📰 Monmouth Senior Scoop: Your Weekly News & Events for Monmouth County Seniors

👋 Hello, Monmouth County!

Whether you're craving chocolate, stargazing, or just cheering on the latest snowplow-naming champs, this week’s Monmouth Senior Scoop is packed with fresh finds and February fun. From romantic day trips and sweet treats to wine trails and weekend concerts, we’ve got your weekly calendar covered—plus a few surprises sprinkled in.

👀 What’s On Tap This Week:

📸 Snowplow Stars: Meet the student champs behind “The Frost Responder” and “Snow Crusher”
🧾 Tax Time: Free help sessions at libraries around Monmouth County
🍷 Day Trippin’: Wine, chocolate, and sweet escapes all over NJ
📚 Beyond the Books: Book clubs, music, crafts & library gems
🎥 TV Time: Ping-pong dreams, Broadway blues, and billionaire-hunting detectives
🎂 Birthday Cheers: Shoutout to a Shrewsbury local & celeb candles to blow out
🍓 Tasty Treats: Red velvet pancakes made for your Valentine

Up first…

It’s all happening in Monmouth! From kids naming snowplows to historic restorations to free promo videos for pizzerias, the County’s rolling into February with some serious community energy. Here’s your roundup of the latest local wins:

Got a pizza place in Monmouth County? Good news: the County Commissioners just announced a saucy new perk for Slice in Monmouth members — free custom social media videos to help boost business! 🎬

The first video in the series was filmed at Federici’s Family Restaurant in Freehold, where Mike Federici shared family stories and served up local flavor in every sense. If your go-to pizzeria wants in, they just need to fill out the form, and a County staffer will follow up.

Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone says the initiative is part of the County’s effort to support small businesses while celebrating what we already know to be true: Monmouth County is the Pizza Capital of New Jersey. (Yes, that’s official now. 🍕)

The third annual Snowplow Naming Contest just crowned two pint-sized pun champions:

Monmouth County Commissioner Director Arnone made surprise visits to both schools to unveil the freshly named plows — complete with bold lettering and school shout-outs. The winning wordsmiths scored Certificates of Recognition, and their plows will be out there braving the winter roads all season long.

Keep your eyes peeled — these student-named snow stars are coming to a blizzard near you!

Is your family restoring an old church? Did your town finally fix up that charming Victorian or honor an old cemetery with a cleanup effort? Then you’ve got a shot at Monmouth County’s 2026 Preservation Awards, now accepting nominations through April 17.

Hosted by the Monmouth County Historical Commission, this program celebrates individuals, organizations, and municipalities that have taken meaningful steps to preserve local history. Past honorees include Peter and Linda Foy, recognized for restoring Ashling Cottage in Spring Lake.

🏆 New this year: historic cemetery restorations are now eligible!

To nominate a project, download the form at visitmonmouth.com, under the Historical Commission tab. Awards will be presented on June 1.

Whether you're in the mood for romance, retro laughs, candlelit concerts, or pasta with a view—there’s no shortage of heart in Monmouth this week. Here's your cheat sheet to all the sweet stuff happening from Feb. 11–15:

📍 Bell Works, Holmdel
🗓️ Feb. 11 & 14, 11am–4pm
Find a last-minute gift (or just treat yourself) at the Bell Works Valentine’s Market featuring handmade goods, jewelry, and cozy vibes from local artisans.
🔗 More info »

📍 Street Kitchen Pub, Red Bank
🗓️ Feb. 11, 7–10pm
Love is in the air… and so is murder. Solve the mystery between bites at this interactive dinner-theater twist.
🔗 Details »

📍 Asbury Ale House, Asbury Park
🗓️ Feb. 11, 7:30–9pm
Know your When Harry Met Sally from your 27 Dresses? Grab a team and test your love story knowledge.
🔗 More info »

📍 Our House Restaurant, Farmingdale
🗓️ Feb. 12, 6–10pm
Dinner, music, and a paws-itively fun gift auction for a great cause. Perfect for animal lovers looking to celebrate with heart.
🔗 Event page »

📍 Pollak Theatre, West Long Branch
🕯️ Feb. 13 at 3:30pm – Fleetwood Mac Tribute
🕯️ Feb. 13 at 6:00pm – Valentine’s Day Special
Iconic love songs, glowing candlelight, and a string quartet playing “Landslide” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love”? Don’t miss these magical evenings.
🔗 Tickets »

