This Week in the Monmouth Senior Scoop

Hey there, Monmouth County! 👋
2026 is just about here — now let’s start it off with a little fresh air, a splash of cold water (literally), and maybe a second helping of twinkle lights. This week’s Monmouth Senior Scoop is packed with First Day Hikes, live music, polar plunges, smart tips, and some seriously bingeable audiobooks.

Bundle up, scroll down, and let’s jump into January.

Up first …

Lace up and head out! New Jersey’s beloved First Day Hikes return January 1st — and they’re the perfect way to kick off the new year with fresh air, local history, and good company. All hikes are free, family-friendly, and guided by park pros or historians.

Here are some standout strolls around Monmouth and Ocean Counties:

🕙 10–11:30 AM
📍 Allaire State Park, Farmingdale
Take a scenic 3.5-mile walk past historic Allaire Village and the Pine Creek Railroad, across wetlands, streams, and wintery forest paths. Wildlife sightings? Likely. Peaceful scenery? Guaranteed.

🕚 11 AM–12 PM
📍 NJDEP-Forest Resource Education Center, Jackson
A gentle 1.5-mile walk through sandy trails and tree nursery rows. Bundle up and meet inside the FREC building.
🦮 Service animals only

🕚 11 AM–1 PM
📍 Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan
Walk in the footsteps of Revolutionaries across the Battle of Monmouth fields. Your guide will share powerful stories of George Washington, Molly Pitcher, and more.
🦮 Service animals only

🕐 1 PM
📍 Twin Lights Historic Site, Highlands
Climb both iconic Twin Lights towers — twice if you're up for it — in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

🕐 1–2 PM
📍 Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park
A casual beach walk (1.5 miles round trip) with bonfire + s’mores after, weather permitting. Unguided and ultra laid-back — just follow the sand and the crowd.

💡 Pro Tip: Dress in layers, wear good shoes, and bring water. Most events are held rain or shine (except blizzards — no thank you).

📍 Full hike list available at NJDEP’s First Day Hikes page.

You’re in luck—New Jersey is still glowing. Here are some festive light shows still happening across the Garden State.

Now – Jan. 3 | Holmdel
Drive through a glowing wonderland of LED lights and digital scenes. A holiday tradition with a one-car, one-price setup.
🎟️ From $27 per car

Now – Jan. 3 | West Orange
Wander through 50+ glowing animal displays. Visit the carousel, petting zoo, and grab photos with Santa. Bring a coat or food donation if you can.
🎟️ Free admission

Now – Jan. 3 | Augusta
Drive-thru lights plus ice skating, rides, artisan shops, and festive eats.
🎟️ $29 per car

Now – Jan. 4 | Cream Ridge
Glowing tulips, pony rides, snowball pits, character meet-and-greets, and holiday treats galore.
🎟️ $17–$20 (ages 3+)

Now – Jan. 6 | Smithville
Floating Christmas trees that dance to music, 50 shops, and an old-fashioned village feel.
🎟️ Free

Now – Jan. 11 | Princeton
17 decorated trees & mantels inside a historic mansion. A colorful, creative way to wrap the season.
🎟️ $10–$12 (seniors & veterans discounted)

Jan. 2–5 & 9–12 | Paramus (Bergen County Zoo)
Walk among 30+ glowing animal lanterns in a magical nighttime stroll through the zoo.
🎟️ Tickets via Eventbrite

🚂 Christmas Train Village – Spring Lake
Ring in New Year’s Eve with a little small-town magic! From 12–5 PM on Dec. 31, stop by 313 Washington Ave to see a charming model train display that brings the beauty of Spring Lake to life — completely free and full of holiday nostalgia. Perfect for a cozy afternoon with the grandkids or a quick festive detour. Info

✨ Merry Mile of Lights – A. Casola Farms, Holmdel
When the sun sets, the lights go on! Cruise through A. Casola Farms from 5:30–9:30 PM for a glowing mile-long drive-through light show — and don’t miss the bonus Merry Lit Walking Trail included with admission. It’s a twinkling finale to 2025 that the whole family will love.

📍 178 NJ-34, Holmdel | More info here

A recent measles case linked to Newark Liberty International Airport has NJ health officials urging caution. A traveler passed through Terminals B and C on December 12 (between 7 AM and 7 PM) while contagious — and because measles is highly contagious, anyone in those areas during that time may have been exposed.

Measles symptoms? Think: high fever, cough, red watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads. It’s no joke — complications can include pneumonia and brain swelling, especially for young kids, pregnant people, and those with weak immune systems.

The best defense? MMR vaccination. If you’re unsure whether you or your loved ones are up to date, now’s a good time to check. And if you think you might have been exposed, call your doctor before showing up at any medical facility.

🧬 More info and updates: nj.gov/health/measles

Even more events happening around Monmouth County this month!

📅 Sunday, Jan. 4 | 🕒 3–5 PM
📍 Algonquin Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees Dr, Manasquan
Ring in 2026 with an uplifting afternoon of live music led by Father Alphonse and the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea. This annual concert is packed with stunning performances and joyful vibes—a local favorite worth dressing up for.

🎟️ Info & Tickets »

📅 Sunday, Jan. 4 | 🕧 12:30–2:30 PM
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Roll up your sleeves and see how early farmers used tools like froes, broad axes, and two-man saws to split wood and shape beams. A hands-on throwback to simpler (and chillier) times. FREE!

No need to be an expert—just bring curiosity and maybe a scarf.

