🎅 Monmouth Senior Scoop: Your Weekly Guide to All Things Jolly

The trees are twinkling, the carolers are warming up, and your calendar’s about to get very full. From candlelight concerts and Victorian home tours to trolley rides and cookies worth baking twice — this week’s Monmouth Senior Scoop is brimming with December events (plus a few smart tips to dodge holiday scams).

📅 Mark Your Calendar – Holiday concerts, markets, tours & trolley rides galore
🌲 In the Parks – Tree trimming, candlelight music, bird walks & more
🧶 Beyond the Books – Paint nights, concerts, Austen teas, yoga & puzzles
🍪 Tasty Treats – Cookie recipes from Milk Bar & McCormick you’ll want to share
🚗 Day Trippin’ – Cape May’s storybook Victorian Christmas
🎂 Birthday Cheers – Local shoutouts + celeb candles to blow out
📝 One Last Thing – Holiday party rules... Jersey senior style 😄

Up first…

Before you start checking off that gift list, the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has some helpful reminders to keep your holidays joyful — and scam-free.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost over $10 billion to scams in 2024. That’s why it’s more important than ever to be alert while shopping, especially online. Here are a few simple ways to protect yourself:

· In stores, make sure the scanned prices for your purchases are correct. Overcharges cost time and money, especially when they are not noticed immediately.

· Before buying anything based on an online review, search for information from a trusted source. Browsing the internet for different prices may help keep you on budget.

· If you use your smartphone or computer to shop for deals, be weary of unexpected emails, texts, or notifications that may flood your device. Fraudulent websites will advertise to consumers claiming bargains on a variety of brand names.

· Save your receipts. When shopping online, keep copies of order numbers, refund policies, shipping costs and warranties.

· Be mindful of warranties. Even though it is not required by law, warranties come with the majority of major purchases.

· Have packages delivered to a secure location or when someone is home. If no one is home, have packages delivered to work or ask a neighbor if they can watch for the delivery.

If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud or an unfair business practice, reach out to Monmouth County’s Division of Consumer Affairs at 732-431-7902. They also offer free educational programs to community groups to help spot scams before they happen.

More info is available at www.visitmonmouth.com or by emailing [email protected].

Stay safe and shop smart, Monmouth County! 🛒🎁

Looking for the perfect one-of-a-kind holiday gift — or maybe a gorgeous piece to spruce up your space? Swing by the Creative Arts Center Exhibit & Sale in Lincroft, running Dec. 6–12, daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 805 Newman Springs Road.

Hosted by the Monmouth County Park System and sponsored by the Friends of the Parks, this lively exhibit features original works from the talented students and instructors of the Creative Arts Center. Think: paintings, pottery, jewelry, fiber arts, and more — all handcrafted and many up for grabs!

🧵 Bonus tip: Curious about picking up a new hobby? The Creative Arts Center offers classes year-round in everything from oil painting and raku ceramics to knitting, sewing, and photography.

🖱️ More info: MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732‑842‑4000
📍 TTY/TDD users: Dial 711

Support local artists, shop with heart, and make this holiday season extra special!

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

My Wife and I Planned Our Retirement Perfectly. Then She Got Sick: A federal study in 2019 found that 70% of adults reaching age 65 will require long-term care, highlighting the importance of early planning for such costs. WSJ, Nov. 22.

9 Tips to Declutter Your Home Before Your Retirement Move: Planning to declutter your home — whether you're moving or downsizing — can be overwhelming. Here's how to do it. Kiplinger, Nov. 24.

More People Are Caring for Dying Loved Ones at Home. One nonprofit is showing them how. KFF Health News

Most Retirees Don’t Tell Adult Children About Their Inheritance. Older Americans really don’t like talking to their adult children about inheritances, a new study suggests. CNBC, Nov. 25.

From house tours to trolley rides, candlelight concerts to breakfast with Santa — here’s your guide to holiday happenings around Monmouth County this week!