📍 McLoone’s Pier House, Long Branch
🗓️ Feb. 13, 7–10pm
Get your hands in some dough, learn fresh pasta tricks, then enjoy a full 3-course dinner. Mangia with a view!
🔗 Register »

📍 Bell Theater, Holmdel
🗓️ Feb. 13 at 7pm | Feb. 14 at 2pm
A contemporary ballet exploring romantic, platonic, and familial love—with music from Nat King Cole to Olivia Dean.
🔗 Details »

📍 Spring Lake Theatre
🗓️ Feb. 13–22 (multiple shows)
Big laughs, bigger hair—this ‘80s musical comedy is a Valentine’s Day throwback that hits all the right notes.
🔗 Tickets »

📍 Grand Arcade, Convention Hall
🗓️ Feb. 14–15, 12–5pm
Shop local, sip drinks, enjoy tunes, and soak up the love at this seaside fest. Free, pet-friendly, and happy vibes all around.
🔗 More info »

📍 Pier Village, Long Branch
🗓️ Feb. 14, 4–7pm
Snuggle up and roll along the shore on a classic horse-drawn ride—free, romantic, and totally Instagrammable.
🔗 Details »

📍 Middletown Arts Center
🗓️ Feb. 14–22 (multiple shows)
Lorraine Hansberry’s powerful story of hope, struggle, and dreams across generations takes center stage.
🔗 Tickets »

📍 Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan
🗓️ Feb. 14–21 (multiple shows)
This emotional, electric stage adaptation will have you thinking long after curtain call.
🔗 Info »

📍 Brookdale Performing Arts, Lincroft
🗓️ Feb. 15, 2–3pm
Sit back with a cocktail and let the sounds of jazz standards wrap you in warmth. Soulful trio, romantic ambiance, limited seating.
🔗 Details »

The Monmouth County Park System is keeping February and March fresh with some fabulous (and free) nature programs and a big-name half marathon. Here’s what’s happening.

Celebrate the Great American Backyard Bird Count with a Park System Naturalist and spot some feathered friends—plus take a short walk to ID even more. Binoculars available to borrow.
FREE!

Join a naturalist at Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area in Manasquan for a guided walk along the shore collecting ocean treasures. Dress warm and bring a bag for shells. FREE!

At Historic Walnford in Upper Freehold, you’ll view 18th and 19th-century valentines and letters, then craft one of your own using historic-style materials. FREE!

🧭 For more info on any program, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000 (TTY/TDD 711).

📍 Start: Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft
🕣 Race begins at 8:30 a.m.

Ready to take on 13.1 miles through Lincroft, Holmdel, and Colts Neck? The Monmouth County Park System’s signature half marathon returns March 8.
🏅 Top 10 male and female finishers get plaques, and all finishers get a race medal.

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

🩺 New Cholesterol Pill Could Be a Game-Changer
A new experimental pill is showing big results in reducing artery-clogging cholesterol—even for patients already on statins. Could this be the next breakthrough in heart health?
Associated Press, Feb. 4

🎶 How Music Rewires the Aging Mind
Turns out singing isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good for the brain, too. Music may help reduce stress, boost mental flexibility, and build social bonds in older adults.
U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 2

🧓💻 Memory Loss at Work? Here’s What’s Helping
More Americans are facing early-stage cognitive decline while still on the job. From tech tools to flexible hours, here’s how some are staying in the workforce.
Wall Street Journal, Feb. 7

💰 Should You Spend the Kids’ Inheritance?
If your adult kids are doing just fine, is it time to treat yourself instead? Ask yourself these four smart questions before passing down more wealth.
Kiplinger, Feb. 5

From Mahjongg matchups to Revolutionary War rivalries and a short story that’ll stir your soul, here’s what’s worth checking out this week at Monmouth County libraries.

Learn to Play Bridge
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury | Thu, Feb. 12, 9:30am
Beginner or rusty? Pull up a seat—this is a welcoming intro with volunteers ready to help. No registration, no saving seats, just friendly fun.

Mahjongg & Bridge in Holmdel
📍 Holmdel Branch | Thu, Feb. 12, 9:30am–12:30pm
Play your way into Thursday with casual, player-led sessions. No sign-up needed—just grab a seat and go.

Mah Jongg Club (Experienced Only)
📍 Holmdel Branch | Thu, Feb. 12, 1–4pm
Got the tiles down? This one's for the seasoned players—spectators welcome, too!

