Welcome to This Week’s Monmouth Senior Scoop! Your go-to guide for news & events around Monmouth County

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Monmouth Senior Scoop! We’ve got sparkle, scams to dodge, and snacks with a side of art!

👀Here’s what’s inside this week:

🧡 Monmouth’s big food drive — How you can help neighbors in need
📅 Mark Your Calendar — Wine tastings, pie fests, and farmers markets
📰 Prime Time News — Medicare changes, scams, Social Security updates
🖼️ Art & Appetites — New café opens at Princeton Art Museum
📚 Beyond the Books — Local library events, health talks, and crafts
🎄 Happening at Allaire — Stocking stuffer sales & vintage flea finds
📺 TV Time — What to stream this week (hello, Frankenstein + Downton)
🎁 Take the Grandkids — Cream Ridge’s tulip light wonderland is back!
🎉 Celebrity Birthdays — Garfunkel, Griffin, Kris Jenner & more
🍬 One Last Thing — Reese’s is NJ’s #1 Halloween candy… obviously

Up first…

Monmouth County is stepping up to fight food insecurity this season. The Board of County Commissioners has launched a Countywide Food Drive to support local food banks and families facing hardship.

🗣️ “Many families are struggling to put food on the table,” said Commissioner Director Tom Arnone. “This food drive is one way we can make a real difference.” Commissioner Susan Kiley added, “No one in Monmouth County should go hungry this holiday season.”

📦 How to help:
Residents and County employees are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items at either of these locations:

Let’s show up for our neighbors! Every can, box, or jar helps. ❤️

After 40 sparkling years, Jewelry Design Gallery is closing its doors — but not without one last thank-you to the community. Owner Drew Cowit, who opened the beloved Towne Pointe shop in 1984 with his wife Carrie, is retiring to spend more time with family (and grandkids!). Known for custom creations and old-school service that turned customers into friends, the shop is hosting a Going Out of Business Sale with big savings on jewelry, watches, and repair services. Stop by to say goodbye and maybe snag one more timeless treasure.

📍 357 Route 9 South, Towne Pointe Shopping Center
jewelrydesigngallery.com

Live music, clever mysteries, and holiday magic—right here in Monmouth County.

🎤 Bob Dylan, The Band & The Byrds: A Folk Rock Retrospective
Fri, Nov. 7 | 7:30PM–10PM | Bell Theater, Holmdel
A toe-tapping tribute to the legends of folk rock. Hear the story and sound of Dylan’s “electric” era, The Byrds’ harmonies, and The Band’s epic rise.
🎟️ More info & tickets

🕵️‍♀️ Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B
Multiple dates | Nov. 7–23 | Holmdel Theatre Company
Think Sherlock meets “New Girl.” A hilarious, fast-paced modern spin on the world’s most famous detective duo.
🎭 Showtimes & tickets

🧶 Fall Craft Show at Fort Monmouth
Sat, Nov. 8 | 9AM–2PM | Tinton Falls
Over 40 vendors! Shop handmade gifts, wreaths, pottery, candles, and more. Your holiday shopping list = handled.
🛍️ Event details

🎭 A Soldier’s Play
Nov. 8–16 | Middletown Arts Center
A gripping, award-winning drama about race, justice, and identity in a 1940s segregated army camp. Presented by Dunbar Repertory Company.
🎟️ Get tickets

🎄 The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
Opens Sat, Nov. 8 | 5–9PM | Manalapan (runs through Dec. 30)
Hop a hayride into a twinkling Christmas village packed with lights, shops, cozy scenes & cheer. Reserve online!
✨ Explore The Village

🎶 Carpenters Remembered
Sun, Nov. 9 | 3PM–5PM | Algonquin Theatre, Manasquan
“We’ve Only Just Begun” to feel the nostalgia. Michelle Berting Brett brings the Carpenters’ classic hits to life in this heartfelt musical tribute.
🎟️ Buy tickets

Can’t-miss November events for foodies, winos, pie-lovers & holiday market hoppers

🍽️ Jersey Shore Restaurant Week
Nov. 7–16
Grab your crew and your appetite—this 10-day foodie fest is the perfect excuse to hit up that place you’ve been meaning to try (or revisit an old favorite). Prix-fixe menus, fresh fall flavors, and plenty of local flavor.
📍 Various Jersey Shore Restaurants
💸 Price varies by location | More info

🍷 NJ Wine Expo at Bell Works
Sat, Nov. 15 | 11AM–7PM
Sip your way through 130+ Jersey wines from over 30 local vineyards. Meet the makers, plan your next wine country day trip, and snag bites from local food vendors. Bonus: It’s indoors, so no worries about the weather—just wine.
📍 Bell Works, Holmdel
💸 $38.10+ | Info

