Your Guide to Local Fun, Fresh Finds & Senior Living in Monmouth County

👋 Hello friends! The sun is shining, the local flavors are irresistible, and the week ahead is full of things to see, do, and savor. Let’s dive into all that Monmouth County’s has to offer! 🌞

👀What’s on tap today

📬 This Week in Monmouth (Sept. 10–17)
🌟 Mark Your Calendar – Healthy Aging Programs & Local Resources
🍎 Sweet Treats – Apple Crumb Pie Shake Alert!
🎶 Weekend Fun – Fairs, Festivals & Live Music
🌳 In the Parks – Outdoor Adventures & Historical Demos
🥕 Fresh from the Farm – Farmers Markets & Jersey Tomatoes
📚 Library Happenings – Workshops, Music & Fun for Seniors
✈️ Wanderlust Weekly – Trips, Road Adventures & Solo vs. Group Travel
📺 TV & Entertainment – What to Watch This Week
🍎🎃 Grandkids’ Adventures – Apple Picking & Kids Boo Fest

Up first…

Living Well in Monmouth County – Healthy Aging
Ever wonder what resources are out there to help you age fabulously in Monmouth County? Michele O’Shaughnessy, Director, and Joe Corcione, Outreach Coordinator, from the Division on Aging, Disabilities, and Veterans Services, will share an overview of all the programs, services, and local support available — right in your own backyard.

🗓 Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 | 2:00–3:00 PM
📍 LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road, Eatontown
💲 Free (registration required)
🎟 Register Online

Move over pumpkin spice — the new fall star is the Apple Crumb Pie Shake 🍏🥤. Two local legends—Jersey Freeze and Delicious Orchards—have joined forces to create the ultimate autumn indulgence: a hand-spun cinnamon-sugar milkshake, swirled with soft serve, stuffed with apple crumb pie, topped with whipped cream, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and—because why not?—finished with a full slice of apple crumb cake on top. It’s decadent, it’s over the top, and it’s only here for a limited time. Catch it at Jersey Freeze in Colts Neck before it disappears faster than fall leaves in November. 🍂🤤

✨ Friday, Sept. 12
🌻 Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Sunflowers & Fall Festival | 9 AM–6 PM | Cream Ridge
Grab your camera and your best fall hat — the sunflower fields are glowing, and the festival fun rolls on into Saturday. Info

🎹 Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles | 7–8 PM | Monmouth University, West Long Branch
A candlelit piano concert that jumps from classical genius to timeless pop. Pure magic. Info

🎤 Celtic Thunder Live | 7:30–9:30 PM | Count Basie Center, Red Bank
Big voices, Irish charm, and goosebumps included. Info

✨ Saturday, Sept. 13
🚶 Walk ALS: Jersey Shore | 9 AM–1 PM | Long Branch Promenade
A beautiful walk for a powerful cause. Lace up and join the community. Info

🛍️ Wall Township Town Wide Yard Sale | 9 AM–2 PM
It’s like treasure hunting… but with coffee breaks. Info

🛡️ 3rd Annual Medieval Market | 9 AM–2 PM | Farmingdale
Knights, costumes, crafts — no time machine required. Info

🐴 Happy Day Farm Fall Festival | 10 AM–5 PM | Manalapan Township
Corn mazes, pig races, pedal carts, and more than 35 ways to feel like a kid again. Info

🛶 Atlantic Highlands Flea Market | 10 AM–4 PM
Antiques, collectibles, and maybe your next great story waiting to be discovered. Info

🍝 Belmar Feast of San Gennaro | 11 AM–6 PM
Italian food, live music, and plenty of “just one more bite.” Info

🎸 The Orchestra: Blue Skies Forever Tour | 7:30–9:30 PM | Red Bank
ELO classics live on stage — yes, you’re allowed to dance in your seat. Info

🕵️ Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Links | 8–10 PM | Two River Theater
Poirot is on the case in this whodunit. Place your bets on the culprit! Info

✨ Tuesday, Sept. 16
🎭 “Mr. Dickens is Coming” Live | 3–8 PM | Historic Village of Allaire
Charles Dickens’ great-great-grandson brings the classics to life. A literary throwback you won’t forget. Info

✨ Wednesday, Sept. 17
🍴 MasterChef All-Stars Live! | 7:30–9:30 PM | Count Basie Center
Your favorite chefs, a live stage, and enough culinary drama to keep you hungry all night. Info

🎵 Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
Saturday, Sept. 13 • 1–3 PM | Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Step back in time and enjoy classic accordion tunes from the 1890s. Free!

🎭 A Tribute to All Things Broadway
Saturday, Sept. 13 • 2–3:45 PM & 7–8:45 PM | Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft
Sing along as local talent brings Broadway favorites to life. Light refreshments at intermission. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 kids.

