Monmouth Senior Scoop: Sandy Hook History, Farmers Markets & America 250 Fun

👋 Hello, Monmouth friends!

We’re starting the week with a little history, a little fresh produce, and a little library fun. From Sandy Hook’s golden-age resort days to farmers markets kicking off around the county, this week is giving us summer with a side of nostalgia.

🏖️ Sandy Hook Then & Now
🇺🇸 Monmouth County marks America’s 250th
🏃 Stars & Strides Flag Day 5K
🥕 Farmers Market Finds
🃏 Card Sharks
🧶 Crafty Corner
🍒 In the Kitchen
📺 TV Time
🍷 Day Trip Worth Noting

The Eastern Branch Library in Shrewsbury is hosting “Then and Now: Sandy Hook’s Golden Age Resort,” an in-person exhibit looking back at the days when Highland Beach Resort was a major Shore destination — complete with excursion trains, steamboats, autos and all the early tourism energy New Jersey could pack into one sandy stretch.

The exhibit features photographs of familiar Sandy Hook-area places as they looked then and now, tracing the rise of Northern New Jersey Shore tourism and the history of Highland Beach Resort, which operated from 1888 to 1963.

Exhibit: Monday, June 8, through Wednesday, July 15
Where: Eastern Branch Library, Center of Adult Library, Shrewsbury

There will also be a screening of the documentary “Destinations Past: Highland Beach” on Monday, June 8, at 7 p.m., with producer Chris Brenner on hand for a Q&A afterward. Registration is required for the documentary screening.

Presented by Jersey Coast Heritage Museum and Preservation New Jersey.

Monmouth County residents will have a chance to learn more about local support services — and share their own feedback — at an upcoming public hearing hosted by the Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services.

The hearing will focus on services available to seniors, veterans and residents with disabilities, as well as future programs and community needs.

When: Friday, June 12, at 1 p.m.
Where: Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan
Zoom: Meeting ID 991 9378 0918
Call for information: 732-431-7450

“Ensuring our seniors, veterans, and residents with disabilities have access to reliable services and support remains a top priority for Monmouth County,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “This public hearing gives residents an important opportunity to share their experiences, ask questions, and help shape programs that directly impact their quality of life.”

Commissioner Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services, said the division plays an important role in connecting residents with programs that support wellness and community engagement.

“We encourage residents and caregivers to attend the hearing, learn about available resources, and provide valuable input on future services and initiatives,” Kiley said.

Verbal testimony will be accepted and limited to five minutes per person. Written testimony may be submitted at the hearing or mailed to:

Monmouth County Division on Aging, Disabilities & Veterans Services
Attention: Michele O’Shaughnessy, Director
3000 Kozloski Road
Freehold, NJ 07728

Learn more about the Division on Aging, Disabilities & Veterans Services here.

 County officials unveiled the new MonmouthNJ 250 Monument at Swimming River Park in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

The monument is meant to honor Monmouth County’s role in the Revolutionary War and recognize the people, families and communities who helped shape the American story right here at home. Sculptor Brian Hanlon designed the monument around the themes of fight, family and patriotism, calling the project the “pinnacle” of his career.

The unveiling is part of the larger MonmouthNJ 250 celebration, which includes library programs, student contests, a mobile app, podcasts, videos, park programs, concerts, races, exhibits and plenty of red-white-and-blue events.

The dedication ceremony was live-streamed on the Monmouth County Government’s Facebook and YouTube Channel.

Monmouth County’s Stars & Strides Flag Day 5K & 1-Mile Freedom Walk is set for Sunday, June 14, at Bell Works in Holmdel as part of the county’s America 250 celebration. The event includes a 5K, a non-timed 1-mile walk, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and lots of red, white and blue energy.

When: Sunday, June 14
Check-in: Begins at 7 a.m.
Where: Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
Cost: $35 for the 5K or 1-mile walk

Awards will go to the top overall male and female finishers, plus winners in 14 age groups. Not a runner? No problem. The 1-mile walk is designed for all ages and abilities.

Activities will include a rock-climbing wall, pickleball, soccer, music and Uncle Sam on stilts, because apparently regular-height Uncle Sam wasn’t festive enough.

Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Monmouth County Park System.Register for the Stars & Strides Flag Day 5K & 1-Mile Freedom Walk at runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Holmdel/MonmouthNJ250FlagDay5K.

Also coming up:

Monmouth County’s farmers market season is officially in full swing, which means fresh tomatoes, baked goods, flowers, handmade finds are just one outdoor shopping trip away.

When: Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Upcoming dates: June 10, 17 and 24; continues weekly into the fall
Where: Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel

Bell Works Fresh returns every Wednesday with locally grown produce, handmade goods and favorite local vendors inside the metroburb.

When: Wednesdays, 3–7 p.m.
Upcoming dates: June 10, 17 and 24; continues Wednesdays through September 30
Where: Tall Oaks Farm + Brewery, 450 Colts Neck Road, Farmingdale

Tall Oaks is leveling up from pop-up to full farmers market, with fresh local produce, baked goods, specialty foods, and handmade vendors.

When: Thursdays, 2–7 p.m.
Starts: Thursday, June 11; runs Thursdays through September 24
Where: 1901 Baileys Corner Road, Wall Township

Expect farm-fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, handmade items and plenty of local flavor. The extended evening hours make it a nice after-work stop.

