👋 Hey, Monmouth friends!

August is wasting no time filling the calendar. This week brings a 50th-anniversary Italian festival with fireworks, free music from Spring Lake to Manasquan, classic cars at Allaire and enough antique shopping to test the structural limits of your trunk.

Let’s make some plans!

🎉 Local Events: Italian food, fireworks, live music and sidewalk bargains
🌳 August at Allaire: Flea-market finds, antiques and classic cars
🍽️ Local Flavor: Seven Shore restaurants worth adding to your list
📚 Beyond the Books: Mahjongg, movies, art and adorable animals
📸 Picture This: Enter the 2027 Travel Guide cover contest
🇺🇸 County Remembrance: Monmouth marks the 25th anniversary of September 11

Up first…

Got a camera roll full of Monmouth County magic? The County Commissioners are looking for the cover photo for the 2027 Monmouth County Travel Guide, and your favorite shot could be the one.

Think sparkling beaches, scenic parks, charming downtowns, historic landmarks or a local view that makes you say, “Yep, that’s Monmouth County.”

🏆 First place: $500
🥈 Second place: $350
🥉 Third place: $150

Photos must have been taken in Monmouth County and submitted as a JPG, JPEG or PNG without a watermark. Vertical images are preferred, although horizontal photos are welcome. Monmouth County Tourism will choose the finalists before the contest heads to a public vote.

📅 Deadline: Nov. 1, 2026
👤 Who can enter: Adults 18 and older
📷 How to enter: Visit MonmouthCountyTourism.com, click Travel Guide, then select Photo Contest.

Time to scroll through those photos and see whether a cover star is hiding between the grandkid pictures and accidental screenshots!

Monmouth County has declared Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, a County Day of Remembrance honoring the victims, first responders, military personnel, volunteers and everyone whose life was forever changed by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The County Commissioners invite residents to gather for the annual September 11 Memorial Ceremony at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook. The tribute will remember the 147 people with ties to Monmouth County who lost their lives in the attacks.

📅 Friday, Sept. 11, 2026
⏰ 8 a.m.
📍 Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook, 460 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Highlands

This year’s ceremony marks a quarter-century since that tragic day and offers the community a place to reflect, honor the lives lost and renew the promise to never forget.

The grocery carts are officially rolling at Monmouth Square. Whole Foods Market opened its new 40,000-square-foot Eatontown store last Wednesday at 180 Route 35 South.

The store carries more than 1,000 products from Northeast suppliers, including shiitake mushrooms from Mushroom King Farm in Manalapan, treats from Undercover Snacks in East Hanover and coffee from Paper Plane Coffee Co. in Montclair.

Shoppers will also find fresh seafood, specialty meats, prepared foods and bread baked daily, including selections from Bread Alone Bakery and Balthazar Bakery.

As part of the opening celebration, Whole Foods donated food and a refrigerated van to NJ Rise, a local organization that rescues and distributes food to people in need. The store is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

A new Long Branch condominium development is promising resort-style living without requiring residents to pack a suitcase.

Sales have opened at Liora Club & Residences, a 128-unit community located one block from the beach at 85 Cooper Ave. Prices start at $760,000, with move-ins expected by the end of 2026. Residences range from one-bedroom units to three-bedroom lofts. Select homes offer ceilings as high as 20 feet and private outdoor space.

The development includes more than 41,000 square feet of amenities, including a landscaped pool, cabanas, a spa, two pickleball courts, a fitness center, yoga studio, golf simulator, wine lounge, game room, business lounge and even a pet spa! Garage parking and electric vehicle charging stations are also available.

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

🩺 Cancer Screenings by Age: A Complete Preventive Health Guide and Timeline: Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Catching cancer early is the best way to improve survival rates. This guide breaks down the recommended cancer screening schedule for every age group. U.S. News & World Report, July 31.

💊 GLP-1 Medicare Coverage: How to Get It for $50 (And the Catch): The new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program caps weight-loss drugs at $50, but strict eligibility rules and out-of-pocket limits could catch patients off guard. Kiplinger, July 29.

