Monmouth Senior Scoop: Your weekly guide for Monmouth County seniors

There’s a lot to like about this week—spring events, local happenings, and plenty of ways to stay busy (or just enjoy getting out for a bit). Let’s get into it.

🌷 Tulip Season in Full Bloom – 8 million reasons to stop and stare (and yes, you can pick them)
🏡 Colts Neck Housing Lottery – Affordable homes… in Colts Neck?! It’s happening
🌊 Shore Dining in the Spotlight – Local favorite up for a national waterfront title

Up first…

Earth Day is rolling in, and the Monmouth County Park System has a few good ways to do more than just nod respectfully at nature from the window.

Things get started with an Earth Day Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Huber Woods Environmental Center, 25 Brown’s Dock Road, Middletown. Expect live animal displays, guided nature and history walks, and a nature-themed book exchange. Bringing a book? Make it a gently used one. Visitors can also meet reps from the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Monmouth County and Wild About Atlantic Highlands. Admission and parking are free.

The lineup keeps going at Bayshore Waterfront Park, 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, with two smaller hands-on events for anyone looking to pitch in.

First up is an Earth Day Beach Cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, April 19. Residents are invited to help clear trash and plastics from the coastline while learning more about the local environment. A little fresh air, a little good karma, a little less junk on the beach.

Then on Wednesday, April 22, the park hosts an Earth Day Planting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Volunteers can help restore the park’s maritime forest by planting native species that provide food and shelter for local wildlife.

🌷 Tulip Season Is in Full Bloom
More than 8 million tulips are now blooming at Holland Ridge Farms during its annual Spring Spectacular (April 10–26). Visitors can pick their own flowers, enjoy food trucks, browse an artisan market, and explore the farm—including a 100-foot windmill and petting zoo. Tickets are timed, and the festival runs rain or shine.

🏡 Affordable Housing Lottery Opens in Colts Neck
Colts Neck is accepting applications for affordable units at The Grande condominium development, with two- and three-bedroom homes priced from about $191K to $216K—well below the township’s average home value of roughly $1.3 million. Applications are free and available through the township’s planning office or online. Meanwhile, a group of current unit owners is suing the township over expired affordability restrictions, arguing they should be allowed to sell at market rates.

🌊 Jersey Shore Restaurant in National Spotlight
Two New Jersey spots are finalists in USA Today’s 10 Best Waterfront Restaurants for 2026, including Tim McLoone’s Supper Club in Asbury Park. Public voting will decide the winners, with results announced April 22.

See what’s happening in Monmouth County this week.

🌿 Bell Works Fresh Farmers & Makers Market
📍 Bell Works
🕚 Wednesdays, April 15 – Nov. 25 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Your midweek go-to for fresh produce and handmade goods from local vendors. Easy stroll, easy shopping, and a good excuse to get out. Info

💻 Vintage Computer Festival East
📍 InfoAge Science and History Museums
🗓️ April 17–19 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
A deep dive into computing history with this year’s theme: “Dawn of the PC.” Great for tinkerers, nostalgia seekers, and anyone who remembers floppy disks. Info

🪩 Asbury Park Spring Disco + Night Market
📍 Asbury Park Convention Hall
🗓️ Friday, April 17 | 6–11 p.m.
Disco beats, local eats, and late-night shopping—all under one roof. High-energy, feel-good night. Info

✨ Fairies & Forest Friends
📍 Allaire State Park
🗓️ April 17–18 | 7–9 p.m.
A lighted, magical walk through the historic village with fairy homes, workshops, and a little bit of storybook charm. Info

🎸 Melissa Etheridge: The Rise Tour
📍 Count Basie Center for the Arts
🗓️ Friday, April 17 | 8 p.m.
A rock icon with decades of hits and a voice that still delivers. Expect the classics. Info

🛍️ Rumson Rummage Sale
📍 Rumson Country Day School
🗓️ April 18 (9–4) & April 19 (10–2)
One of the largest tag sales in NJ—everything from hidden gems to everyday finds. Info

🏡 Hazlet Town-Wide Garage Sale
📍 Hazlet
🗓️ Saturday, April 18 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Treasure hunting across town. Plan your route, bring cash, and see what turns up. Info

🛍️ Bell Works Fresh Saturday Market
📍 Bell Works
🗓️ Saturday, April 18 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Local makers, bakers, and live music from 12–3 p.m.—a nice weekend version of the midweek market. Info

🎤 Beatles Interactive Experience
📍 Algonquin Arts Theatre
🗓️ Saturday, April 18 | 2–4 p.m.
You help pick the setlist. A tribute show that leans into nostalgia—with audience input. Info

🐾 Paws for a Cause Yappy Hour
📍 Bar Bella
🗓️ Saturday, April 18 | 5–7 p.m.
Bring the dog, grab a drink, and check out pet portraits, a DJ set, and autism awareness efforts. Info

