🎄The Monmouth Senior Scoop: Holiday Happenings, Santa Sightings & More!

👋Hey Monmouth County Seniors!
Feeling festive yet? We’re loading up your December with tree lightings, twinkle lights, tasty treats, and hometown holiday magic. From Santa sightings to cozy crafts and winter day trips, this week’s Scoop is packed with fun just for you. Let’s sleigh this season — cocoa in hand!

👀Here’s what’s inside this week:

Up first…

Hey Monmouth County! Small Business Saturday is coming up on Nov. 29, and your favorite local shops and eateries are ready to help you check off that holiday list — with heart.

The Monmouth County Commissioners are encouraging everyone to shop small and support local. Whether it’s your go-to coffee spot, a cozy gift shop, or that perfect little boutique, every dollar you spend locally makes a big difference.

✨ Bonus tip: Don’t miss the Holiday Made in Monmouth expo on Dec. 13 at Brookdale Community College — over 250 local vendors under one festive roof! More info »

🎁 Fore the Holidays: Park System Golf Gift Cards!

Got a golfer on your list? Swing into holiday giving with a Monmouth County Park System gift card! Now available at all six county golf centers, these customizable cards can be used at any course — including Bel-Aire (Wall), Charleston Springs (Millstone), Hominy Hill (Colts Neck), Howell Park (Howell), Pine Brook (Manalapan), and Shark River (Neptune).

⛳ Perfect for pros, newbies, and everyone in between!

📍 Buy in-person at any course
🔗 monmouthcountyparks.com

Because the gift of golf never goes out of season!

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

Americans are Unprepared for the Expensive and Complex Process of Aging: Aging is an unpredictable, highly individualized process that varies depending on a person’s genetics, medical history, cognitive status and socioeconomic factors. The Conversation, Nov. 18.

Time to Stop Driving? When Older Drivers Need to Hang up the Car Keys: Does your older parent or spouse need to stop driving? It's one of the hardest transitions in aging, and there's no simple fix. Kiplinger, Nov. 19.

A Car-Buying Guide for Older Drivers: Seniors have different needs when it comes to cars. Here’s what you need to consider. U.S. News & World Report, Nov. 17.

New Social Security Scam Uses ‘High Pressure’ Scare Tactics. What to Watch For: A new scheme seeks to convince individuals that their Social Security numbers may be suspended due to criminal activities, the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration said in a recent warning. CNBC, Nov. 18.

Social Security Scraps Plan to Limit Disability Benefits After Uproar: The policy would have fundamentally altered who qualifies for the two federal disability programs by eliminating or limiting a person’s age as a factor to consider. The Washington Post, Nov. 19.

From tree lightings and train villages to holiday markets and mistletoe cheer, here’s what’s happening this week around our cozy corners of the Jersey Shore.

⛸️ Middletown Winter Wonderland
Now through March! Yes, March!
Middletown Sports Complex has gone full snow globe with a giant outdoor rink and festive family fun all season long.
📍 Middletown | 🗓️ Fri–Sun | Info & Tix »

🎁 Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar Series
It’s not just shopping — it’s an experience. Think: artisan gifts, European holiday market vibes, Santa selfies, live music, cozy eats and cocktails.
📍 Asbury Park + Long Branch | 🗓️ Weekends thru Dec 21 | More Info »

🎄 Maple Leaf Farms Christmas Wonderland (Manalapan)
All aboard the holiday train! Stroll through vintage Christmas displays, sip hot cider, roast s’mores, and find your perfect tree.
📍 Manalapan | 🗓️ Nov 28–Dec 24 | Tickets »

🐴 Old-Fashioned Christmas at Allaire Community Farm (Wall Twp.)
They’ve covered 25 acres in twinkle lights, Yuletide wagon rides, petting zoos, train displays, movies, Santa pics, and more. It’s a full-on Christmas village.
📍 Wall Twp. | 🗓️ Weekends thru Dec 28 | Plan Your Visit »

🚗 A Casola Farms' Merry Mile of Lights (Holmdel)
Load up the car and drive through a mile of magical lights — then stretch your legs on their bonus walk-thru trail!
📍 Holmdel | 🗓️ Now–Dec 31 | Details »