When: Fridays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Starts: Friday, June 12; runs Fridays through September 11
Where: 201 Main Street, Allenhurst

The Allenhurst Farmers Market brings small-town shore charm to Friday mornings with local farmers, food artisans, makers, baked goods, specialty foods and unique gifts.

When: Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Live music: Noon–3 p.m.
Where: Main Atrium, Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel

Bell Works is adding a Saturday market to the mix with local makers, bakers, creators and more.

When: Sundays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Upcoming dates: June 14, 21 and 28; continues through September 6
Where: Emory Street, Asbury Park

Asbury Fresh is back for its 13th year, bringing farmers, makers and plenty of Sunday morning energy to Asbury Park.

Monmouth County Library has plenty on the table this week — literally. Just don’t try saving seats. The libraries have spoken.

When: Wednesday, June 10, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: West Long Branch Library, 95 Poplar Ave., West Long Branch
Level: Intermediate
Info: 732-222-5993

Participation is first come, first served, and seat saving is not allowed — because apparently bridge has rules before the cards even hit the table.

When: Wednesday, June 10, noon–4:45 p.m.
Where: Library Headquarters, Manalapan

Want to learn duplicate bridge? Head to Library Headquarters on Wednesday afternoons when the library is open. Seats are limited and available first come, first seated.

When: Thursday, June 11, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Where: Eastern Branch Library, Shrewsbury

This welcoming bridge program is designed for beginner and intermediate players who want to build skills and enjoy the game together.

When: Thursday, June 11, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: Holmdel Library Branch

Holmdel heard the call: more Mahjongg, more bridge. This casual, player-led game day offers five tables of space and supplies.

When: Thursday, June 11, 1–4 p.m.
Where: Holmdel Library Branch
Capacity: 20 players

Experienced Mah Jongg players can join this friendly weekly club. Tables and Mah Jongg sets are provided, and spectators are welcome.

When: Thursday, June 11, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Holmdel Library Branch

Join Holmdel Library and Lumen Strategy Group for an all-ages, all-skill-level chess club.

✂️ Grab your yarn, your glue stick or just your curiosity — the library has free crafty fun for anyone who likes to make something without making a mess at home.

🧵 Yarn Works: A Crochet and Knit Drop-In

When: Wednesday, June 10, 1–3 p.m.
Where: Allentown Library Branch
Info: 609-259-7565

Bring your own knitting, crochet or yarn project and settle in for a casual afternoon with fellow crafters. All skill levels are welcome, but there is no formal instruction, so bring your supplies and your “I can probably fix this stitch” confidence.

When: Thursday, June 11, 6–8:45 p.m.
Where: Allentown Library Branch
Registration: Required
Info: 609-259-7565

Bring a favorite book — or choose one from the library bookstall — and decorate the cover with diamond art gems. Glue and gems will be provided.

When: Thursday, June 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Where: Library Headquarters, Manalapan

Bring your knitting, crochet, needlepoint or other handicraft project and spend the evening with like-minded makers. Adults of all skill levels are welcome. Bring your own supplies.

Fresh sweet cherries are arriving in stores earlier than usual this year, thanks to a mild winter and warm spring in the Northwest growing region. And because cherry season never lasts as long as we want it to, this is the time to enjoy them fresh, freeze a few for later, or turn them into something warm, sweet and very “just one more spoonful.”

This week’s recipe pick: Fresh Cherry Crisp — because if summer hands you cherries, the correct answer is dessert!

Here’s a great TV pick if you’re babysitting the grandkids. For the first time, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood has its own official YouTube channel, giving longtime fans — and a whole new generation of neighbors — an easy way to revisit Fred Rogers’ timeless lessons on kindness, curiosity, feelings and community.

The channel will feature full episodes, livestreams, clips, shorts, playlists and compilations from the beloved children’s series. It debuted with five full-length episodes, including the very first national episode from 1968, with one additional episode rolling out each week.

Saddlehill Cellars in Voorhees says new historical research has connected its 70-acre estate to the family of Timothy Matlack Jr., the New Jersey-born patriot who handwrote the official parchment copy of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

To mark America’s 250th anniversary, Saddlehill Cellars will offer free public screenings of a new 15-minute documentary, “The Scribe, The Sword & The Shield: Three Revolutionary Lives. One Piece of Ground. A Story 250 Years in the Making.”

When: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 11 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
Screenings: Every 30 minutes
Where: Saddlehill Cellars, 1407 White Horse Road, Voorhees
Admission: Free; no tickets required
Info: saddlehill.com or 856-229-0007

County hearings may not sound like the most exciting way to spend an afternoon, but this one matters. Services for seniors, veterans and residents with disabilities are only as strong as the voices helping shape them — and that includes yours.

Whether you have a concern, a question, a suggestion or just want to hear what’s available, showing up is one small way to help make sure Monmouth County keeps listening to the people who use these programs every day.

And really, isn’t that what community is all about?

See you Wednesday,
The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

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Disclaimer: As always, event details can change, so please check with organizers before heading out. Also, the Monmouth Senior Scoop is here to keep you informed and entertained, but we do not offer legal, medical or financial advice.😊