💰 How to Prepare for the ‘Great Wealth Transfer’: Planning for an inheritance is a way to protect your future self — who may be grieving, overwhelmed and less able to make clear decisions. NerdWallet, July 30.

🌎 How Many Americans Retire Abroad? About 712,000 Americans receive Social Security benefits abroad. That’s barely 1% of all Social Security beneficiaries, a striking contrast with the percentage of Americans who say they’ve seriously considered retiring overseas. Investopedia, July 31.

🏠 The Last House — Netflix, Friday, Aug. 7: Greta Lee and Wagner Moura star as parents whose family has been mysteriously unable to leave its home for years. Directed by Louis Leterrier, this science-fiction thriller suggests that staying in may not always be the safest option.

🇮🇹 You, Me & Tuscany — Peacock, Friday, Aug. 7: Halle Bailey plays a house sitter who makes herself a little too comfortable in an Italian villa. A borrowed identity, a pretend engagement and an inconvenient spark with Regé-Jean Page provide the ingredients for a romantic comedy that looks as light and inviting as an afternoon cappuccino.

✍️ A Poet — Mubi, Friday, Aug. 7: This prizewinner from Colombian filmmaker Simón Mesa Soto follows Oscar, an unsuccessful writer still searching for his place in the literary world. Shot on grainy 16mm film, the Cannes-honored comedy takes a gritty, sharply satirical look at artistic ambition, disappointment and the sometimes ridiculous business of being creative.

⚽ Ted Lasso — Apple TV, Wednesday, Aug. 5: Three years after leaving AFC Richmond and returning to Kansas, television’s relentlessly upbeat soccer coach is heading back across the pond. This time, Ted takes charge of Richmond’s new women’s team.

Jason Sudeikis returns alongside Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple, Jeremy Swift and Brendan Hunt. Expect familiar faces, fresh players and plenty of homespun wisdom.

Italian specialties, live music by the ocean, downtown bargains and enough dancing to count as cardio. Here’s what’s happening around Monmouth County this week.

🇮🇹 Eat your way through 50 years of Italian festival history. The IAATO Italian Festival celebrates its golden anniversary at Joe Palaia Park, 240 Whalepond Road in Oakhurst, from Wednesday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 9. Expect more than two dozen food vendors serving sausage and peppers, zeppole, cannoli and other Italian favorites, plus carnival rides, nightly entertainment, 50/50 raffles and fireworks. Hours are 5–11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 4–10 p.m. Sunday.

🎷 Add a little jazz to Wednesday night. Spring Lake Summer Nights returns downtown Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. with outdoor dining, shopping, family activities and live music from the Storer Avenue Jazz Project.

👢 Learn a few steps with an ocean view. Free, beginner-friendly line dancing takes over the Pier Village Boardwalk in Long Branch on Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Lessons and open dancing are tailored to the crowd, so seasoned dancers and people still negotiating with their left foot are equally welcome.

🎶 Get the blues — in the best possible way. Vocalist Kate Curran performs during Bradley Beach’s free Summer Jazz & Blues series Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Riley Park, 615 Main St. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in.

🏖️ Let Driftwood provide the soundtrack to sunset. Manasquan’s free Summer Music Series continues at Main Beach on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Bring a beach chair and enjoy live music accompanied by ocean breezes.

🛍️ Shop the sidewalk instead of merely walking on it. Downtown Red Bank’s annual Sidewalk Sale runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 7–9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local shops will bring the bargains outdoors.

🎨 Meet the artists making Asbury Park more colorful. First Fridays Arts & Sound at the Station returns Friday, Aug. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. The pop-up celebration features local visual artists, musicians and arts-and-crafts vendors in a lively community setting.

🚗 Take a memorable ride with Miss Daisy. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Driving Miss Daisy opens at Bell Theater, 101 Crawfords Corner Road in Holmdel, on Friday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. Additional weekend performances are scheduled for 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. The funny and moving drama follows the unlikely friendship between an independent widow and her patient chauffeur across 25 years of social change.

