🏖️ New Jersey History: On Nov. 5, 1951, the first section of the New Jersey Turnpike opened to traffic. Building the full original 118-mile highway took 25 months and cost $225 million. (More)

Thursday Thankfulness: “I am grateful for what I am & have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” —Henry David Thoreau

Election Results: A lot happened on Tuesday in Monmouth County as we exercised one of our most profoundly American rights. We’ve rounded up our local results town by town: (Results)

Today’s Must Read: Tiny solar-powered tracking devices are helping researchers follow monarch butterflies migrating from New Jersey to Mexico. Rio Grande-based Cellular Tracking Technologies developed the devices and Project Monarch app, which also lets the public follow the butterflies’ journeys. (More)

Top Story: SModcastle Film Festival returns to Atlantic Highlands Nov. 5-8. Among its selections are VIENNA: Suddenly an Angel and Hamilton House, which makes its New Jersey premiere at the festival. (See Full Story)

365> Colts Neck: A neighborhood association has sued Carm’s Farm, seeking to pause certain commercial attractions until permitting and parking concerns are addressed. The complaint targets activities including a zip line, exotic-animal exhibits, and special events. (More)

365> Monmouth County: Three local lifeguards will compete in an international lifeguard competition at the 2026 World Championships in South Africa from Nov. 29 to Dec. 7. Two of the three, Jackson Napolitano and Emily Sudol, represent Deal Beach and Sea Girt Beach. (More)

365> Hazlet: Jersey Freeze is bringing its soft serve to the Bayshore, with plans to open a new location on Route 35 by spring 2027. (More)

365> Avon-by-the-Sea will dedicate Veterans and Fallen Heroes Monument Park on the municipal building lawn Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 am. The ceremony will recognize veterans and fallen service members and introduce a new Vietnam Memorial alongside the existing World War I and World War II monuments. (More)

365> Belmar: Sail Belmar Community Sailing Center is the new name of Friends of Belmar Harbor, the nonprofit that has offered Shark River sailing programs since 1999. (More)

365> Hallmark’s weekend premieres air at 8 pm each night, beginning Friday, Nov. 6, with Merry Memories, starring Lindura and Brendan Morgan. Holiday Unplugged, starring Nikki DeLoach and Juan Pablo Di Pace, follows Saturday, Nov. 7. A Season of Promises, starring Brooke D’Orsay, Ali Liebert, and James Denton, premieres Sunday, Nov. 8. (More)

365> Great American Family premieres Karen Kingsbury’s The Christmas Ring on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 8 pm, starring Jana Kramer, Benjamin Hollingsworth, and Kelsey Grammer in a romance involving a missing family heirloom. Sunday, Nov. 8, brings An Ozark Mountain Christmas at 8 pm, starring Brianna Cohen and Jonathan Stoddard. (More)

365> The Christmas Switch stars real-life sisters Felice and Happy Jankell as two very different siblings who trade lives before Christmas and discover unexpected romances. The Swedish romantic comedy arrives on Netflix Thursday, Nov. 12, and is based on Eleonor Sager’s audiobook Christmas in St. Anna. (More)

365> In a Holidaze brings a Christmas time loop to Netflix on Wednesday, Dec. 2, starring Maddie Ziegler, Graham Phillips, Elias Kacavas, and Rob Lowe. After a romantic mistake, a young woman repeatedly relives Christmas at her family’s cabin as she tries to discover what will actually make her happy. (More)

365> The Fall Craft Show brings more than 40 vendors to Fort Monmouth Recreation Center in Tinton Falls on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 am - 2 pm. Admission and parking are free. (More)

365> Fall Art in the Garden brings local artists, artisans, and live music to Calgo Gardens in Howell on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 am - 4 pm. A suggested $3 entrance donation supports Special Strides, which provides programs involving horses and the natural environment for people with special needs. (More)

365> Land of Sweets Holiday Celebration comes to Company of Dance Arts’ Tinton Falls studios on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 2-4 pm. Children can take photos with Jersey Shore Santa and the Nutcracker, make crafts, and enjoy treats. Tickets are $25 per child, with advance registration encouraged, and proceeds support the company’s dance programs. (More)

365> Hazlet’s Holiday Craft Fair takes place at the James J. Cullen Center on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 11 am - 4 pm. Admission is free, with crafts, jewelry, home décor, vintage clothing, and food available to buy. (More)

365> Granny’s Attic Craft Show has tickets on sale for Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 am - 4 pm at Thompson Middle School in Middletown. More than 250 juried vendors offer handmade gifts and holiday goods. Admission is $6 plus fees online or $10 cash at the door, children under 5 enter free, and strollers are not permitted. (More)

365> Christmas with the King features Travis LeDoyt and a live band performing Elvis Presley’s holiday songs and hits at Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 3 pm. Children under 4 are not admitted. (More)