🎄 Tinton Falls Holiday Tree Festival
🕓 4:00–5:30 PM | 📍 Liberty Park II, Tinton Falls
🎶 Carol with the Monmouth Regional Chorus, craft a take-home ornament, meet Santa, and enjoy light refreshments before the big tree lighting!
💰 Free | Event Info

🕯️ Candlelight Christmas Classics Concert
🕓 4:30 PM | 📍 Pollak Theatre, Monmouth University
✨ Thousands of candles + live string quartet = unforgettable holiday ambiance.
🎟️ Tickets required | Tickets

🕯️ Candlelight Tribute to Adele
🕖 7:00 PM | 📍 Pollak Theatre
🎤 Hear hits like “Hello,” “Set Fire to the Rain” & more — all by candlelight. Info

🎭 Scrooge – Spring Lake Theatre
🕖 7:30 PM | 📍 300 Madison Ave, Spring Lake
💫 A local holiday favorite comes to life on stage! Info

🎻 Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea
🕖 7:00 PM | 📍 Pollak Theatre, West Long Branch
🎶 Father Alphonse & a full 42-piece orchestra deliver timeless holiday magic. Info

🎬 Stand By Me: 40 Years Later
🕢 7:30 PM | 📍 Count Basie Center, Red Bank
🎥 Screening + live Q&A with stars Corey Feldman, Wil Wheaton & Jerry O’Connell. Info

🎅 Santa Ferry Ride – Middletown
🕘 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | 📍 Belford Ferry Terminal
🛳️ A holiday cruise with Santa, gifts for kids, and stunning NYC views.
🎟️ Pre-register in person only. Info

🎁 Holiday Bazaars & Markets
🛍️ Shrewsbury Holiday Bazaar | 9 AM–3 PM | 380 Sycamore Ave Info
🛍️ Calgo Gardens, Freehold | 10 AM–3 PM Info
🛍️ Navesink Library Market | 11 AM–4 PM
🎁 Unique vendors, handmade gifts, raffles & treats!

🏡 Victorian & Inn Tours
🏘️ Ocean Grove House & Inn Tour | 10 AM–4 PM Info
🏘️ Spring Lake Christmas Inn Tour | 11 AM–3 PM Info
🚎 Self-guided holiday home tours with free trolleys!

🐴 Holiday Carriage Rides – Allentown
🕚 11 AM–2 PM | 📍 Pete Sensi Park
🎟️ Private rides with narration & snacks! Reserve early.

📸 Santa’s Photo Ops
🎅 Twin Pond Farm, Howell | 10 AM–4 PM Info
🎅 Whitechapel Projects, Long Branch | 11 AM–1 PM
🎄 Capture the magic with Santa in festive settings. Info

🎭 A Very Bell Works Christmas
🕐 1 PM & 5 PM | 📍 Bell Theater, Holmdel
🎶 Dancing snowmen, grumpy grinches & photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Info

🩰 The Nutcracker – Two River Theater
🕐 1 PM & 6 PM | 📍 Red Bank
🎼 American Repertory Ballet’s holiday masterpiece. Info

🚎 Red Bank Holiday Trolley
🕛 12–4 PM | Free hop-on rides around downtown with holiday music & cheer! Info

🎵 White Christmas – Algonquin Theatre
🕑 2 PM & 🕢 7:30 PM | 📍 Manasquan
✨ A sparkling musical perfect for a snowy evening. Info

🎤 Holiday Doo Wop – Count Basie
🕖 7:00 PM | 📍 Red Bank
🎶 Classic hits from The Platters, The Crystals & more — hosted by Cool Bobby B! Info

🥞 Breakfast with Santa
📍 Shrewsbury Firehouse & Port Monmouth First Aid
🕘 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Pancakes, ornaments & Santa visits! Info

🎅 Christmas in Manasquan
🕛 12–3 PM | 📍 Main Street
🐴 Hayrides, petting zoo, sweet treats & family fun. Info

🩰 The Nutcracker – Two River Theater
🕐 1:00 PM | 📍 Red Bank
🎼 Final performance! Info

🎶 Elf in Concert – Count Basie
🕑 2:00 PM | 📍 Red Bank
🎥 Watch Elf with a live orchestra performing the score! Info

🎄 Holmdel Tree & Menorah Lighting
🕓 4–6 PM | 📍 Town Hall
🎶 DJ, hot cocoa, gingerbread maze & Santa’s grand firetruck entrance! Info