🥧 Pie Tasting Weekend at Terhune Orchards
Nov. 15 & 16 | 12–4PM
Smell that? It’s 15 kinds of pie calling your name. Taste them all, pick your faves for Thanksgiving, and enjoy live music while you’re at it. Proceeds support great local causes.
📍 Terhune Orchards, Princeton
💸 Free entry | $10 for pie tasting | Details

🛍️ Shop, Gather & Give – Fall Farmers Market
Sat, Nov. 22 | 12–4PM
Part holiday market, part food drive, and all good vibes. Bring a non-perishable donation and enjoy local vendors, seasonal snacks, floral finds, live music, and cozy photo ops.
📍 Calgo Gardens, Freehold
💸 Free with food donation | More info

The latest headlines on aging, health, Medicare & more—from trusted national sources.

💊 📅 Why Medicare Recipients Should Check Their 2026 Drug Plans Now
Premiums are on the move—some up by $50+, others dropping. Now’s the time to compare.
🗞️New York Times | Nov. 1
👉 Read the article

🌍 💸 15 Money-Saving Travel Tips for Retirees
Globetrotting doesn’t have to bust your budget. Smart tips for your next adventure.
🗞️ Kiplinger | Oct. 28
👉 Read more

❤️ ⚠️ Flu, COVID Increase Risk of Heart Attack & Stroke
New research confirms your heart’s at higher risk post-virus. What you should know.
🗞️ HealthDay News | Oct. 29
👉 Full story

🧪 🧠 What to Know About Chemicals and Parkinson’s Disease
Doctors warn that environmental toxins may be fueling the rise of Parkinson’s.
🗞️ Wall Street Journal | Oct. 30
👉 Read the report

🏛️ 🧾 How the Government Shutdown Affects Medicare
No, your coverage won’t disappear—but delays are possible.
🗞️ U.S. News & World Report | Oct. 31
👉 Learn more

📞 🚨 Medicare Open Enrollment Scams: How to Protect Yourself
Scammers are out in full force—here’s how to avoid costly traps.
🗞️ ElderLawAnswers | Oct. 30
👉 Stay safe

🧠 🕵️‍♀️ True or False? How To Tell Fact from Fabrication Online
Especially in the age of AI, media literacy matters. Experts say: double-check everything.
🗞️ Next Avenue | Oct. 31
👉 Tips here

💵 📈 Six Changes Coming to Social Security in 2026
New rules, bigger checks (maybe), and a shifting full retirement age—get ahead of it now.
🗞️ Kiplinger | Oct. 27
👉 See what’s changing

A café with croissants and campus views? Mosaic, the brand-new café atop the Princeton University Art Museum, is part eatery, part art piece. Tucked on the third floor, it’s serving up seasonal, sustainable dishes, sweeping views, and a stunning Mexican-tile wall inspired by the museum’s Roman mosaic collection.

Come for the culture, stay for the cappuccino. Whether it’s brunch with the grandkids or a quiet solo visit with a mocktail and a Monet, this is one worth penciling in.

📍 Princeton University Art Museum
🕘 Open Mon & Thurs–Sun, 9AM–3PM (10AM on weekends)
🔗 More info here

🧡 Senior tip: Admission to the museum is free—so take your time and make a morning of it!

Your weekly dose of FREE local learning, creativity & community—courtesy of Monmouth County Library System. Learn more about the programs below here.

Perfect for downsizers, caregivers, and lifelong learners

🏡 Right-Sizing Your Life
Is your house feeling more like a burden than a blessing? Learn when to downsize and how to do it smart.
📍 Eastern Branch | 🗓️ Fri, Nov. 7 @ 10:30–11:30AM

💬 SHIP: Medicare Help with No Strings Attached
Walk-in, sit down, and get your Medicare questions answered by a real human—no pressure, no pitch.
📍 Manalapan HQ | 🗓️ Mon, Nov. 10 @ 2:30–4PM

💗 Caregiver Support & Self-Care
Get local resources, stress management tips, and a little TLC just for caregivers.
📍 Manalapan HQ | 🗓️ Mon, Nov. 10 @ 4–6PM

Health talks, gentle movement, and feel-good sessions

🍄 Mushrooms: The Superfood You’re Ignoring
Learn to cook them, grow them, and why they deserve a spot on your plate. Includes a grow-your-own starter kit!
📍 Eastern Branch | 🗓️ Thu, Nov. 6 @ 7–8PM