🎤 Enjoy free Tuesdays on Broadway. The Long Branch Broadway Band Shell hosts free live music at Third Avenue and Broadway on Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

🎺 Spend another summer evening in Spring Lake. Spring Lake Summer Nights returns Wednesday, Aug. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. with outdoor dining, shopping, activities and live music from Friends Zone.

🕺 Go back to Rydell High with Grease. The Burger Palace Boys and Pink Ladies arrive at the JCC Jersey Shore, 100 Grant Ave. in Deal, beginning Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. Performances continue through Aug. 23. Expect to hear all the favorites, like “Summer Nights” “Greased Lightnin” and “Tell Me More.”

🐦 Catch a teen idol before Uncle Sam does. Bye Bye Birdie opens at Spring Lake Theatre, 300 Madison Ave., on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The high-energy musical follows Conrad Birdie’s farewell publicity stunt after he is drafted into the Army. Performances continue through Aug. 21.

Tomatoes, light sabers, country music and the biggest fireworks show of the season. The BlueClaws are packing much more than baseball into three busy nights at ShoreTown Ballpark.

🍅 The BlueClaws are ripe for a rebrand. For one night only, the team becomes the Jersey Tomatoes on Thursday, Aug. 6, in a Jersey Fresh celebration of New Jersey agriculture. Expect a full tomato-themed identity takeover, plus special merchandise for anyone ready to represent the Garden State’s most famous summer fruit.

🌟 The Force comes to the ballpark. Star Wars Night lands Friday, Aug. 7 with themed fun and post-game fireworks. A special ticket package includes admission and a light saber!

🎆 The Fourth of July gets a do-over. Red, White and BlueClaws returns Saturday, Aug. 8 after a power outage canceled the original holiday fireworks. The rescheduled celebration features the team’s biggest fireworks show of the year, along with a Salute to Heroes.

🤠 Country Night joins the party. Saturday’s game also includes live music from Tequila Rose in the Sand Bar and line dancing with Fancy Feet Line Dancing.

From matzo ball soup with an Italian accent to pizza crust thin enough to read through, here are a few Monmouth County restaurants our readers say are worth putting on your must-try list this summer.

🍲 Grandma meets nonna at Judy & Harry’s. Located at 408 Seventh Ave. inside The St. Laurent hotel, this stylish spot combines Jewish comfort food with Italian-American classics. Think Judy’s matzo ball soup, chicken Parm and roast chicken Savoy inspired by the Belmont Tavern favorite. Finish the night with a cocktail at Harry’s next door. Info

🍳 Cardinal Provisions makes brunch interesting again. This rustic favorite at 513 Bangs Ave. is known for creative dishes such as cacio e pepe scrambled eggs — and weekend crowds willing to wait for them. Cardinal serves breakfast and lunch, plus themed dinners on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s BYO. Info

🍣 Xina turned a former 7-Eleven into a sushi destination. The longtime Toms River favorite recently opened its second BYO in the heart of Bradley Beach, bringing creative sushi rolls and Asian dishes much closer to Monmouth County diners. Slurpees are out. Spicy tuna is in. Info

🍕 Vic’s keeps the red sauce flowing. This longtime Italian-American institution at 60 Main St. serves homemade pizza in three sizes, along with hearty classics such as chicken parmigiana and sausage cacciatore. Info

🍕 Pete & Elda’s takes thin crust very seriously. Located at 96 Woodland Ave., the legendary restaurant serves pies with crust crisp enough to make a cracker nervous and a choice of 35 toppings spread across every inch. Weekend waits can be long, so bring patience and an appetite. Info

🌊 The Promenade pairs every meal with a front-row ocean view. Located inside the Avon Pavilion at 600 Ocean Ave. N., this rare beachfront restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with friendly service, thoughtfully prepared food and occasional live music. Info

🦞 Klein’s delivers the full waterfront seafood experience. Head to 708 River Road for indoor and outdoor dining, a raw bar, a tiki bar and fresh seafood, steaks and classic Shore specialties. There is even a retail fish market if dinner inspires you to try this at home. Info

🥭 Mango madness arrives in Morganville. Mango Mango has opened in Marlboro Township, bringing the NYC-based dessert chain’s fresh mango creations to Monmouth County. The menu includes mango sago, mille crêpe cakes and smoothies—enough sweetness to make choosing just one the hardest part. More grand-opening specials are expected in the coming weeks. Info

This week at the Monmouth County Library, you can handle official business, play bridge or Mahjongg, meet an author, paint a seashell and cuddle up — figuratively, at least — with a micro Highland cow and some future guide dogs!

