30–10:30 p.m. Info

🪕 Pick, strum or just tap your toes. Musicians and listeners of all skill levels are welcome at the Oakley Farm Old-Time Jam in Freehold on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 6:30–9 p.m. Acoustic stringed instruments are especially welcome.

🎸 Take it easy with the Eagles. Best of the Eagles brings those unmistakable harmonies and classic hits to the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 7:30 p.m.

🌕 Fall in love with rooftop movies. Watch Moonstruck at The Baronet atop The Asbury Hotel on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 8–10:30 p.m. Expect ocean views, drive-in-style seating, concessions and plenty of Cher. Info

🍎 Start Friday fresh. The Atlantic Highlands Farmers Market fills Veterans Park with produce, artisan breads, jellies, body-care products and handmade gifts on Friday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free parking sweetens the deal.

🌽 Shop small. Shop fresh. The Allenhurst Farmers Market returns to 201 Main St. on Friday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Stop by for local produce and other market goodies.

🥖 Bring home the Jersey Fresh. The Downtown Freehold Farmers Market offers fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey, baked goods and more at Main and Court streets on Friday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

🦀 Wear your stretchy pants. The Asbury Park Seafood & BBQ Festival serves up food, live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatables and more at Bradley Park on Friday, Aug. 28, from 5–10 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 29, from noon–10 p.m. Info

🎶 Have some fun in Freehold. The LaStella Brothers perform at the Downtown Freehold gazebo on Friday, Aug. 28, from 7–9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and slide into the weekend.

👻 Meet the other longtime Asbury residents. The Asbury Park Ghost Tours explore restless spirits, shipwrecks, fires and local legends on Friday, Aug. 28, from 8–10 p.m. Choose from downtown, boardwalk and haunted-pub adventures—if you dare. Info

🏃‍♀️ Run—or walk—for a good cause. The Jersey Shore Running Club’s Saturday in the Park Women’s 5K steps off at Thompson Park in Lincroft on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. The morning includes a 5K, three-mile walk and children’s races benefiting programs for women and families. Info

🧺 Fresh finds, rain or shine. The Hazlet Farmers Market opens at the James J. Cullen Center on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Bad weather moves the market indoors.

🎨 Put some art in your Saturday. The porch at The James Bradley becomes a pop-up gallery featuring local artists on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The rain date is Aug. 30. Info

🎷 Jazz, blues and ocean views—yes, please. The Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival takes over the Great Lawn and Promenade on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 1–9 p.m. Bring chairs, blankets and sunscreen, then stay for fireworks at dusk.

🎭 See a military story told by those who lived it. Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret brings combat veterans and military family members to the Spring Lake Community Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. Info

🪩 Gimme, gimme, gimme a rooftop sing-along. Mamma Mia screens with a live sing-along cast at The Baronet on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 8–10:30 p.m. Info

🌹 Let the orchestra take you on a long, strange trip. The Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration pairs Garcia’s iconic music with full orchestral arrangements at PNC Bank Arts Center on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 8 p.m.

🛍️ Stroll, snack and shop the street. The Red Bank Street Fair & Craft Show fills Monmouth Street with artisans, food, live music and children’s activities on Sunday, Aug. 30, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Info

🏄 Catch a wave—with Jersey swagger. The Jersey Beach Boys blend the Beach Boys’ surf harmonies with the style of the Four Seasons at Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 3 p.m. Info

🌟 See Broadway’s brightest shine for Aaron Lazar. Kate Baldwin, Norbert Leo Butz, Miguel Cervantes, Victoria Clark, Mandy Gonzalez, Patrick Wilson and more gather for a one-night benefit concert at Bell Theater in Holmdel on Monday, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m.

🎥 Go behind the music that took on apartheid. Stevie Van Zandt kicks off a new film series with The Making of Sun City at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music in Long Branch on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 7:30 p.m. A discussion about the music, movement and lessons that still matter follows. Info

🎶 Don’t put away the lawn chair yet. The Downtown Freehold Fall Concert Series opens at the Hall of Records on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 7:30–9:30 p.m. Summer may be leaving, but live music is sticking around.