✨ Champions of Magic – Holiday Spectacular
Jaw-dropping illusions + festive cheer = a perfect night out.
📍 Count Basie Center, Red Bank | 🗓️ Fri, Nov 28 | Get Tix »

🐴 Christmas at G&G Stables (Howell)
Unlimited hayrides, fire pits, games, petting farm, and FREE Santa photo (just bring your own camera!)
📍 Howell | 🗓️ Select dates thru Dec 14 | Visit Page »

🛍 Bell Works Holiday Market (Holmdel)
Indoor shopping at its finest with 75+ local artists, makers, and foodies. Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays.
📍 Holmdel | 🗓️ Through Dec 20 | Explore Dates »

🚂 Spring Lake Christmas Train Village
An adorable town-sized holiday train display you can visit for free!
📍 Spring Lake | 🗓️ Weekends & select weekdays thru Dec 31 | Details »

🎅 Santa Sightings (Nov 29–Dec 21)

🎸 RAIN: A Beatles Christmas Tribute
Holiday cheer meets Fab Four flair in this festive Red Bank show.
📍 Count Basie Center | 🗓️ Mon, Dec 1 | Tickets Here »

Calling all nature lovers! The Monmouth County Park System is offering two Wondrous Winter Walks this December — a chance to stretch your legs, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up some quiet beauty with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Led by a Park System Naturalist, these guided strolls are a peaceful way to enjoy the season.

🗓 Wednesday, Dec. 3 | 10–11:30am
📍 Hartshorne Woods Park, Highlands (Rocky Point lot)

🗓 Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 10–11:30am
📍 Big Brook Park, Marlboro (Lower Pond lot)

👟 Wear sturdy shoes — trails may include inclines or tree roots.
🎟️ Free! No registration needed. Just show up and enjoy.

🧣 Dress warm. Bring a friend. Enjoy some seasonal serenity.
🔗 monmouthcountyparks.com »

Because libraries are more than just bookshelves!

🦃 Gobble-Gobble, the Library’s Gone Virtual!
Monmouth County Libraries are closed Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, but their website never takes a holiday nap. Log on anytime to read, renew, request, or stream your heart out: MonmouthCountyLib.org

🪑 Gentle Moves, Big Calm
✨ Chair Yoga with Stacy
Start December with clarity, breath, and seated stretches. All levels welcome — even total beginners!
🗓 Monday, Dec. 1 | 9:30–10:30am | Holmdel Branch

🎵 Sweet Caroline, and Other Hits
Neil Diamond in Concert-Lecture Mode
Music historian Phil Bruschi sings and shares the story of the Brooklyn baritone. Expect “Hello Again,” “September Morn,” and nostalgia galore.
🗓 Monday, Dec. 1 | 6–8:30pm | Manalapan HQ

📬 Mini Mailbox Magic
Craft up to three adorable snow-kissed holiday mailboxes with personalization included. A perfect handmade gift.
🗓 Monday, Dec. 1 | 6:30–7:30pm | Hazlet Branch

🎨 Mud, Paint, Relax
Therapeutic Pottery with Lorraine Sabol
Shape, decorate, and bring home your own pottery creation. No experience needed—just wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
🗓 Tuesday, Dec. 2 | 12–2pm | Manalapan HQ
🧘‍♀️ Great for stress relief!

🀄 Mahjongg & More
Grab your tiles and join a friendly game in West Long Branch.
🗓 Tuesdays | 1–4pm | West Long Branch Branch
🧠 Beginner knowledge required (bring your own card!)

🖌 Watercolor for Beginners
Splash into color with a no-pressure intro to watercolor painting. All supplies included!
🗓 Tuesday, Dec. 2 | 6–8pm | Wall Township Branch

🧩 Puzzle Swap Party!
Out with the old, in with the 250+ piece, gently used puzzles! Trade your box and grab a new challenge.
🗓 Wednesday, Dec. 3 | 1–2:30pm | West Long Branch Branch
📦 Bring your puzzles in their original boxes.