🌿 Houseplants 101
They’re cute, they’re green, but they’re also needy. Learn how to keep your leafy roommates happy.
📍 Manalapan HQ | 🗓️ Mon, Nov. 10 @ 1–2PM

🧘 Yoga for Beginners
Breathe, bend, and relax with instructor Steven Russell. No experience needed.
📍 Manalapan HQ | 🗓️ Mon, Nov. 10 @ 6:30–8PM

🩺 Pre-Diabetes: Are You at Risk?
Small changes now can make a big difference later. Learn how from Hackensack Meridian Health.
📍 Holmdel Branch | 🗓️ Wed, Nov. 12 @ 1:30–2:30PM

Fascinating, free, and led by real experts

💥 Battle of the Bulge: Inside the Action
WWII historian Paul Zigo returns with stories of surprise, strategy, and American grit.
📍 Manalapan HQ | 🗓️ Thu, Nov. 6 @ 7–8PM

🌍 Operation Torch: The Invasion That Turned the Tide
The first big Allied win in North Africa—Zigo tells all.
📍 Ocean Township | 🗓️ Mon, Nov. 10 @ 6:30–7:30PM

🍒 The Secret History of NJ Cranberries
From Native American medicine to holiday side dish—discover the tart truth.
📍 Manalapan HQ | 🗓️ Wed, Nov. 12 @ 1–2:30PM

🧬 Genealogy Club: Family Tree Edition
Swap tips, break through walls, and maybe meet a long-lost cousin.
📍 Eastern Branch | 🗓️ Wed, Nov. 5 @ 2–3PM

Creative outlets and hands-on fun

🖍️ Travel Sketching – Part 2
Bring your sketchbook and capture your next trip before you even take it.
📍 Atlantic Highlands | 🗓️ Sat, Nov. 8 @ 11AM–12PM

🐑 Felt It, Don’t Forget It
Learn the fluffy art of wool felting and make a cozy scene.
📍 Marlboro Branch | 🗓️ Sat, Nov. 8 @ 12–1:30PM

🧶 Yarn Works Drop-In
Bring your needles, yarn, and good conversation. No instruction, just fun.
📍 Allentown Branch | 🗓️ Wed, Nov. 12 @ 1–3PM

Music and community vibes

🎸 A Rockin’ Country Afternoon
Big Hix covers country classics and modern hits. Boots optional, fun guaranteed.
📍 Manalapan HQ | 🗓️ Sun, Nov. 9 @ 2–4PM

🌱 Garden Smarter, Not Harder
Eco-friendly gardening tips that make your yard a haven for bees, birds & butterflies.
📍 Eastern Branch | 🗓️ Wed, Nov. 5 @ 7–8PM

📚 Howell’s Year-Round Book Nook
New books added daily—most just 25¢!
📍 Howell Branch | 🗓️ Fri, Nov. 7

📕 Veterans Day – Library Closed
📅 Tue, Nov. 11 — All locations closed, but the website’s open 24/7 at monmouthcountylib.org

📘 Pop-Up Book Sale – Holmdel
Buy 3, get 1 free—plus help support programs, scholarships & supplies.
📍 Holmdel Branch | 🗓️ Wed, Nov. 12 @ 10:30AM–2:30PM

Vintage gems, stocking stuffers & festive flair— the historic Allaire Village is your November HQ for holiday magic.

🧦 Stocking Stuffer Sale (3 Days!)
Fri, Nov. 7 & Sat, Nov. 8 | 10AM–3PM
Sun, Nov. 9 | 12–3PM
Mini gifts, big holiday spirit. Swing by the Auxiliary Gift Shop for adorable stocking stuffers and thoughtful little treasures.
📍 Allaire Village, Farmingdale
💸 Free to browse!

🫖 Flea Market Finds
Sat, Nov. 8 | 8AM–2PM
Vintage lovers, this one’s for you. Hunt for antique china, collectible décor, and unique holiday gift ideas at this classic outdoor flea.
📍 Allaire Village, Farmingdale
💸 $5 per person (kids 10 & under free)

🧶 Holiday Craft & Vendor Show
Sat, Nov. 15 | 10AM–3PM (Rain date: Nov. 16)
Over 150 local makers line the village pathways with pottery, paintings, textiles, and more. Live demos, Allaire Bakery goodies, and holiday cheer galore.
📍 Allaire Village, Farmingdale
💸 $5 admission (ages 10 & under free)

From monsters to musicals, here's what's worth streaming this week.

🧟‍♂️ Frankenstein (Netflix, Fri, Nov. 7)
Guillermo del Toro’s epic take on Mary Shelley’s gothic tale stars Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi—and it’s big in every way.