Fresh air, free fun and a few feathered friends—here’s what’s happening in Monmouth County Parks this week.

🐦 Sit still and see who flies by. Join a Park System educator for The Little Sit at Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. This scaled-down version of a “Big Sit” birding event invites visitors to spot and identify birds while learning how citizen-science apps can track sightings. The program is free—just bring binoculars, patience and your best eagle eyes.

🙋 Give a little time to the parks you love. More than 1,000 people support the Monmouth County Park System through its Volunteers in Parks program each year—and there’s room for you, too. Lend a hand with gardening, invasive-plant removal, trail maintenance, beach sweeps, visitor centers, therapeutic horseback riding, camps or special events. Volunteer solo or bring friends, family or co-workers along for the good deed. Learn more here.

That stack of old bank statements isn’t going to shred itself. Monmouth County’s free paper-shredding program returns this fall with six Saturday events:

All events run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until the shredding trucks are full. The service is open to all Monmouth County residents, regardless of which town hosts the event.

Residents may bring up to 100 pounds of paper, roughly four office-paper boxes or four large trash bags. Remove large binder clips; staples and paper clips may stay. Stay in your vehicle—no walk-ups or business documents are permitted. For more information, call 732-683-8686, ext. 8967.

🔥 Give the grill a passport. Pork plays nicely with sweet, smoky, spicy and savory flavors, making it an easy starting point for a globally inspired dinner. These four recipes travel from an all-American burger to Greece and Vietnam—without requiring you to leave the backyard.

🍔 Upgrade burger night. The Brown Sugar Pork Burger with Bacon-Onion Jam combines a sweet-and-savory pork patty with a rich, smoky topping. Napkins strongly recommended.

🍑 Put peaches on your pizza. Grilled Prosciutto and Peach Pizza brings together salty prosciutto, juicy summer fruit and smoky flavor from the grill. Because sometimes the best grilling ideas begin with “Hear me out.”

🌿 Take your taste buds to Vietnam. Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Pork Chops pair bright lemongrass with savory, caramelized pork for a weeknight dinner that tastes anything but ordinary.

🇬🇷 Skewer your way to Greece. Pork Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki combine seasoned grilled pork with cool, creamy cucumber sauce. Add pita and a simple salad, then pretend the patio overlooks the Aegean.

Find more pork-grilling tips and recipe inspiration from the National Pork Board.

🌎 Travel the world without leaving Middlesex County. The 51st New Jersey Folk Festival takes over Davidson’s Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Expect four stages of music and dance, food vendors, family activities, park and garden tours, traditional craft demonstrations and performances celebrating Chinese, Italian, Indian, Irish, Afro-Puerto Rican, Andean and African American traditions. More than 5,000 people typically attend, so arrive early—and bring your curiosity.

Here’s what’s cooking on the local dining scene.

🔥 Get ready for dinner with a little tableside drama. Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão is coming soon to the Freehold Raceway Mall. The restaurant is known for its Full Churrasco Experience, featuring an ongoing parade of fire-roasted meats carved right at the table by gaucho chefs. Pace yourself—this is a marathon, not a sprint.

The menu also includes a seasonal Market Table stocked with salads, charcuterie, exotic fruits and other lighter choices, plus Wagyu steak, South American wines, weekday lunch, weekend Brazilian brunch and all-day happy hour at Bar Fogo. In other words, come hungry. Very hungry.

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

♠️ Play your cards right. Intermediate bridge players can drop into the West Long Branch Library on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Games are first come, first served—and saving seats is not in the cards.

💙 Find support from people who understand. The Lost and Found Bereavement Support Group meets at Library Headquarters in Manalapan on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 6:45–8 p.m. The welcoming, in-person gathering is open to adults coping with loss.

🀄 Pick your game and claim your seat. Thursday is Game Day at the Holmdel Library on Aug. 27 from 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Choose Mahjongg or bridge during these casual, player-led games.

