MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2026
Good Morning, Monmouth County! ☀️
🏖️ New Jersey History: On Oct. 19, 1943, Rutgers graduate student Albert Schatz discovered streptomycin while working in Selman Waksman’s laboratory. The antibiotic became a breakthrough treatment for tuberculosis, but the 1952 Nobel Prize went to Waksman alone.
Monday Motivation: “It’s fun to be on the edge. I think you do your best work when you take chances, when you’re not safe, when you’re not in the middle of the road.”— Danny DeVito
Today’s Must Read: Kevin Smith is offering aspiring actors a chance at up to two roles in his next film through a Decentralized Pictures casting contest. No professional acting experience is required, and selected performers’ travel expenses will be covered. Audition submissions are due Nov. 15. (More)
Scroll down for today’s Only in Monmouth Picture and Trivia!

365> Holmdel: The high school’s girls tennis team captured its fifth consecutive NJSIAA Group II state championship. (More)
365> Oceanport: East Gate homeowners at Fort Monmouth face estimated electrical connection costs of $15,000-$20,000 per unit as the development switches from the former Army grid to JCP&L’s system. The homeowners’ association has received contractor bids totaling roughly $700,000-$830,000 and is seeking help with the expense. (More)
365> Hazlet: Overnight paving will close Bethany Road to through traffic between Route 35 and Cresci Boulevard today, Oct. 19, through Monday, Oct. 26, weather permitting. Work is scheduled from 7 pm - 6 am, with marked detours and daytime access restored. (More)
365> Jersey Shore: Gov. Mikie Sherrill requested emergency federal funding for Army Corps beach projects from Sandy Hook to Cape May following September’s nor’easter. The request seeks help repairing damaged beaches and dunes, but funding has not been awarded. (More)
365> Red Bank: A developer will revise plans for a two-story industrial and office building on Park Place after Planning Board members raised concerns about parking and traffic. (More)
365> Holmdel: Officers Emily Walsh and Joseph Martelli were sworn into the Police Department and assigned to its Patrol Division. Walsh’s late uncle, Cpl. William Cusik, served with the department for 25 years. Both officers are completing field training. (More)

365> New Jersey Restaurant Week runs through Thursday, Oct. 22, with participating restaurants across the state. The statewide promotion is organized by the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association. (More)
365> Toys R Us opened at Jersey Shore Premium Outlets in Tinton Falls. The store is part of the brand’s expansion with Go! Retail Group, which operates the location. (More)
365> Lili opened on the oceanfront in Asbury Park with a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring seafood, pasta, and pizza. (More)
365> Fratello’s in Sea Girt served its final meals Oct. 14 after 20 years under owner Chris DeCresce. A new owner plans to rehabilitate the restaurant and the neighboring building, but the next restaurant’s name, concept, and opening date have not been announced. (More)
365> Shore-I-Can opened a tutoring center in Bradley Beach, offering one-on-one help with reading, math, structured literacy, and student advocacy. The business also provides mobile tutoring. (More)

365> Romance Readers Book Club discusses Christy Schillig’s Italy-set novel Wish You Weren’t Here at Asbury Book Cooperative in Asbury Park today, Oct. 19, from 7-8:30 pm. (More)
365> Short Story Salon at Crazy Story Books in Red Bank explores Camille Bordas’ One Sun Only on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 6-7:30 pm. Bookseller and teacher Cara Horner leads the reading and discussion. Registration includes a copy of the book. (Register)
365> Red Bank Public Library’s ongoing book club meets on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 6:45-7:45 pm in the West Room. Pick up the month’s selection at the circulation desk. Registration is not required. (More)
365> Literary Trivia Night at Crazy Story Books in Red Bank takes place Friday, Oct. 23, from 7-8 pm, with questions about books, authors, characters, and adaptations, plus Halloween surprises. Costumes are encouraged. Paid registration includes drinks and snacks. (Register)
365> Kurt Vonnegut’s Player Piano is the starting point for a conversation about artificial intelligence and the future at Asbury Book Cooperative on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 5-6:30 pm. The discussion is open to everyone, with a free RSVP available. (Register)

Enter Your Best Guess HERE to be entered to win dinner at this month’s Restaurant of the Month!
Friday’s Only in Monmouth: Before becoming 26 West on the Navesink, the building at 26 West Front Street was a long-time staple of Red Bank's nightlife and dining. It previously housed several well-known establishments.





