The Scoop: Pickleball, Putt-Putts & Pro Tips for a Stellar Winter

👋Hey there, Monmouth friends!

Winter’s bringing the chill, but this week’s scoop is bringing the heat—with Freehold’s new pickleball palace, a wild mini golf bar where holograms meet Happy Gilmore, matzo-meets-meatball mashups, concert nights, spam-squashing tech tips, and sliders built for Super Bowl snacking. Oh—and if your Real ID’s still MIA? TSA’s got a pricey Plan B. (Spoiler: it’s $45.)

Let’s dive into the week…

🥒 Dill Dinkers Debuts: Freehold’s first indoor pickleball palace opens with free play all week
✈️ TSA’s New $45 Fix: Forgot your ID? You’re not grounded… yet
🍽️ Where to Eat Now: Matzo meatballs, burnt ends by the beach & sushi in a 7-Eleven
🎟️ Out & About: Wedding expos, winter markets & Romeo meets Juliet (in Red Bank!)
🌲 In the Parks: Nature talks and winter walks
👧 Take the Grandkids: Ice skating, dinosaurs & snow tubing with a side of science
🚗 Day Trippin’: Mini golf + martinis + a 12-foot shark = the new Atlantic City
✈️ Wanderlust Weekly: Mediterranean festivals, Māori paddling & United’s better burgers
📱 Tech Tip: One switch = less spam. (And fewer “urgent” texts from fake banks.)
🧁 In the Kitchen: Game day sliders with zero stress and max salami

Up first…

Dill Dinkers — a national pickleball franchise — is making its New Jersey debut in Freehold with a brand-new indoor facility featuring nine courts, including three championship-sized courts with cushioned surfaces.

📍 Located at 202 Mounts Corner Drive in the Mounts Crossings Shopping Center, the club officially opened Monday with a full week of free play (Jan. 19–25), followed by half-price rates through the end of January.

🎾 Expect leagues, clinics, lessons, and court reservations, plus a pro shop and ball machine. You can even rent the space for private events.

With 20 more NJ locations planned, Dill Dinkers is on the move — but Freehold gets bragging rights for being the first!

📞 Call 732-835-3465 or visit DillDinkers.com for details.

Starting February 1, 2026, TSA is rolling out a new option for travelers who show up to the airport without a REAL ID or valid ID: TSA ConfirmID — a $45 fee-based service that could save your travel day (but not your time or your wallet).

Here’s how it works:

✅ Step 1: Check your ID now. REAL ID or passport? You’re golden.
❌ No REAL ID? Head to tsa.gov/ConfirmID before your flight to pay the $45 fee and get a receipt via email.
📱 Step 3: Bring that receipt (print or screenshot) and any government-issued ID to the checkpoint.

Heads-up: This is not a free pass. Expect extra screening, potential delays of up to 30 minutes, and no guarantee you’ll make your flight if you wait until the last minute.

Best bet? Get your REAL ID now and skip the stress. Visit tsa.gov/real-id to see what you need. Questions? Text 275-872 ("AskTSA") or call 866-289-9673.

Hungry? Same. This week’s foodie picks take you from old-school comfort to bold fusion in some of the Shore’s most buzzworthy new spots.

Judy & Harry’s | 408 7th Ave, Asbury Park | 732-795-2582
What happens when you blend Jewish classics with Italian comfort food? Apparently, magic. From the James Beard-nominated duo behind Heirloom Kitchen and Lita, Judy & Harry’s serves up matzo ball soup, parm, and roast chicken savoy (their riff on a North Jersey favorite), all in the stylish St. Laurent hotel. After dinner, head next door to Harry’s, the cocktail bar inspired by co-owner Neilly Robinson’s parents. Grandma would definitely approve — and probably ask for a second negroni.

Mutiny Beach | 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park | 732-455-8500
Asbury’s go-to for smoky, saucy goodness just leveled up. Mutiny Beach brings their award-winning BBQ to Convention Hall — now with oceanfront views and a full bar. New menu must-tries? Maple-bourbon pork belly burnt ends and the True Beef-Liever sandwich stacked with brisket, queso, and pickled jalapeños. It’s bold. It’s beachy. It’s barbecue bliss.