🍲 Cookstove Demonstrations
Saturdays, Sept. 13 & 27 • 11 AM–3 PM | Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
See how meals were made in the 1890s kitchen and discover recipes from the past. Free!

🐦 Casual Birder Walk
Tuesday, Sept. 16 • 9 AM | Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold (Shelter Building lot)
Take a relaxed stroll with a Park Naturalist and spot feathered friends. Binoculars available to borrow. Free!

🐑 Garden State Sheep & Fiber Festival (Ringoes, Sept. 13–14) – Sheep shows, herding dogs, weaving demos, and lots of woolly fun.
🐂 Cowtown Rodeo (Pilesgrove) – Live bull riding, lassoing, and barrel racing through Sept. 27. Plus: special Pro Bull Riding event Oct. 4.
🍺 Morey’s Piers Oktoberfest (Wildwood) – Weekends mid-Sept. through mid-Oct., with steins, German food, and rides on the boardwalk.
⚔️ Sparta Renaissance Festival (Sparta, Sept. 6–21) – Jousting, storytellers, axe throwing, archery, and 100+ vendors.
🎷 Montclair Jazz Festival (Sept. 13) – A vibrant mix of jazz performances, cuisine, and local art.
🥓 Bacon, Bourbon & Brews Festival (Medford, Sept. 13) – Bold flavors, live music, and craft drinks.
🦞 Downbeach Seafood Festival (Ventnor, Sept. 13–14) – From lobster rolls to oysters, it’s seafood heaven.

Links to the latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

👣 A Scary Trend: More older adults are dying after falls — and researchers think prescription drugs might be part of the reason. (New York Times, Sept. 6)

🎯 Silent but Serious: Prostate cancer doesn’t always come with symptoms. A new poll shows many don’t realize this, which can delay lifesaving care. (HealthDay, Sept. 2)

💸 Retirement Math Update: Remember the famous 4% rule? It’s now the 4.7% rule — a small change that could make a big difference in your retirement plans. (USA Today, Sept. 1)

🏖️ Where to Retire: WalletHub just dropped its 2025 list of the best and worst states for retirees. Spoiler: where you live can really stretch (or shrink) your nest egg. (Wallet Hub, Sept. 2)

⏰ Tick Tock on Social Security: By 2032, benefits could be cut by a whopping 24%. That’s less than a decade away. (U.S. News, Sept. 2)

📑 Insurance Denial? Appeal It!: Nearly half of people who fight prior authorization denials find it tough — but it’s doable. Here are 7 tips to boost your odds. (KFF Health News, Sept. 4)

💘 Love After 60: Dating again? Kiplinger has nine rules to keep your heart (and your dignity) safe while putting yourself out there. (Kiplinger, Sept. 3)

🍎 Bell Works Fresh Market (Holmdel)
Stroll the stunning atrium of Bell Works while shopping local produce, baked goods, flowers, and crafts. A farmers market meets modern vibe.
📍 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel
🗓 Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 11 AM – 4 PM

🌊 West End Farmers’ Market (Long Branch)
Fresh veggies, local honey, baked goods, and ocean breezes — this market is as charming as its seaside setting.
📍 West End Park, 607 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch
🗓 Thursday, Sept. 11 | 9 AM – 3 PM

🌻 Ocean Grove Farm Stand (Neptune Township)
A smaller, cozy farm stand right in town, perfect for picking up Jersey-fresh produce and chatting with neighbors.
📍 Pilgrim Pathway & Main Ave, Ocean Grove
🗓 Thursday, Sept. 11 | 10 AM – 2 PM

🌽 Hazlet Farmers’ Market (Hazlet)
Family-friendly, easygoing, and loaded with seasonal favorites like corn, tomatoes, and baked treats. A great Saturday stop.
📍 James J. Cullen Center, 1776 Union Ave, Hazlet
🗓 Saturday, Sept. 13 | 10 AM – 2 PM

✨ Markets run weekly through the fall, so mark your calendars and bring your tote bags for plenty of Jersey Fresh goodness!

🍅 Jersey Tomatoes = Summer on a Plate!
Tomato season is at its peak, and nothing beats the flavor of a fresh, juicy Jersey tomato. Celebrate the harvest with Chef Amanda Freitag’s Jersey Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce — a simple, delicious recipe perfect for pasta, chicken, or freezing for later.