💃 Salsa at the library? Why not? Instructor Lloyd “Silqui” Davis leads the Social Dance Club at Library Headquarters in Manalapan on Thursday, Aug. 27, from noon–1:30 p.m. Practice salsa, tango, swing, cha-cha, waltz and more—no experience or dance partner required.

🀄 Crack, bam, dot your Thursday away. Experienced players can join the weekly Holmdel Mah Jongg Club on Aug. 27 from 1–4 p.m. The library provides the tables and sets; you provide the strategy. Seating is limited to 20 players in order of arrival, with no seat saving. Spectators are welcome.

🎹 Shout out your request—then sing along. The Flying Ivories bring their free Dueling Pianos show to Library Headquarters in Manalapan on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 2–3:30 p.m. The audience controls the playlist, so Billy Joel, Beyoncé, Sinatra and Metallica could all end up sharing the afternoon.

💙 You don’t have to navigate grief alone. The Lost and Found Bereavement Support Group meets at the Marlboro Library on Monday, Aug. 31, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. The free, in-person gathering offers a place to connect and talk.

♣️ Deal yourself in. Intermediate bridge returns to the West Long Branch Library on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Participation is first come, first served, and seats may not be saved—so don’t get lost in the shuffle.

Wondering what to watch next? Here are this week’s fresh arrivals—no channel surfing required.

🌿 Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World — PBS and the PBS App, Aug. 25: This American Masters documentary explores the private life and enduring work of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet whose writing celebrated nature, beauty and love. Oprah Winfrey, Steve Buscemi, Helena Bonham Carter and others read from her work.

😂 Leanne, Season 2 — Netflix, Aug. 27: Leanne Morgan returns as a grandmother rebuilding her life after her husband of 33 years leaves her. Kristen Johnston, Tim Daly and Celia Weston return, with Lainey Wilson, Jaime Pressly, Billy Gardell and Tyne Daly joining the fun. Midlife chaos, Southern humor and Jell-O salad remain firmly on the menu.

😱 The Whisper Man — Netflix, Aug. 28: Robert De Niro, Adam Scott and Michelle Monaghan star in this psychological thriller about a widowed writer whose young son disappears. The search leads to his estranged father, a retired detective, and a decades-old serial-killer case. Maybe don’t watch this one immediately before bed.

🕵️‍♀️ The Secret Woman — Netflix, Aug. 28: A woman living quietly on a Norwegian island is confronted by a stranger who claims she is really a missing Danish wife and mother. She sets out to uncover her past—and finds more than a few reasons it may have stayed buried.

A special birthday shoutout goes to Susan F. of Hazlet, who turns 82 this week! We hope your birthday brings plenty of smiles, celebration and an extra-large slice of cake. Happy birthday, Susan! 🎉

A few other celebrities blowing out the candles this week include:

🌟 Aug. 23: Barbara Eden, best known as the mischievous genie Jeannie on the classic sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, is 95. Cheers and The Brady Bunch Movie actor Shelley Long is 77, and singer-actor Rick Springfield is also 77.

🤘 Aug. 25: Kiss bassist Gene Simmons is 77, musician Elvis Costello is 72, and director Tim Burton and The Young and the Restless star Christian LeBlanc are both 68. Country singer and actor Billy Ray Cyrus turns 65—and his achy breaky heart officially has Medicare.

💃 Aug. 28: The White Lotus actor Jennifer Coolidge turns 65, while country superstar Shania Twain is 61.

💌That’s all for this week! If you enjoy the Scoop, please share it with a friend and invite them to subscribe—it’s free!

📣Have news, an event, a birthday or a great local tip? Send it our way. Just hit reply to this email. We’re always looking for what Monmouth County seniors should know next!

Until next week, say yes to the day trip, stay for the live music and always save room for dessert!

😎The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: We bring the news, events and occasional bad pun—not medical, legal or financial advice. Dates and details can change, so check with organizers before heading out.