Olea | 700 NJ-71, Spring Lake | 732-359-8580
Chef Bud Carter (yes, from Butcher’s Block) is flexing his Mediterranean muscles in Spring Lake. Olea’s menu blends surf, turf, and serious pasta chops — think spicy rigatoni with Calabrian chili, squid ink tonnerelli with king crab, and a prime filet that practically melts. Save room: the churro crullers with vanilla bean gelato are worth every bite (and then some).

Xina | 415 Main St, Bradley Beach | 732-361-3102
Yes, this new Bradley Beach hotspot used to be a convenience store — but inside it’s all inventive sushi, bold Chinese takeout twists, and clever fusion. Highlights include bacon-egg-cheese fried rice (!), the multi-salsa Contra Roll, and Peking duck served with bao buns for DIY sliders. It’s Xina’s second location (Toms River regulars already know), and it’s quickly becoming a Bradley fave.

From starry-eyed symphonies to cozy farmers markets and aisle-worthy inspiration, Monmouth County’s winter calendar is in full swing. Here’s where to go and what to know:

🛍️ Jan. 24–25: Winter Market at Pantano Home & Garden
📍 Pantano Home & Garden, Colts Neck
Get a fresh start with this festive indoor/outdoor winter market featuring seasonal vendors, home goods, garden inspiration, and plenty of local charm.
👉 More info

💍 Jan. 25: NJ’s Biggest Winter Wedding Expo
📍 Ocean Place Resort & Spa, Long Branch
Got a granddaughter who got engaged over the holidays? Treat her to the ultimate bridal bash! This is New Jersey’s largest winter wedding expo, with everything from gowns and giveaways to DJs, décor, and cake samples galore.
👉 Event details & free tickets

🧺 Jan. 25–Mar. 22: Winter Fresh Farmers Market (Sundays)
📍 Asbury Fresh, 66 S Main St, Ocean Grove
This cozy indoor food-only market brings together your favorite local vendors every other Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Perfect for stocking up on fresh goods all winter long.
🗓️ Market dates: Jan 25 | Feb 8 | Feb 22 | Mar 8 | Mar 22
👉 See full schedule

🎼 Jan. 31: Romeo & Juliet with the NJ Symphony
📍 Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Red Bank | 7:30–10 p.m.
Experience Shakespeare’s most iconic romance in musical form, as the New Jersey Symphony performs Tchaikovsky’s and Prokofiev’s dramatic masterpieces—joined by the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ for an unforgettable night of love, loss, and lush orchestration.
👉 Get tickets

Brrr-ing it on! Winter's no excuse to stay in—especially with this cozy lineup of fresh-air adventures courtesy of the Monmouth County Park System.

🥾 Wondrous Winter Walk
Need a midweek reset? Bundle up and breathe deep on this FREE guided stroll with a Park System Naturalist through the quiet beauty of winter woods. Bare trees mean better bird sightings—and a peaceful path to stretch your legs and clear your mind.

🗓️ Tuesday, Jan. 28
🕙 10–11:30 a.m.
📍 Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen – meet at the Visitor Center

All ages welcome (under 18 with an adult). Sturdy shoes a must!

🐟 Nature Talk: Meet the Brook Trout
New Jersey’s state fish is more than just a pretty swimmer. Find out what makes the brook trout special during this naturalist-led lecture.
🗓️ Sunday, Jan. 25, 12–1 p.m.
📍 Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen
🎟️ FREE!

🪢 Ropework on the Farm
Think knots are just for sailors? Think again. At this hands-on demo, you’ll learn classic farmyard rope tricks—from everyday loops to confidence-boosting splices.
🗓️ Sunday, Jan. 25, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
🎟️ Yep, this one’s FREE too!

👉 Questions? Park updates? Visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000.

Here's what’s happening this week beyond the stacks at Monmouth County libraries.

🧭 Revolutionary Who-Knew?
📍 Jan. 22, 7–8 PM | Atlantic Highlands Branch
Think you know your Jersey history? Rick Geffken dives into the overlooked Battle of the Navesink, where scrappy colonials clashed with trained British troops in 1777. Spoiler alert: it’s not in your high school textbook. This event is part of REV 250, celebrating New Jersey’s role in America’s founding story.

🪢 Fold It, Knot It, Rock It
📍 Jan. 24, 1–4:30 PM | Headquarters, Manalapan
Love origami? Already folding cranes in your sleep? Drop in to the Circle of Origami Paperfolders—a no-registration-needed meetup for seasoned paper artists who want to share tips, swap designs, and show off their mad folding skills. BYO paper (and patience).

