🏖️ New Jersey History: On Oct. 29, 2012, Sandy struck New Jersey, bringing devastating storm-surge flooding to the Shore. The storm made landfall near Brigantine as a post-tropical cyclone.

Thursday Thankfulness: "You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might pray also in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance." —Kahill Gibran

Today’s Must Read: A new law declares Dec. 18 as New Jersey History Day. Schools can mark the day with history projects, historic-site visits, guest speakers, and student exhibitions. (More)

Today’s Inspiration: McDonald’s shift manager Samantha Levenhar earned a business-administration degree while working full time, with the cost covered by McDonald’s and local owner Alana Marinello. The Old Bridge resident completed her coursework from home and graduated without student-loan debt. (More)

365> New Jersey has requested a federal major disaster declaration covering Monmouth, Atlantic, and Cape May counties after September’s nor’easter. Preliminary assessments validated $8.47 million in Monmouth County damage. (More)

365> Neptune: Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Dr. Shadi Yaghi and fellow researchers developed a web-based calculator to estimate a patient’s stroke risk within 30 days after surgery or a medical procedure. The tool uses existing medical records to help doctors identify high-risk patients and tailor care before surgery. (More)

365> Colts Neck: This year’s crowded Board of Education race includes nine candidates vying for three open seats in the upcoming Nov. 3 general election. (More)

365> Long Branch: The Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 honorees include Charles F. Shirley Jr., recipient of the Louis G. Libutti Community Service Award, and Antonia Gonzalez, recipient of the Humanitarian Award. Mar Belo’s Paulo Barateiro received the President’s Award, and Doggie Sweets owner Patty Dill received the People’s Choice Award. (More)

365> Asbury Park: The Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall on the boardwalk is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation and is on track to be completed by year’s end. Owned by Madison Marquette, the renovations are supported by $75 million in state tax credits. (See Photo)

365> Middletown: Cards for a Cause invites teens and young adults ages 13-18 to make thank-you cards for veterans at Middletown Township Public Library on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 3-5 pm. Drop in. (More)

365> Hallmark’s weekend premieres all air at 8 pm: Who’s Coming for Christmas?, starring Rhiannon Fish, Jake Foy, and Mila Morgan, on Friday, Oct. 30. Adopting St. Nick, starring Amy Groening and Michael Rady, follows Saturday, Oct. 31, with A Danish Christmas, starring Emilie Ullerup and Corey Sevier, on Sunday, Nov. 1. (More)

365> A Very Arctic Christmas premieres Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8 pm on Great American Family, starring Jill Wagner and Cameron Mathison. A father and daughter miss their cruise ship’s departure and turn to a wildlife conservationist for help navigating the Arctic wilderness. (More)

365> Stick returns to Apple TV on Wednesday, Nov. 4, with the first two episodes of its second season. Owen Wilson’s former golf pro, Pryce Cahill, attempts an unlikely comeback, with Rhea Seehorn joining the cast as his new coach and Marc Maron returning as his caddie. (More)

365> Mistletoe Murders returns for its third season Thursday, Nov. 5, at 8 pm on Hallmark Channel. Sarah Drew and Peter Mooney return as Christmas-shop owner Emily Lane and Detective Sam Wilner, whose investigations are complicated by her secret past and their growing connection. (More)

365> Guarding Stars brings Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki to Netflix on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Based on Katherine Center’s novel The Bodyguard, the holiday romantic comedy follows a bodyguard protecting an actor whose pretend Christmas romance with her becomes something real. (More)

365> Stir runs Oct. 31-Nov. 22 in Two River Theater’s Marion Huber Theater in Red Bank. The comedy follows siblings as they reconnect while preparing their mother’s black bean recipe. The first performance is Saturday, Oct. 31, at 7:30 pm. (More)

365> Monmouth Symphony Orchestra opens its season with “Destiny, Drama & Joy” at St. Rose of Lima Chapel in Freehold on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 3 pm. The ticketed program features Verdi’s La Forza del Destino overture, Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 2, and Brahms’s Symphony No. 2. (More)

365> Stamped Stories: A Century of Moments, Moods, & Memories opens Nov. 5 at Monmouth Arts’ ArtSpace in Red Bank, with original artwork commemorating the Basie Center’s 100-year history. A reception and auction take place Friday, Nov. 13, from 6-8 pm, with collection previews on selected dates beforehand. (More)

365> Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs Nov. 6-22 at Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Ocean Township’s Deal Park section. Previews are Nov. 6 at 7 pm and Nov. 7 at 2 pm, followed by opening night Nov. 7 at 7 pm. (More)

365> Motor City Revue performs Motown, Stax, rock, and soul at Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $59-$69, including the facility fee, with an additional credit-card convenience fee. (More)