🌾 Cardinale Farms Spring Harvest Festival
📍 Cardinale Acres
🗓️ Sunday, April 19 | 12–5 p.m.
Fresh produce, farm animals, and live music—easygoing and family-friendly. Info

👗 Swap Social
📍 Atlantic Highlands Arts Council
🗓️ Sunday, April 19 | 1–4 p.m.
Bring up to 10 gently used clothing items and swap for something new-to-you. Sustainable and social. Info

🎺 Chris Pinnella & The Big Band Project
📍 The Vogel
🗓️ Sunday, April 19 | 3–7 p.m.
Big band meets modern hits—Sinatra to The Beatles, all with a brass-forward twist. Info

🎼 Benny Goodman Tribute: Kingdom of Swing
📍 Algonquin Arts Theatre
🗓️ Sunday, April 19 | 3–5 p.m.
Step back into the swing era with a lively tribute to the King of Swing. Info

✈️ The 12 Travel Tips Every Retiree Needs to Know
Traveling in retirement is a dream for many people. Here are 12 practical tips to help make that dream a reality.
Kiplinger, April 9

💵 What Is the Social Security COLA for 2027?
One group is projecting a cost-of-living adjustment of 2.8% based on the most recent economic data.
U.S. News & World Report, April 10

🌷 We Thought Our Retirement Budget Was Set, But These 6 “Spring Surprises” Are Costing Us a Fortune
Spring is here, but so are the bills. From HVAC tune-ups to surging travel costs, here are six hidden expenses retirees must plan for in 2026.
Kiplinger, April 7

🩺 New Technologies Make Lung Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment Quicker and Safer
Many aberrations picked up on lung cancer screens are harmless and benign, but a dangerous few are not.
HealthDay News, April 6

See what’s happening in Monmouth County Parks this week.

At Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel, visitors can catch Accordion Melodies of the 1890s on Saturday, April 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. Stop by during your visit and hear period tunes played live on the accordion. Free.

Also at Longstreet Farm, there’s a Traditional Quilting Demonstration on Sunday, April 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. Watch the quilter show how a beautiful quilting stitch comes together. Free.

And for anyone who loves a little living history, Cookstove Demonstrations are set for Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. See what’s cooking on the woodstove and get a look at how recipes, cooking techniques, and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. Free.

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

🎨 Blossoms & Wings: A Spring Reverie
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
🗓️ On display through April 30
Artwork by the Manasquan River Group of Artists fills the Meeting Room with florals, landscapes, and birds. Meet the Artists at the closing reception on April 30 from 1:30–3 p.m.

📚 Friends of the Ocean Township Library Giant Book Sale
📍 Ocean Township Branch
🗓️ Wednesday, April 15 | 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Thousands of books, plus audiobooks, large print titles, DVDs, CDs, and vintage vinyl—all supporting library programs.

♠️ Bridge at West Long Branch Library
📍 West Long Branch
🗓️ Wednesday, April 15 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Weekly bridge for intermediate players. First come, first served.

🃏 Learn to Play Duplicate Bridge
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan
🗓️ Wednesday, April 15 | 12–4:45 p.m.
A fun, hands-on session for players looking to sharpen their skills.

📖 Book Club: Killers of the Flower Moon
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
🗓️ Wednesday, April 15 | 2–3 p.m.
This month’s discussion dives into David Grann’s gripping true story.

💃 Social Dance Club
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan
🗓️ Thursday, April 16 | 12–1:30 p.m.
Ballroom favorites from salsa to swing. No partner needed.

🎬 The Nita & Zita Project Screening
📍 Marlboro Branch
🗓️ Thursday, April 16 | 1–3:30 p.m.
Film + discussion on two Hungarian-born performers and their rediscovered story.

🀄 Mah Jongg Club
📍 Holmdel Branch
🗓️ Thursday, April 16 | 1–4 p.m.
Casual weekly play for experienced players.

🎥 Movie Matinee: Hamnet
📍 Ocean Township Branch
🗓️ Thursday, April 16 | 2–4:05 p.m.
A moving drama about grief and family.

🧶 Knit & Crochet Circle
📍 Howell Branch
🗓️ Saturday, April 18 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Bring your supplies—open to all skill levels.

🎻 Living History Through Music
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
🗓️ Saturday, April 18 | 2–4 p.m.
Revolution-era music performed in period dress.

🎶 Zydeco-a-Go-Go Concert
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan
🗓️ Sunday, April 19 | 2–3:15 p.m.
A lively mix of zydeco, Cajun blues, and New Orleans sounds.

🧘 Chair Yoga with Stacy Newfeld
📍 Holmdel Branch
🗓️ Monday, April 20 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Gentle movement, breathwork, and relaxation.

📸 Photo Organizing Tips & Tricks
📍 West Long Branch
🗓️ Monday, April 20 | 1–2 p.m.
Learn how to sort and preserve your photo collection.

✍️ A Dose of Poetry: Mary Oliver
📍 Hazlet Branch
🗓️ Monday, April 20 | 6–7 p.m.
Celebrate National Poetry Month with readings and creative writing.