💜 Caregiving with Compassion
📍 Jan. 26, 2–3 PM | Headquarters, Manalapan (Rooms 2 & 3)
Nicole Steed of Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey breaks down how their 1,200 volunteers help over 2,500 older adults live independently—providing rides, friendship, and a whole lot of heart, free of charge. Whether you're looking to help or need support, this session is for you.

💬 Medicare Got You Spinning?
📍 Jan. 26, 2:30–4 PM | Headquarters, Manalapan (Room 7)
Stop by for One-on-One SHIP help—free, confidential guidance for all things Medicare, from coverage confusion to prescription plans. First come, first served, with expert counselor Kalpana Sheth on deck.

💔 Lost & Found: Grief Support That Gets It
📍 Jan. 28, 6:45–8 PM | Headquarters, Manalapan
Loss is never easy. This in-person Bereavement Support Group is a welcoming space to talk it out, reflect, and find a bit of light in the dark. No registration needed—just show up, breathe deep, and know you’re not alone.

If spicy dips and messy wings feel like too much work for your next game day party, try this quick and crowd-pleasing alternative: Simple Salami Sliders. These bite-sized sandwiches are the perfect game day snack, made with just a few everyday ingredients and minimal prep—so you can focus on cheering, not cooking. Whether you're tailgating, homegating, or hosting a Super Bowl bash, these sliders are a surefire hit at kickoff.

👉 Find the full Simple Salami Sliders recipe and more easy game day food ideas at Culinary.net.

Tired of shady texts and spammy links? Your phone can help — if you flip one simple switch.

On iPhone:
Go to Settings > Messages and turn on “Filter Unknown Senders.” It’ll move messages from strangers into a separate folder (no more annoying pings!).

On Android:
Open Messages > Settings > Spam Protection and turn on “Enable spam protection.” Suspicious messages go straight to the spam folder.

🛡️ This is a great way to avoid accidentally clicking on dangerous links — and it keeps your inbox cleaner, too.

Ocean's 18 Mini Golf & Bar just teed off inside Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City—marking the first-ever mini golf course in an AC casino. Spanning 8,000 square feet over two levels, this multi-million-dollar entertainment spot offers two 9-hole courses, a full-service bar, and immersive HYPERVSN hologram tech (yes, including a 12-foot Great White Shark). Open Wednesday–Monday with family-friendly vibes by day and a 21+ sports bar after 9 p.m. ⛳🐟 Learn more: Ocean Casino Resort

Two-time GRAMMY® winner Michelle Cann brings her brilliance to Princeton Symphony Orchestra next month with a powerful performance of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor. Known for championing composer Florence Price, Cann will perform alongside PSO Assistant Conductor Kenneth T. Bean at Richardson Auditorium on Feb. 7 & 8.

🎶 The program also features:

💬 Bonus: A special pre-concert talk with Cann and Bean happens Feb. 8 at 3 PM — free for Sunday ticket holders.

🎟️ Tickets start at $40, with 50% off for kids 5–17 when accompanied by an adult.

More info: princetonsymphony.org or call 609-497-0020.

Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean the fun’s on ice. January may be brisk, but it’s bursting with ways to keep the grandkids smiling (and moving!). Whether you’ve got a future hockey star, a junior paleontologist, or just a restless crew in need of a winter outing, we’ve rounded up some easy, memory-making escapes to enjoy together across the Garden State.

⛸️ Glide, Slide & Snow Play
Lace up for ice skating at indoor and outdoor rinks across NJ — from American Dream to waterfront skates in Jersey City. Bonus: American Dream is also home to BIG SNOW, North America’s only indoor, real-snow ski and tubing park. Winter thrills, no frostbite required.

🏒 Cheer on the NJ Devils
Treat the kids (and yourself) to a fast-paced night of NHL action at the Prudential Center in Newark. February home games mean big energy, loud cheers, and memories that beat another movie night.

🦖 Dino-Mite Day Trip
Head to the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum in Mantua, where kids can see real fossils, meet live animals, and watch scientists at work on active digs. Mosasaurs the size of buses? Yep. This one’s a guaranteed wow.

🎿 Ski, Tube & Stay Cozy
Make it a winter getaway at Mountain Creek in Vernon. Snow tubing and skiing by day, then warm up at The Appalachian Hotel with fireplaces, mountain views, and plenty of space for the whole crew.