Bridge Club
📍 West Long Branch | Wed, Feb. 18, 11am–1pm
Intermediate players can swing by for this weekly game—cards provided, competition optional.

Learn Duplicate Bridge
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan | Wed, Feb. 18, 12–4:45pm
If you’re looking to level up your bridge skills with a new twist, this one’s got your name on it.

Mahjongg @ West Long Branch
📍 Tue, Feb. 17, 1–4pm
BYO card. We’ve got the tiles. Friendly, beginner-level play. No seat saving!

Senior Sip & Bingo
📍 Atlantic Highlands | Thu, Feb. 12, 5–6pm
Coffee, company, and bingo. Yes, please. Hosted by Beacon of Life—families welcome!

Orwell’s “Shooting an Elephant” Discussion
📍 Ocean Township Branch | Thu, Feb. 12, 10:30–11:30am
One hour, one short story, one elephant-sized moral dilemma. Register to get the reading link.

All History Is Local: Huddy vs. Tye
📍 Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury | Thu, Feb. 12, 7–8pm
A fierce NJ Revolutionary War rivalry brought to life—one Patriot hero, one British-aligned rebel, and one unforgettable story. Presented by Rick Geffken.

It’s in the Cards: Learn Tarot with Amanda Lovelace
📍 Atlantic Highlands | Thu, Feb. 12, 7–8:30pm
Love a little mysticism with your Thursday night? The bestselling witchy author kicks off a 4-part tarot series.

Knit Wits: Craft Circle
📍 Headquarters, Manalapan | Thu, Feb. 12, 6:30–8:30pm
Bring your yarn, your latest WIP, and your best stitch stories. All skill levels welcome!

Music & Dance of the African Diaspora
📍 Manalapan HQ | Sat, Feb. 14, 2–4pm
Celebrate Black History Month with live violin, steel pan, and dynamic dance performances. No ticket needed, just come early and grab a seat.

Chair Yoga with Lisa Broad
📍 Manalapan HQ | Tue, Feb. 17, 10–10:45am
Gentle, grounding, and totally floor-optional. Flexibility and breathwork with no prior yoga experience needed.

Mosquitoes All Year Round
📍 Manalapan HQ | Tue, Feb. 17, 12–1pm
They’re tiny. They’re relentless. And yes—they’re still active in winter. Learn how Monmouth County is tackling them (and how you can help).

It’s that time again—and if you’re looking for free, in-person help filing your federal or NJ tax return, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is running now through mid-April at multiple library branches. Sessions are run by trained volunteers, and they’re open to adults of all ages.

📌 Things to know:

📍 Eastern Branch (Shrewsbury)
🕘 Tue & Thu, 9am–5pm | Sat, 9am–1pm
🔗 Make an appointment »
📞 Info: 888-227-7669

📍 Marlboro Branch
🕙 Thu, 10am–2:30pm | Sat, 10am–12:30pm
🔗 Make an appointment »
🚶‍♀️ Walk-ins welcome before noon, space permitting

📍 Hazlet Township Branch
🕐 Fri, Feb. 13, 1–4pm
🚶‍♂️ Walk-ins only, first come, first served

📍 Wall Township Branch
🕐 Fri, Feb. 13 + Tue, Feb. 17, 1–4pm
🚶 Walk-ins only, no appointment necessary

💡 For general info on what to bring and how to prepare, visit: aarp.org/taxaide
✅ Prefer to call? The national AARP Tax-Aide line is: 888-227-7669

Get it done early—future you will thank you. 💸

If Valentine’s Day has you feeling a little “so… what now?” — here’s a sweet idea out of RiverSpring Living in Riverdale: from Feb. 1–14, their Cupid Senior Squad—a group of seniors who’ve been married 50, 60, even 70 years—is on call to answer your dating and relationship questions with honesty, humor, and the kind of wisdom you only get from living it.

Got a question about a new romance, a long marriage, or keeping the spark alive? Email [email protected] and a Squad member will write back. No algorithms. No swiping. Just real talk from people who’ve made love last.

Note: Their advice is just for fun and shouldn’t be taken as professional relationship, medical, legal, mental health, or other expert guidance.

Looking for an “everyone’s happy” spring outing? The Delaware River Railroad Excursions is bringing back its Easter Bunny Train Ride + Egg Hunt on March 28–29 and April 4–5, 2026 — a scenic ride along the Delaware, plus a stop at the “bunny patch” for an egg hunt.