👉 Get the Recipe Here

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

💊 Medication & the Older Adult (WISE Program)
Learn how to manage medications safely, meet new friends, enjoy light refreshments. 6-week series.
Fri, Sept. 12 | 10 AM | Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury

✍️ Writers Workshop
Quick writes, prompts, and gentle feedback led by Molly Fox. Share your words or just soak up inspiration.
Fri, Sept. 12 | 10:30 AM | Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury

👑 NJ Cameo Club Showcase
Former Ms. NJ Senior America contestants sing, dance, and tell stories.
Fri, Sept. 12 | 2 PM | HQ, Manalapan

📖 Monmouth Writers Group
Bring your writing for a friendly critique session.
Sat, Sept. 13 | 9:30 AM | Howell Branch

🍪 Edible Stories: Cookie Decorating Workshop
Honor women in literature while decorating cookies. Creativity + deliciousness = win.
Sat, Sept. 13 | 2 PM | Howell Branch

🍸 Mobsters & Mayhem: Prohibition on the Jersey Shore
Rum-running, mobsters, local legends… history with a twist.
Mon, Sept. 15 | 2 PM | Wall Township Branch

🧘 Yoga for Beginners
Gentle moves, relaxation, and a dash of zen with Steven Russell.
Mon, Sept. 15 | 6:30 PM | HQ, Manalapan

🤝 Monmouth ACTS in My Community
Get help with SNAP, Medicaid, NJ Family Care, and more. Drop in — first-come, first-served.
Tue, Sept. 16 | 10 AM–1 PM | Allentown Branch

🐔 Gardening with Chickens
Backyard chickens = happy gardens. Learn why.
Tue, Sept. 16 | 3 PM | Ocean Township Branch

🎶 Rhythm N’ Sound: Musical Revue (50s–80s)
Sing along, tap your toes, enjoy the hits from yesteryear.
Wed, Sept. 17 | 3 PM | Ocean Township Branch

🚂 Gettysburg Excursion Railway
Pennsylvania’s Patriot Rail has launched passenger service on the restored Gettysburg Excursion Railway! Departing from the 1884 Depot, ride in upgraded 1950s-era Budd passenger cars while enjoying snacks from the Café Car and narrated views of the Eternal Light Peace Memorial and scenic Adams County countryside. It’s history on rails! Info

🌒 2027 Solar Eclipse Mediterranean Voyage
Atlas Ocean Voyages is offering a once-in-a-lifetime Mediterranean journey in 2027, combining the cultural riches of Spain and Portugal with the rare thrill of a total solar eclipse viewed from the perfect vantage point—at sea! Info

🚗 11 Unforgettable Road Trips for Retirees
Hit the open road! Kiplinger has picked 11 road trips that are pure joy for retirees—scenic drives, charming towns, and unforgettable stops along the way. Pack your snacks and your sense of adventure! Info

🌄 Solo or Group Travel? You Do You!
Travel your way. Some retirees love the freedom of going solo, while others thrive in a group adventure. Either way, there’s a perfect trip waiting for you—just choose your vibe! Read

✨ The Paper (Peacock, Monday) – From the folks who gave us The Office! This time, the camera crew lands in a small Ohio newsroom — with none other than Oscar Martinez (Oscar Nuñez) popping up behind a desk. All 10 episodes drop at once, so pace yourself… or don’t.

🔎 NCIS: Tony & Ziva (Paramount+, Monday) – Ten years later, fan-favorite duo Tiva is back! Now raising their daughter in France, the couple is pulled into a globe-trotting conspiracy. Action, romance, and banter — it’s like date night with explosions.

🚨Task (HBO/Max, Thursday) – Mark Ruffalo hunts down violent robbers in a tense new thriller from the Mare of Easttown creator. Think gritty, gripping, and perfect for watching with the lights on.

50th Anniversary Apple Day | Terhune Orchards, Princeton | Weekend of Sept. 13
Apple picking, pony rides, corn mazes, barnyard animals, and live music — fall fun everyone loves.

Kids Boo Fest | Liberty Science Center, Jersey City | Starting Sept. 13
Safe spooky science, costume parades, and hands-on fun. Little monsters welcome!

Big cheers to Al N., Susan C., and Mark P. on Sept. 10 🎉. You share the day with Colin Firth (65), Hugh Grant (65), and Guy Ritchie (57). Not bad company for a party! 🥳

👵 Apparently the hottest new design craze is called “Grandmacore” — think lace doilies, floral wallpaper, heirloom teacups and comfort over minimalism. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? We’ve been rocking that vibe since before TikTok was a twinkle in anyone’s eye! Welcome back to our world, trendsetters — we saved you a seat on our floral sofa! 🌸💖

❓ Questions, comments, or news to share? Email: [email protected]

👀 First time reading? Join thousands of Monmouth County seniors — Sign up for free here

😎 See you next week!
— The Better With Age NJ Team