🎶 “I Don’t Want to Go Home”… But You’ll Want to Be Here
Local author and NYT reporter Nick Corasaniti shares stories from The Stone Pony's rock ’n’ roll legacy.
🗓 Wednesday, Dec. 3 | 7–8pm | Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
📖 Book signing & Q&A to follow!

🧬 Family Trees & Fire Ecology

🔍 Need Medicare Help?
SHIP counselors are on site to answer all your Medicare Open Enrollment questions—no appointments needed!
🗓 Dec. 1 & 2 | 2:30–4pm | Manalapan HQ
💼 Free, confidential, and helpful.

📚 Banned Book Club: The Golden Compass
Explore the controversy, themes, and your own take in this lively discussion.
🗓 Wednesday, Dec. 3 | 6–7pm | Hazlet Township Branch
📕 Copies available to borrow

Winter getaways just got easier — and cheaper! Allegiant Airlines is spreading its wings in our backyard with three new nonstop flights out of Trenton–Mercer Airport (TTN) starting in February 2026. If you’re dreaming of palm trees, warm breezes, and skipping Newark’s chaos, this one’s for you.

Here’s where you can fly:
🛫 Fort Lauderdale, FL – Flights begin Feb. 19, 2026
🛫 Punta Gorda, FL – Flights begin Feb. 20, 2026
🛫 St. Pete–Clearwater, FL – Flights also begin Feb. 20, 2026

🌐 Book at AllegiantAir.com »

From chocolate wonderlands to South Pacific dreams, here's what’s new in travel this week:

Orlando is going all out this season with holiday festivities. In addition to all the fun to be had with the grandkids at Disney World and Universal, there are Nutcracker-themed afternoon teas, “Holidays in Space” at Kennedy Space Center, and a million-light trail with snowball zones at Leu Gardens.
📍 Florida | 🗓️ Now through early January
🔗 More Info »

Five Gaylord Resorts across the U.S. have transformed into immersive holiday destinations, with spectacular décor, themed attractions, gingerbread scenes, and festive activities from morning to night.
📍 Nashville, Orlando, Dallas, Denver, D.C.
🔗 More Info »

Explore Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and more aboard Holland America’s 14–35 day cruises. Deep-dive itineraries include overnights in iconic ports, plus new routes from Sydney and Auckland.
📍 Departing from Australia & New Zealand | 🗓️ 2027–2028 Season
🔗 More Info »

The 2025 National Gingerbread House Competition winners have been announced! The iconic Asheville resort hosted more than 235 edible entries from across the country, now on display for the holiday season. (More on these tasty creations below).
📍 Asheville, NC
🔗 More Info »

Hershey’s Chocolate World has unveiled a ride makeover with 2,000+ lights, dancing animatronic elves, and a festive soundtrack. Their holiday bundle ($44.95) includes five attractions, bakery treats, and free parking.
📍 Hershey, PA | 🗓️ Nov 24 – Jan 4
🔗 More Info »

New Jersey’s own Buddy Valastro — star baker of Carlo’s Bakery — is teaming up with The Salvation Army to launch a limited‑edition red velvet cake called “Give With Joy”. The deep red hue celebrates the charity’s Red Kettle Campaign and symbolizes warmth, generosity and holiday spirit. Available online (nationwide shipping) and in select Carlo’s Bakery locations (Hoboken, Times Square, Port Authority). Info

Melting Pot At Home is stirring up autumn bliss with a limited‑edition Pumpkin Pie Chocolate Fondue — think velvety white chocolate blended with cozy pumpkin spice and topped with graham cracker crumbles.

🎁 Available online through Dec. 31 in 3-pack bundles ($49.99), it’s perfect for dipping everything from strawberries to shortbread.

📍 Want the full fondue experience? There’s a Melting Pot restaurant right in Red Bank if you’re craving cheese and chocolate IRL!

From Barone family laughs to Beatles deep dives, there’s plenty to stream post‑pie.