♠️ Learn to Play Bridge (Evening)
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan
🗓️ Monday, April 20 | 6–8:30 p.m.
For experienced players looking for a game night.

🧘‍♂️ Evening Yoga with Steven Russell
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan
🗓️ Monday, April 20 | 6:30–8 p.m.
A calming class focused on breath and movement.

🪑 Chair Yoga
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan
🗓️ Tuesday, April 21 | 10–10:45 a.m.
Accessible, seated yoga for all levels.

🏛️ Monmouth County Mobile Connection
📍 Howell Branch
🗓️ Tuesday, April 21 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
On-site county services including notary help, passports, IDs, and more.

🀄 Mahjongg
📍 West Long Branch
🗓️ Tuesday, April 21 | 1–4 p.m.
Weekly play—bring your own card.

🧩 Puzzle Drop-In
📍 Allentown Branch
🗓️ Tuesday, April 21 | 6–8:45 p.m.
Join in and help solve the community puzzle.

🌱 Windowsill Herb Garden Workshop
📍 Allentown Branch
🗓️ Tuesday, April 21 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Plant your own mint or basil to take home.

🏠 Healthy Homes
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan
🗓️ Wednesday, April 22 | 10–11:30 a.m.
Practical tips for creating a healthier living space.

🎨 Create Your Own Collage!
📍 Hazlet Branch
🗓️ Wednesday, April 22 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
A creative session using paper, photos, and found materials.

💬 Lost & Found Bereavement Support Group
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan
🗓️ Wednesday, April 22 | 6:45–8 p.m.
A supportive space for those navigating loss.

Fresh picks for your couch this week—some buzzy, some a little offbeat, all worth a look.

🍿 “Roommates” (Netflix | April 17)
A college freshman lands a dormmate with zero boundaries—and things spiral from there. Starring Sadie Sandler, with Nick Kroll and Natasha Lyonne as her parents. Expect awkward, chaotic, and very Gen Z energy.

🏃 “The Running Man” (Prime Video | April 17)
Director Edgar Wright takes another swing at the Stephen King story. It didn’t wow critics or the box office, but there’s still some bite in its take on media and modern spectacle.

🐰 “Dust Bunny” (Max | April 17)
A young girl hires her hitman neighbor (played by Mads Mikkelsen) to take down the monsters she believes destroyed her family. Strange? Yes. Surprisingly well-reviewed? Also yes.

💸 “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” (Apple TV+)
Elle Fanning stars as a young mom navigating life, money, and a not-so-traditional side hustle. Smart, messy, and very current.

🏝️ “Love Island: Beyond the Villa” (Peacock)
The villa may be over, but the drama isn’t. Fan favorites from last season take the chaos back home—and yes, it follows them.

🥩 “Beef” Season 2 (Netflix | April 16)
The hit series returns with a brand-new cast, including Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan. Same tension, fresh story.

🇬🇧 “Big Mood” Season 2 (Tubi | April 16)
A dark comedy about friendship, mental health, and the messiness in between. Picks up one year after things fell apart—and doesn’t pretend everything’s fixed.

Grilled Cheese… but make it a protein play.
Just in time for National Grilled Cheese Day, Borden Cheese has crowned its 2026 Grilled Cheese of the Year: The Protein Powerhouse. This isn’t your standard melt—it stacks two cheeses (cheddar + mozzarella) with sliced chicken breast and a tangy Greek yogurt sauce, delivering 40+ grams of protein along with all the gooey comfort you expect.

👉 Get the full recipe here: https://www.bordencheese.com/grilled-cheese-day/

🎉 Happy 81st Birthday, Sam P. of Freehold! Wishing you a wonderful day on April 17 filled with family, friends, and plenty of reasons to celebrate—here’s to a happy, healthy year ahead!

A few other famous people celebrating this week include: On April 15, actor Michael Tucci (“Diagnosis Murder,” “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show”) turns 80, actor Emma Thompson is 67, singer Samantha Fox is 60, and guitarist Ed O'Brien of Radiohead is 58. On April 16, singer Bobby Vinton turns 91, actor Ellen Barkin is 72, singer Jimmy Osmond is 63, singer David Pirner of Soul Asylum is 62, actor Jon Cryer is 61, and actor-comedian Martin Lawrence is 61. On April 17, actor David Bradley (“Game of Thrones”) turns 84, actor Sean Bean (“Lord of the Rings”) is 67, actor Joel Murray (“Dharma and Greg,” “The Artist”) is 64, actor Leslie Bega (“The Sopranos”) is 59, actor Jennifer Garner is 54, and singer-designer Victoria Beckham of the Spice Girls is 52.

⁉️Questions, comments or news to share? Just hit reply to this email.

👀First time reading? Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter here.

😎See you next week!

The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: Plans can change and anything involving a “lottery” usually has more fine print than a sweepstakes entry form—so give the details a quick double-check before you go. As always, this newsletter is here to keep you in the loop, not to provide medical, legal, or financial advice.