🚐 Let the County offices come to you. The Mobile County Connection rolls into the Holmdel Branch on Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can access services from Monmouth County’s Constitutional Offices, including free notary services and assistance from the County Clerk’s Office.

♠️ Deal yourself into a bridge game. Intermediate players are invited to the West Long Branch Library on Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participation is first come, first served, and saving seats is not permitted. Arrive early if you want in on the action.

☘️ Take a literary trip to Ireland. Author Glenn Cashion visits Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan on Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss My Irish Heart, his autobiography and tribute to his Irish ancestors.

🀄 Make Thursday your game day. The Holmdel Branch opens five tables for player-led Mahjongg and bridge on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Games and supplies are provided.

🎬 Spend the afternoon at the movies. The Howell Branch screens Small Things Like These on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 1 to 2:50 p.m. The PG-13 drama follows a coal merchant who discovers disturbing secrets at a local convent and is forced to confront difficult truths from his own past.

🀄 Keep the tiles clicking. Experienced players can join the Holmdel Mah Jongg Club on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. Tables and sets are provided for the friendly, casual sessions, but instruction is not offered.

🐮 Meet Toby the Highland cow — and try not to take him home. Toby, an adorable micro Highland cow, visits the Allentown Branch with barn mates Storm and Cloud on Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The all-ages program combines animal education, interaction and creativity. Prepare for the cutest library guest since somebody brought in a puppy.

🐚 Turn a beach find into a little work of art. Drop into the Colts Neck Branch garden Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for seashell painting. Shells are supplied, although visitors may bring their own. All ages are welcome.

🐕 Learn how puppies become working heroes. Representatives from The Seeing Eye visit the Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury on Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 7 to 8 p.m. to explain how puppies are raised, socialized and prepared to become guide dogs. In-person registration is required.

♣️ Play another hand in West Long Branch. The weekly intermediate bridge group meets again Wednesday, Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

💙 Find support after the loss of a loved one. The library’s virtual Lost and Found Bereavement Support Group meets online Wednesday, Aug. 12 from 6:45 to 8 p.m. The group offers a supportive place to discuss grief, difficult emotions and the process of moving forward.

Attention, antique lovers and fans of all things vintage: Clear a little space in the trunk. Allaire Village has a full August lineup featuring flea-market treasures, vintage finds, classic cars and a peek inside its historic chapel.

🛍️ Hunt for someone else’s treasure at the Allaire Flea Market. Browse antiques, collectibles and all sorts of intriguing finds Saturday, Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, while Allaire members enter free. The rain date is Sunday, Aug. 9.

🏺 Give your house a little more history at the Antique & Vintage Show. Shop farmhouse décor, pottery, linens, glassware, furniture, estate jewelry, vintage holiday decorations and more Saturday, Aug. 22 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The bakery, General Store and historic buildings will also be open, and a food truck will be on-site. Admission is $5 for ages 11 and older; children 10 and younger enter free.

⛪ Take a peek inside Allaire’s historic chapel. The village holds a Chapel Open House on Saturday, Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can tour the charming space and learn about renting it for weddings, vow renewals, memorials and other occasions. No proposal required.

🚘 Watch the classics roll into town. The 31st annual Rolling Iron Antique Auto Show takes over the village Sunday, Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Expect antique, classic, custom and modified cars, trucks and motorcycles, along with music, vendors, a food truck and a 50/50. Public admission is $5 per car.

All events take place at the Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Ave. in Farmingdale. Visit AllaireVillage.org for details.

Fresh air, free programs and a Victorian laundry lesson that may make you appreciate your washing machine a little more. Here’s what’s happening in the Monmouth County Parks this August.