CBS celebrates 30 years of Everybody Loves Raymond with a brand-new special hosted by Ray Romano and creator Phil Rosenthal. Expect a recreated Barone living room, interviews with the cast, and tributes to Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle.
📺 Monday on CBS & streaming on Paramount+
📲 All 9 seasons also available on Peacock

Cue the country stars and Christmas magic! Brad Paisley, Mickey Guyton, and more appear in this musical holiday flick about heritage, harmony… and possibly time travel.
📺 Streaming Sunday on Hallmark+

This nine-part docuseries traces the Fab Four from Liverpool lads to global legends. The ultimate musical deep dive just in time for a holiday binge.
📺 Starts Wednesday on Disney+

The jokes are aging like fine wine in this new comedy special. Kevin Hart tackles middle age, parenting, and the perils of getting older.
📺 Monday on Netflix

“Disney’s Hulu’s Family Guy’s Hallmark Channel’s Lifetime’s Familiar Holiday Movie” is exactly what it sounds like — a hilarious roast of every cheesy holiday plot you love to hate.
📺 Drops Friday, Nov. 28 on Hulu & Disney+

Whether you're walking the boardwalk, wrapping gifts, or sipping cocoa on the couch, these are the hottest listens this week according to Audible — just hit play and enjoy.

Looking for a unique twist on the holiday tree tradition? The American Museum of Natural History’s beloved Origami Holiday Tree is back — and this year, it’s out of this world.

Now on display just off the Central Park West entrance, this 13-foot tree is decked out with 2,000–3,000 hand-folded paper ornaments crafted by origami artists from around the globe. Expect everything from cranes and turtles to t-rexes and triceratops — all in miniature, delicate detail.

🦕 This year’s theme: “New Beginnings,” inspired by the museum’s new exhibition Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs. Topping the tree? A fiery golden asteroid, of course. | More Info »
🕊️ A seasonal favorite for more than 40 years! Perfect for a day trip — art, science, and a little holiday magic, all folded into one.

This year’s National Gingerbread Competition champs didn’t just bake — they built. The winning creations are full-on works of art (and yes, totally edible!).

🥇 Grand Prize: “The Tiny Gnome Builders” by Mary Hulsman (Concord, NC)
A whimsical gnome construction site, complete with crooked houses, tiny hard hats, and renovations “coming soon.” It’s gnome-sweet-gnome taken to the next level.

🥈 Second Place: “The Birch Mouse Burrow” by Heather Nadeau (Cary, NC)
Step into a storybook scene where tiny mice live large! This enchanting gingerbread masterpiece features a hobbit-style mouse house tucked beneath a mossy hill, complete with a round wooden door, stone steps, and a leafy tree canopy overhead.

🥉 Third Place: “Wassail Break” by Michael Villella (New York, NY)
A warm, brick colonial with glowing windows and a twinkly tree on the lawn. Basically Hallmark movie magic — but made of sugar.

Seriously… how do they come up with this stuff? Pure sugar-fueled genius. You can see their masterpieces (and over 230 more!) on display this season at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.

New Jersey brought out the big names and even bigger heart at the 17th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Nov. 21 at American Dream. Hosted by Danny DeVito, the star-studded night celebrated 20 local legends — from rockers to reporters to real-life heroes.

🎶 Jon Bon Jovi inducted bandmate David Bryan, while the crowd rocked to performances by Bryan and Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzeznik.
🎤 Edie Falco honored CNN’s Dana Bash, and Dorothea Bongiovi was recognized as an Unsung Hero for founding JBJ Soul Kitchen, a “pay-it-forward” community restaurant with locations in Red Bank, Toms River, Rutgers University’s Newark campus and New Jersey City University in Jersey City.

But the night belonged to The Jonas Brothers, who accepted their award together with a message for dreamers everywhere. Said Nick Jonas:

😄Well said, Nick! We couldn’t agree more!

That’s all for this festive week! As always, thanks for spending a little time with us — your readership keeps this community thriving. If you have an event, story, or holiday tip to share, we’d love to hear from you.

🤶With cheer,
The Better With Age New Jersey Team

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Disclaimer: The content in this newsletter is for informational and entertainment purposes only. We do not provide medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult a professional before making decisions. Nothing in this issue is sponsored—just local love and festive cheer!