🦸 The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Disney+, Wed)
Watching the grandkids this week? Retro vibes, a superhero dream cast, and a Stan Lee-Jack Kirby story that finally works. Yes, please.

🎩 Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (Peacock, Fri, Nov. 7)
It’s the end of an era, darling. Say goodbye with the Crawleys in this final film—and binge all the previous Downton drama too.

💔 The Materialists (HBO Max, Fri, Nov. 7)
Celine Song (of Past Lives) returns with a love triangle starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal & Chris Evans—plus a reality check on romance.

🤣 Crutch (Paramount+)
Tracy Morgan’s back! This time, he’s a widower-turned-grandpa dealing with an adult kid boomerang invasion.

⚖️ All’s Fair (Hulu)
Kim Kardashian plays a fierce divorce attorney in Ryan Murphy’s star-studded legal drama with Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson & Naomi Watts.

💥 Death by Lightning (Netflix, Thurs)
History gets weird: James Garfield, a persistent assassin, and a bizarre presidency. Darkly funny and surprisingly true.

⚾ Alex Vs. A-Rod (HBO, Thurs)
Baseball legend, tabloid king, complicated man—A-Rod tells all in this intimate 3-part docuseries.

🎶 Wicked: One Wonderful Night (NBC, Thurs & Peacock, Fri)
Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo & the “Wicked” cast bring Broadway magic to your screen ahead of the big movie release.

Tulips in winter? Holland Ridge says yes—just add 50,000 lights and some holiday magic.

🌟 U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland is back and brighter than ever! From Nov. 21 to Jan. 4, stroll through glowing tulip fields, catch a windmill light show synced to music, and pose for festive photos that’ll make your holiday cards jealous.

✨ NEW THIS YEAR: A jaw-dropping drone light show over the tulip fields on Dec. 18–20 (shows at 6PM & 8PM).

🎟️ $20 admission includes:
✔️ Access to all dazzling light displays
🎅 Visits with Santa (on select nights)
🛍️ Holiday pop-up shopping
☕ Food trucks, hot cocoa & cider
🔥 Fire pits + cozy seating
📸 Endless photo ops!

🕔 Hours:
Mon–Thurs: 5–9PM | Fri–Sun: 5–10PM
📍 Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge, NJ
More info here

🧣 Bundle up, grab the grandkids, and glow make some memories!

No local birthdays this week 😢—but we’ve got a celeb-packed roundup to fill the cake void!

🗓️ Nov. 3
🎤 Roseanne Barr turns 73 — still keeping it outrageous.
🎬 Kate Capshaw hits 72 — cue the “Temple of Doom” nostalgia.
🎙️ Dennis Miller brings the sarcasm at 72.
🎶 Adam Ant is 71 and still standing… and delivering.
🏈 Phil Simms is 70 — calling plays in the CBS booth.

🗓️ Nov. 4
🎙️ Kathy Griffin celebrates 65 — with plenty to say.
🎬 Ralph Macchio turns 64 — forever the Karate Kid.
🏝️ Jeff Probst is 64 — the “Survivor” torch still burns bright.

🗓️ Nov. 5
🎶 Art Garfunkel hits 84 — still a bridge over timeless tunes.
🎸 Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits is 78.
📺 Kris Jenner is 70 — and the Kardashian empire continues.

📬 Know a local senior with a birthday coming up?
Send us their first name, town & age and we’ll give them a warm shoutout next week! Email: [email protected]

Move over, politics — the real bipartisan winner this fall is peanut butter & chocolate. According to the latest Rutgers-Eagleton poll, Reese’s is New Jersey’s top Halloween candy, grabbing 21% of the vote from sweet-toothed voters statewide.

🥈 Snickers came in second (11%) and — surprise! — 🎯 candy corn nabbed third place (9%), proving that love it or hate it, it’s still hanging in there.

Interestingly, voters aged 50 to 64 bucked the trend, giving Snickers a slight edge. But across party lines and demographics, everyone seems to agree: Reese’s is the true Halloween heavyweight.

Moral of the story? If you want to avoid leftovers next Halloween, stock up on orange-wrapped peanut butter perfection.🧡

🎬That’s a wrap for this week’s Scoop!
Thanks for reading and staying connected to what’s happening across Monmouth County.
Got a local event, birthday shoutout, or tip to share? We’d love to include it!
💌Email us at [email protected]

👀First time reading? Join thousands of Monmouth County seniors. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here.

See you next week,
—The Better With Age New Jersey Team

📝 Disclaimer: We’re here to inform, entertain, and uplift—never to dispense medical, legal, or financial advice. Also, nothing in this newsletter is sponsored—yet! 😉 But when it is, we’ll be sure to let you know.