On board, kids get to meet Mr. Bunny (plus some old-school train fun like juggling and singing “hobos”), then the train stops so children can hop off and collect six eggs to take home. Bring the baskets and the cameras.

Tickets: $20 adults • $14 kids (2–12) • $4 lap sitters/under 2. Multiple departure times each day—advance tickets recommended. Get more info here.

If your Valentine has four legs and a tail, you’re not alone. A new survey commissioned by Tropical Smoothie Cafe found 40% of single pet owners would rather spend Valentine’s Day with their pet than with friends, family, or a romantic date—and about half say their pet gives them more emotional support than any human.

To lean into the “fur-ever” love story, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is rolling out a limited-time Fur-Ever Duo: a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie (dark + white chocolate blended with strawberries) for you, plus a new Puppy Power Bowl for your pup—Greek yogurt with a peanut butter drizzle. Both are available through March 3 at participating locations.

🥞 Sweet Weekend Breakfast Idea: Treat the grandkids to a stack of heart‑shaped red velvet pancakes this Valentine’s season — a fun, festive twist on a classic breakfast that’s as cute as it is delicious. Get the recipe and step‑by‑step tips here: Treat the Grandkids to Red Velvet Heart Pancakes ➤ https://betterwithagenj.com/treat-the-grandkids-to-red-velvet-heart-pancakes

Settle in, folks. This week’s streaming lineup is a little quirky, a little swoony, and packed with award-season vibes. Here’s what’s new this week!

🎬 Blue Moon (Netflix, Feb. 14)
Ethan Hawke stars as Lorenz Hart, the famously sharp lyricist watching his old songwriting partner (hi, Richard Rodgers) premiere Oklahoma!—without him. Directed by Richard Linklater, the whole film unfolds over one lonely, charming night. Hawke is getting Oscar buzz, and honestly? He earns it.

🎥 Eternity (Apple TV, Feb. 13)
Elizabeth Olsen dies. But not before landing in a beautifully weird afterlife weigh station where she has to choose: spend forever with her steady husband or rekindle things with her dreamy first love who died in WWII. (Yes, there’s a Turner vs. Turner situation.) Dreamy, strange, and deeply watchable.

🏓 Marty Supreme (Premium VOD, Feb. 10)
Timothée Chalamet with a buzzcut and a ping-pong paddle? Sign us up. In this Oscar-nominated A24 flick, he plays a 1950s shoe salesman dead set on becoming the king of competitive table tennis. It’s high-stakes, high-style, and very A24. Stream it at home starting this weekend.

🕵️ Cross: Season 2 (Prime Video, Feb. 12)
Aldis Hodge is back as super-sleuth Alex Cross, and this time he’s on the trail of a billionaire-hunting serial killer. Yep, we’re intrigued. If you like twisty crime with brains and brawn, this one’s for you.

The Garden State Wine Growers Association is once again rolling out its sweetest event of the year: the Wine & Chocolate Trail, happening Feb. 13–15, 2026 across wineries throughout New Jersey. It’s your perfect excuse to visit a new vineyard—because nothing says “romance” quite like a flight of reds and a chocolate truffle (or five).

Here’s a little taste of what’s on the trail this year:

🗺️ Full trail info and winery list: newjerseywines.com/wine-and-chocolate-trail-release-2026

A star-studded lineup is celebrating big milestones this week, including Monmouth Senior Scoop reader Alison P. of Shrewsbury, who celebrates 75 years today! Also on Feb. 11, Tina Louise, 92, our forever Ginger from Gilligan’s Island, and Sheryl Crow, 64, rock out another year. Feb. 12 marks author Judy Blume’s 88th birthday and Arsenio Hall, the talk show legend, turns 70. Then on Feb. 13, Hollywood icon Kim Novak turns 93, Bo Svenson of Walking Tall fame hits 85, Stockard Channing celebrates 82, and musician Peter Gabriel blows out 76 candles, probably with a brilliant soundtrack playing in the background. 🎉

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

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👋See you next week!

The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

📝 Disclaimer: We do our best to keep everything current and correct, but events can change, links can break, and chocolate can run out. Always check directly with venues or organizers before heading out. Also: While we love sharing stories, ideas, and helpful tidbits, nothing in this newsletter should be taken as medical, legal, or financial advice—we’re fun, not fiduciaries. 💕