🏖️ Monmouth County History: On Nov. 2, 2004, South Belmar voters approved changing their borough’s name to Lake Como. The new name became official on Jan. 4, 2005, ending more than 80 years as South Belmar. (More)

Monday Motivation: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today’s Must Read: Rumson Voters will decide a $13.6 million school-bond proposal on Tuesday, Nov. 3, to fund renovations, additions, and other improvements at Deane-Porter Elementary School and Forrestdale School. (More) A printing error omitted the school-bond question from the first batch of mail-in ballots. The borough advises affected voters to complete and submit the corrected replacement, even if they already returned the original. Only one ballot per voter will be counted. (More)

365> Red Bank: The Planning Board removed the Atlantic Club property from a proposed rehabilitation area while approving the designation for the surrounding tract, including the “mushroom house” and former Carpenters Union property. (More)

365> Tinton Falls: New Jersey American Water contractors will begin free, door-to-door water service line inspections this week to identify lead and galvanized steel pipes. (More)

365> Highlands: Frank Hall Park will be rededicated in honor of the borough’s former mayor on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 10 am. The borough invites residents to attend the Election Day ceremony. (More)

365> Shrewsbury Township and Middletown: More than $6 million in water upgrades are underway, including replacement water mains, customer service lines, and hydrants. Shrewsbury Township’s work is scheduled through June, while Middletown’s project is expected to finish the end of December. (More)

365> Neptune City: Laura Neitzel was appointed to the Borough Council seat vacated by Aaron Williams. A 25-year resident, Neitzel has served as volunteer chair of the borough’s community relations committee. (More)

365> Howell: The Township Council approved buying the Victory Road property with open-space funds, moving more than 19 acres toward preservation after years of debate over development. Monmouth County will provide 75% of the purchase price. (More)

365> Paris Baguette has soft-opened its Manalapan café, serving cakes, pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. Hours are 6 am - 9 pm daily. (More)

365> MilkShake Factory is now serving customers in Middletown. The first county location offers handspun milkshakes made with homemade ice cream and gourmet chocolates. (More)

365> Honeygrow opened on Friday at Freehold Marketplace. Its first Monmouth County restaurant will serve made-to-order salads, stir-fry, and honey-based desserts. (More)

365> Nothing Bundt Cakes is coming to Wall Township. The bakery will offer full-size cakes, individual Bundtlets, and miniature Bundtinis. An opening date has not been announced. (More)

365> Locale Pizzeria & Market has opened a second Little Silver location, offering counter-service pizza by the slice, sandwiches, fresh pasta, and an Italian market. (More)

365> Wendy’s on Rte. 35 in Aberdeen has rescheduled its reopening celebration for Saturday, Nov. 14, at 10:30 am. The first 100 customers in line, ages 16 and older, can receive one free sandwich, salad, or breakfast item each week for a year, with a purchase required. (More)

Call for more information: Cathy Padilla 732-272-5044. Click HERE to see rates

365> Pickleball Open Play continues at Fort Monmouth Recreation Center in Tinton Falls today, Nov. 2, from noon-2 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 9-11 am, and Wednesday, Nov. 4, from noon-2 pm. These ongoing doubles sessions are for ages 16 and older and cost $8 each. (More)

365> Volleyball Open Play continues at Fort Monmouth Recreation Center in Tinton Falls tonight, Nov. 2, from 6:30-8:30 pm. The ongoing program is for ages 18 and older, costs $8 per session, and accommodates up to 24 players. (More)

365> Take a Shot: Intro to Archery offers beginner instruction at Thompson Park’s Activity Barn in Lincroft on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 4:30-6:30 pm. The class is for ages 9-17, with equipment provided. Advance registration and a fee are required. (More)

365> Tween Game Night is hosted by Middletown Township Public Library for ages 9-12 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7 pm. Pokémon trading and card play follows Thursday, Nov. 12, at 6 pm for ages 5-9. Bring a deck for Pokémon. (More)

365> Bass Pro Shops has confirmed a Wednesday, Nov. 11, opening for its new Middlesex County store. Attractions include an 80,000-gallon aquarium, a ray touch pool, and underwater-themed bowling at The Flemish Cap restaurant. (More)