🚎 Red Bank Holiday Trolley
🕛 12–4 PM | Free festive rides resume Info

🎩 A Christmas Carol – One-Man Show by Gerald Dickens
🕒 3 PM & 🕖 7 PM | 📍 Two River Theater, Red Bank
🎭 Charles Dickens' great-great-grandson plays all 26 characters! Info

🎶 Holiday Concert & Tree Lighting – Jersey Shore Arts Center
🕡 6:30–8:30 PM | 📍 Ocean Grove
🎤 Live music, tree lighting, carols, Santa & free community fun! Info

🎄 Bell Works Fresh Holiday Market + Grinch Selfies
🕚 11 AM–4 PM | 📍 Holmdel
🎁 Shop handmade gifts, hear live music, and snag a pic with the Grinch from 11 AM–3 PM! Info

There’s no better time to enjoy the great outdoors — and a little old-fashioned charm — than December in Monmouth County Parks!

🎄 Holiday Tree Trimming
🗓️ Saturday, December 6 | ⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Craft a Victorian-style ornament and help decorate the Visitor Center’s tree for all to admire.
💰 FREE!

🎶 19th Century Christmas Ballads
🗓️ Saturdays, December 6 & 20 | ⏰ 1–3 p.m.
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Cozy up in the farmhouse and enjoy classic Christmas ballads played on the piano — just like the 1800s.
💰 FREE!

🐦 Casual Birder Walk
🗓️ Tuesday, December 9 | ⏰ 9 a.m.
📍 Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch – Meet at the Pavilion
Join a Park System Naturalist for a relaxed morning bird walk by the sea. No experience needed, and binoculars are available to borrow!
💰 FREE!

Bundle up and take in the beauty, history, and winter wildlife of our local parks — no registration needed, just show up!

Ready for a cozy movie, a holiday paint night, a rockin’ concert, or a Jane Austen tea party? Your Monmouth County Libraries have it all this week — free, fun, and perfect for your calendar!

🎬 Movie Matinee: Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
🕑 2:00–3:45 PM | 📍 Ocean Township Branch
A department-store Santa… on trial? Edmund Gwenn won an Oscar in this holiday classic that still delivers heart and charm.
🎥 Family Comedy | 1h 41m | Free!

🍹 Senior Sip & Paint
🕔 5:00–6:00 PM | 📍 Atlantic Highlands Branch
Unwind with mocktails and a holiday-themed painting session before the seasonal chaos kicks in. No experience needed — just good vibes.
🎨 Limited seating — arrive early!

🧩 Puzzle Swap
🕕 6:00–7:30 PM | 📍 West Long Branch
Bring in your gently used puzzles (250+ pieces, complete, in original box) and trade them for new challenges!

📚 Howell Book Nook Sale
🕐 All Day | 📍 Howell Branch
New books, bestsellers, holiday reads — most priced at just 25 cents! Stock up on cozy reads or gifts.

🍵 Jane Austen Tea-Making Class
🕑 2:00–3:00 PM | 📍 Howell Branch
Celebrate Jane’s 250th birthday with a “make and take” organic tea blend class taught by an herbalist.
🎁 Supplies provided | Registration required

🎸 Concert: JoBonanno & The Godsons of Soul
🕑 2:00–3:30 PM | 📍 Manalapan HQ (Lower Gallery)
This Jersey Shore band has opened for Springsteen & James Brown — now they’re bringing the soulful holiday energy to the library!

🧑‍🎨 From Saint to Santa – Art Lecture
🕜 1:30–2:30 PM | 📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
How did a Greek bishop become jolly ol’ St. Nick? Dr. Michael Norris shares this fascinating art journey across centuries.

💬 SHIP One-on-One Medicare Help
🕝 2:30–4:00 PM | 📍 Manalapan HQ, Room 7
Free, confidential Medicare guidance — first come, first served.

🃏 Learn to Play Bridge
🕕 6:00–8:30 PM | 📍 Manalapan HQ
Already know the basics? Join fellow players for an evening of strategy and fun. First come, first seated.

🧘 Yoga for Beginners
🕡 6:30–8:00 PM | 📍 Manalapan HQ, Rooms 1–3
Relax your mind and stretch your body in this peaceful, beginner-friendly class. Bring a mat or towel. No registration needed.