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

The New Old Age: More than a century’s worth of scientific and social progress means that most of us are now more productive and more useful to society for far longer than in the past. Time, Jan. 13

3 Policy Moves Likely to Change Health Care for Older People: Two regulatory rollbacks, along with a new A.I. experiment in Medicare, raise some worrisome questions. The New York Times, Jan. 17

The Retirement Crisis No One Warns You About: Mattering: Many of us plan for our future wealth and health. Few prepare for an equally essential aspect of retirement: how to continue to feel seen and valued. Wall Street Journal, Jan. 16

Bye-Bye, Snowbirds: Wealthy Americans Are Relocating Permanently for Retirement — and This Financial Adviser Can't Fault Their Logic: Why head south for the winter and pay for two properties when you can have a better lifestyle year-round in a less expensive state? Permanent relocation is a much savvier retirement strategy, as this financial adviser explains. Kiplinger, Jan. 16

Dreaming of taking a trip? See what’s new in travel this week.

🚢 Celebrity Cruises is turning sea days into cultural festivals aboard the new Celebrity Xcel, setting sail in Europe starting May 2026. At the heart of the experience is The Bazaar, a vibrant, multi-sensory venue featuring four Mediterranean-inspired festivals: Opa! (Greek music, baklava, evil-eye crafts), La Dolce Vita (tiramisu-making and Venetian flair), Salud (sangria, flamenco dancers, Spanish fans), and Silk & Spice (Moroccan tea, Turkish delight, and whirling dervishes). Add in cooking classes at Chef’s Studio, open-air bites at Spice Café, artisan markets, and ports like Santorini, Florence, Mykonos, and Madeira, and you’ve got a vacation that doesn’t stop at the shoreline. 👉 Explore Celebrity Xcel

⚓ Holland America Line is ditching the cookie-cutter shore excursions with two new experience-driven programs: Meet the Makers and Community Connections. These immersive tours let guests press olive oil with a Greek farming family, sip cider with Tasmanian artisans, or cook Irish stew in the cozy kitchen of a Cobh couple. You can paddle a Māori waka (canoe) in New Zealand or learn Syrtaki dancing on a vineyard—all while supporting local communities and craftspeople. More than 150 new excursions are available across global itineraries, designed to forge meaningful cultural connections while you travel. 👉 See Holland America’s immersive tours

✈️ United Airlines just made it easier to eat well in Economy with fresh meal preorders now available on flights over 1,190 miles across North America and the Caribbean. Starting March 1, 2026, travelers can order entrees like the Steakhouse Burger, Tacos Al Pastor, Cheese & Fruit Tray, and Everything Bagel Dots through united.com or the United app five days to 24 hours before takeoff. This new system ensures you get the meal you want (no more “sorry, we’re out”) while helping United reduce food waste by more than 100,000 pounds annually. 👉 Preorder your next United meal

No local birthdays sent in this week 🥺but these celebs are turning up the candles…

🎂 Jan. 21: Opera legend Plácido Domingo hits 85, L.A. Law’s Jill Eikenberry turns 79, and Oscar winner Geena Davis celebrates 70.
🎸 Jan. 22: Rock icon Steve Perry (Journey) turns 77, Linda Blair (yes, The Exorcist) is 67, and both DJ Jazzy Jeff and Diane Lane turn 61 — plus Guy Fieri, still the Mayor of Flavortown, is 58.
🎤 Jan. 24: Sweet Caroline himself, Neil Diamond, turns 85!

Whether you’re pickleballing, putt-putting, or just putting your feet up, here’s to finding a little local joy this week. We’ll be back soon with more finds, eats, events, and Jersey gems.

Stay warm, stay curious — and if you see a 12-foot shark at a bar, don’t panic… it’s just a hologram. 🦈😉

Until next time,
— The Monmouth Senior Scoop Team

📰 A publication of Better With Age NJ

⁉️Questions, comments, or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Just hit reply to this email!

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📝 Disclaimer: The Monmouth Senior Scoop is for informational and entertainment purposes only—meaning we’ll gladly tell you where to find matzo ball soup or a hologram shark, but we’re not doctors, lawyers, or travel agents. Always double-check event times, call ahead, and consult the pros for any medical, legal, or airport-ID-related decisions. We try our best to keep everything accurate, timely, and typo-free—but hey, we’re only human!. Now back to your regularly scheduled pickleball.🏓