🐟 Seine and be seen in Manasquan. Wade into the cove with a Park System Naturalist and search for fish, crabs and other small sea creatures during Tidal Tuesdays: Seining the Cove, held Aug. 11, 18 and 25 from 11 a.m. to noon at Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area. Closed-toe shoes are required, children must be supervised and swimming is not permitted. Weather permitting. Free.

🎤 Your poetry era starts now. Read an original work or share a favorite poet during Open Mic Poetry: Echoes and/or Micro-Poetry, Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Thompson Park Theater Barn in Lincroft. All experience levels are welcome, but selections must be suitable for a family audience. Free.

🐸 It’s a pond party — and the frogs are hosting. Join Park System Naturalists for Life in a Freshwater Pond on Thursdays, Aug. 6, 13 and 20 from 11 a.m. to noon at Freneau Woods Park in Aberdeen. Look for basking turtles, hunting herons, splashing fish and whatever else may be lurking beneath the surface. Meet outside the Visitor Center and wear closed-toe shoes. All ages are welcome; anyone younger than 18 must attend with an adult. Free.

🧺 Laundry day, 1890s-style. From lighting the wood stove to ironing the aprons, the Victorian Laundry Demonstration covers loads of material Sunday, Aug. 9 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel. Stop by and leave feeling deeply grateful for the spin cycle. Free.

🏊 Make a splash in Marlboro. Saturday Swim Time at Big Brook continues Aug. 8 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Big Brook Park. Admission is $35 per family of up to four people or $10 per person. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

🌽 Meet the original food processor. Watch Historic Walnford’s 19th-century gristmill turn corn into meal during weekend Milling Demonstrations throughout August. Demonstrations are offered Aug. 8–9, 15–16, 22–23 and 29–30 at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Each lasts about 15 minutes — short, fascinating and completely free.

🚤 Cruise the reservoir without buying a boat. Narrated Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir offer 45 minutes of scenery, wildlife and naturalist-led commentary. Tours leave from the Visitor Center in Howell:

• Saturdays and Sundays throughout August at 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m.
• Wednesdays, Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 2, 3 and 4 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 7 at 6 and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and younger. Children must be at least 2 years old and able to sit independently for the full tour. Tickets are sold on the day of the tour only, and life jackets are required. Tours depend on weather and water levels, so call 732-919-0996, ext. 4526, before heading out.

A soap opera legend, a Brady sister, a Foo Fighter and two Hollywood heavy hitters are blowing out the candles this week.

🎉 Aug. 5: Actor Erika Slezak of One Life to Live turns 80. Maureen McCormick, forever Marcia Brady to generations of TV fans, is 70. Foo Fighters guitarist Pat Smear is 67. Director James Gunn of Guardians of the Galaxy and actor Jonathan Silverman of The Single Guy both turn 60.

🎈 And a very happy 69th birthday to Allison T. of Sea Bright! We hope the day brings plenty of cake, good company and absolutely no pressure to act your age!

The votes are in, and Ocean City officially has bragging rights. The Cape May County destination was named New Jersey’s Favorite Beach for 2026 during a July 29 ceremony at the Ocean City Music Pier.

Thousands of online votes determined winners in each of the state’s four coastal counties. Asbury Park topped Monmouth County, Island Beach State Park won in Ocean County, Margate claimed Atlantic County and Ocean City took Cape May County before sailing away with the statewide title. Margate finished as the overall runner-up.

County runners-up included Sandy Hook in Monmouth, Point Pleasant Beach in Ocean, Longport in Atlantic and The Wildwoods in Cape May.

The friendly competition began in 2008 as a fun way to spotlight the NJ Sea Grant Consortium and its important work along the Jersey Shore. But honestly, as we all know, the best beach in New Jersey is wherever you choose to plant your umbrella, dig your toes into the sand and let the ocean work its magic. 🌊

That’s all for this week!

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😎 See you next week!

The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

A friendly note: Monmouth Senior Scoop is published for general information and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this newsletter should be considered medical, legal or financial advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making decisions about your health, money or other important matters — and always double-check event details before heading out.