👒 Tea, Food & Fashion from Austen to Victoria
🕐 1:00–2:00 PM | 📍 Wall Township Branch
Discover the surprising differences between the Regency and Victorian eras — and how the Industrial Revolution shaped daily life.

💬 SHIP One-on-One Medicare Help
🕝 2:30–4:00 PM | 📍 Manalapan HQ, Room 7
More chances to get those Medicare questions answered!

🧘 Gentle Yoga with Kim
🕡 6:30–7:30 PM | 📍 Colts Neck Branch
Soft stretches, calming breathwork, and a touch of guided meditation — perfect for slowing down the season.

🎨 Art for the “Non-Artist” Workshop – Morning Session
🕚 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | 📍 Manalapan HQ
Think you “can’t even draw a stick figure”? Teaching artist Jenny Santa Maria is here to prove you wrong — and help you rediscover your creative spark.
🖌️ Registration opens Nov 26

🧶 Yarn Works – Drop-in Knit & Crochet Circle
🕐 1:00–3:00 PM | 📍 Allentown Branch
No teacher, no pressure — just bring your project and connect with fellow crafters.

🍪 Healthy Holiday Eating with Diabetes
🕜 1:30–2:30 PM | 📍 Holmdel Branch
Presented by Hackensack Meridian Health, this session offers smart tips for a delicious but balanced holiday season.

🎶 Traveling Troubadour Holiday Show
🕜 1:30–2:30 PM | 📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
Bagpipes, mandolins, and a Hanukkah hat dance — this lively, multicultural music show is a must-see for all.

💻 Virtual Bereavement Support Group
🕕 6:45–8:00 PM | 💻 Online
If you’re grieving this season, you’re not alone. Join this supportive monthly space for shared stories and healing.

🎺 Winter Melodies: Band of Two Rivers
🕖 7:00–8:00 PM | 📍 Holmdel
This multigenerational band brings big sound and joyful tunes to close out your day on a high note!

McCormick and Milk Bar are serving up holiday happiness, one cookie at a time — and trust us, you’re going to want to preheat that oven. These festive bakes are loaded with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for gifting, sharing … or sneaking straight from the tray.

🍪 Eggnog English Toffee Cookie
Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this cozy cookie blends creamy eggnog vibes with crunchy toffee bits. A new classic!

🍬 Candy Cane Pretzel Bark Cookie
A pepperminty dream! These treats mix crushed candy canes with salty pretzels and sweet vanilla for the ultimate cookie tray standout.

✨ Snickerdoodle Cookie
Soft, chewy, and rolled in cinnamon-sugar — the timeless snickerdoodle never goes out of style.

👉 Find more recipes & holiday inspiration at McCormick’s The Cookie Confidential

This holiday season, guide your sleigh to Cape May! This Victorian beach town turns into a spectacular winter wonderland of festivities now through Jan. 1, 2026. Take a holiday trolley ride with themes ranging from holiday lights and ghosts of Christmas past to the glittering ways Victorians ring in a new year. Go on candlelight house tours along gaslit streets and step inside historic inns, B&Bs and churches to admire the stunning interiors. Tour the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate decked out in authentic Victorian holiday style. Have Breakfast with Santa and be sure to bring your wish list. Add shopping at Washington Street Mall and live shows to the mix, and you’ll feel like the star of your very own movie. It’s one of the best places to visit in New Jersey at Christmastime and get into the holiday spirit.

🎈Big 80th birthday shoutouts this week to Allison R. of Keyport and Helen S. of Shrewsbury — hope your day is full of fun, frosting, and fantastic surprises! 🥳🍰

A few other notable names celebrating this week…
✨ Jaye P. Morgan (The Gong Show) turns 94
✨ Actors Daryl Hannah & Julianne Moore both hit 65
✨ Musician Southside Johnny rocks into 77
✨ Actor Jeff Bridges abides at 76
✨ Musician John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls) hits the big 6‑0

(Because we’ve been doing this a long time — and we know how to keep it festive!)

Break just one of these rules and you’re going home with the fruitcake. The one still here from last year.

😉Happy Holidays!

🙏Thanks for spending a little time with us this week. Your readership helps keep this community newsletter thriving.

⁉️Questions comments or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

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🤶See you next week!

The Better With Age New Jersey team