🏖️ New Jersey History: On Oct. 2, 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt formally dedicated the Jersey City Medical Center complex. It was one of the country’s first medical centers and the first of its kind in New Jersey.

Today is World Smile Day - the perfect day to spread kindness and a smile.

Today’s Must Read: Charlie Ingrassia, a football player from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, was nominated for the Heart of a Giant Award from USA Football. Charlie lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. (Vote for Charlie Here)

365> Howell: Retired Cpl. Maureen McBride was recognized by Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence with the New Jersey Instructor of the Year award. McBride spent much of her nearly 30-year law-enforcement career working with students as a school resource officer. (More)

365> Shrewsbury: Dr. Evelyn Murphy, president of the League of Women Voters of Monmouth County, received a national Courage Project award and directed its accompanying $25,000 grant to the League’s New Jersey Education Fund. (More)

365> West Long Branch: Monmouth University’s Anna Moors earned Coastal Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Week honors after scoring twice in the Hawks’ 4-0 field hockey win over Hofstra. (More)

365> Red Bank: The city’s connection to boxing champion Gene Tunney gets a centennial look in Red Bank Green. When Tunney defeated Jack Dempsey in September 1926, local fans traveled to Philadelphia or gathered around radios to cheer for the fighter who trained, owned property, and banked in their community. (More)

365> Looking Back at Springsteen: His Hometown. Seven years ago, crowds gathered in Freehold for the opening celebration of the Springsteen: His Hometown exhibition. (More)

365> Newlyweds were married at the Middletown-Red Bank Life Time Gym. Last weekend’s Nor’easter forced a last-minute change of plans. (More)

365> The Salvation Army’s Red Bank Corps Angel Tree applications are now open for families needing Christmas assistance. Applications must be completed online by Oct. 31, with in-person help available by appointment. (See Service Area)

365> New Jersey selected 16 agrivoltaic trial farms statewide, including some in Monmouth County. The trials will test crops grown beneath solar panels to learn whether fields can keep producing food while also generating power. (More)

365> Food safety alert: Over 330 pounds of Buckhead tuna in New Jersey and four other states were recalled after tests found elevated toxin levels. (More)

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365> The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, George Lucas’ spaceship-shaped storytelling museum, opened its doors to the public on Tuesday in Los Angeles. It features 30 art galleries, a sculpture garden, a free research library, two state-of-the-art theaters, and, of course, plenty of Star Wars and Indiana Jones artifacts. (See Photos)

365> Collingswood Book Festival takes over the Downtown in Camden County on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 am - 4 pm. The free festival features author talks, booksellers, poetry, workshops, storytellers, and children’s activities across more than six blocks. (More)

365> The Sound of Music Museum opened in the Austrian City of Salzburg where the story began. (More) Local lore has long said the "Trapp House" on McCampbell Road on the border of Holmdel and Middletown belonged to the same family from the movie, but it actually belonged to a civic-minded local family who shared the same last name. (More)

365> Three new commemorative coins from the U.S. Mint honor the country’s working dogs. (See Coins)

365> Kindness Happens Here is a newspaper dedicated to highlighting individuals in San Diego who are making a difference in their community. (More)

365> Culture Around the Corner brings a free, three-day festival of music, dance, food, and art to Long Branch Oct. 2-4. Performances, artisan vendors, and hands-on activities are part of the weekend. (More)

365> Asbury Park Zombie Walk returns Saturday, Oct. 3, for its 18th annual march on the boardwalk, inviting families, horror fans, and costumed walkers to a free spectacle. (More)

365> Matawan Day Fall Festival returns to Downtown on Saturday, Oct. 3, from noon-5 pm, bringing nearly 200 food vendors, crafts, businesses, live music, entertainment, inflatables, the Kidz Corral, a beer and wine garden, contests, and a signature live broadcast. (More)

365> Tinton Falls Community Day returns Saturday, Oct. 3, at Sycamore Recreation Complex. Kid-friendly activities, entertainment, food trucks, and a drone show. Commemorates the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. (More)

365> Classic Radio Road Show brings spooky stories, including Sleepy Hollow, to Two River Theater in Red Bank on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 3 pm. Actors, music, and sound effects recreate the experience of a vintage radio broadcast. Tickets are $15. (More)

365> Middletown Day 2026 returns to Croydon Hall School in Leonardo on Sunday, Oct. 4, 1-5 pm, followed by a live The Cliffs performance. Expect small-town pride, big fireworks, and someone else making dinner. (More)

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