Join a naturalist-led birding stroll and see what winter visitors are fluttering through Monmouth. Binoculars provided if you need them.
🕊️ Laid-back pace | All levels welcome | FREE

📅 Saturday, Jan. 10 | 🕙 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 1410 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright
Take the plunge (literally) at this classic Jersey shore tradition hosted by Save Coastal Wildlife. Whether you’re jumping in or cheering from the sand, it’s a bold way to start the year—with a warm heart and chilly toes. 💙 Proceeds support local wildlife protection. Info

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

Older Americans Quit Weight-Loss Drugs in Droves
In some studies, half of patients stopped taking GLP-1s within a year despite the benefits, citing the expense and side effects.
— The New York Times, Dec. 20

How to Tell Your Adult Kids the Bank of Mom and Dad Is Closed
In trying to help grown children, parents can hurt their own retirement security. Here’s how to stop the flow of money.
— The New York Times, Dec. 20

A Look at Aging Baby Boomers in the United States
The oldest baby boomers — once the vanguard of an American youth that revolutionized U.S. culture and politics — turn 80 in 2026.
— The Associated Press, Dec. 23

When to Expect Your Social Security Checks
Here's how to find out when your Social Security direct deposits will arrive.
— U.S. News & World Report, Dec. 19

Hosting last-minute guests on New Year’s Eve? Skip the stress (and the takeout) with this easy-but-fancy Shrimp Spaghetti. It’s warm, cozy, and just elevated enough to impress—without keeping you stuck in the kitchen. Bonus: It comes together in a flash, so you can still toast at midnight. 🎉Find the full recipe and more quick crowd-pleasers at Culinary.net.

See what’s happening at Monmouth County library branches this week.

Holmdel Branch
Mondays never felt so mellow. Join Stacy Newfeld for an hour of easy movement, deep breathing, and a little sound healing magic — all while staying comfy in your seat. Perfect for every body, no yoga pants required.
🗓️ Jan. 5 • Feb. 2 • Mar. 2 & 16 • Apr. 6 & 20
🕤 9:30–10:30 AM
(No class Jan. 19 or Feb. 16. Registration suggested, not required!)

Manalapan HQ – Room 7
The fine print on Medicare got you spinning? Kalpana Sheth, your friendly neighborhood SHIP counselor, is here to untangle it — no sales, no pressure, just real answers.
🗓️ Monday, Jan. 5
🕝 2:30–4 PM
Walk-ins welcome!

Allentown Branch
SNAP, Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare — if it’s alphabet soup you need help navigating, DHS reps are setting up shop at your local library. First Tuesday of every month.
🗓️ Tuesday, Jan. 6
🕙 10 AM–1 PM
📞 Questions? Call Shannon at 609-259-7565

Holmdel Branch
Holiday overindulgence meet your match. Hackensack Meridian’s Jessica Trimarco leads this refreshingly real session on how to feel human again.
🗓️ Tuesday, Jan. 6
🕜 1:30–2:30 PM
(Registration suggested.)

Manalapan HQ
Afternoon plans? Sorted. Come play a classic card game that’s part logic, part luck, all fun.
🗓️ Wednesday, Jan. 7
🕛 12:00–4:45 PM
First come, first seated!

Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
Whether you’re chasing ancestors or just curious what Grandma never told you, join a room full of history buffs ready to help untangle your family tree.
🗓️ Wednesday, Jan. 7
🕑 2:00–3:00 PM
(Register to save your seat.)

Hazlet Township Branch
Teen angst, big questions, and all the reasons this one got banned. Read John Green’s breakout novel, then pull up a chair and speak your truth.
🗓️ Wednesday, Jan. 7
🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📚 Grab your copy at the Hazlet Branch!

Audible best-sellers • Week ending Dec. 19

Whether you’re walking, driving, cooking, or cozying up with a cup of tea, these are the audiobooks everyone’s pressing play on right now.

🎧 Listening tip: Many libraries offer free audiobooks through Libby or Hoopla — all you need is your library card.

Raise a glass and cue the birthday playlist—because it’s celebration time! This week, a few famous faces (and our very own Susan McCarthy of Keyport, turning a fabulous 76) are marking another trip around the sun. 🎂✨

🎉 December 31:
🎭 Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs) turns 88
👑 Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Iron Man 3) celebrates 82

🎆 January 1:
🎬 Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon) hits 88
🎧 Grandmaster Flash (hip-hop pioneer) is 68

🐾 January 2:
📺 Jack Hanna (Into the Wild) turns 79
🎬 Wendy Phillips (Falcon Crest, I Am Sam) is 74
🏆 Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire) celebrates 58
💄 Christy Turlington (supermodel, activist) turns 57

🎸 January 3:
🎶 Stephen Stills (Crosby, Stills & Nash) is 81
🎸 John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin bassist) hits 80
💅 Victoria Principal (Dallas) is 76
🎥 Mel Gibson (Braveheart, The Patriot) turns 70

Thanks for welcoming Monmouth Senior Scoop into your inbox this year! Here’s to good neighbors and staying connected. Forward this email to a friend, invite someone to chair yoga, or spot a cardinal with your grandkid — we’ll be back next week with more local goodness.

Stay warm,
— The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

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We’re not doctors, lawyers, tax pros, or park rangers — just your friendly neighborhood newsletter crew sharing info we think you’ll love. Double-check event details before heading out, and always talk to your real-life professionals before making big health or money moves. We just bring the scoop — you bring the smarts. 💌