On this day in 1980, actress Melissa Rauch was born in Marlboro Township. Rauch is best known for her role as Bernadette on The Big Bang Theory and Judge Abby Stone in the NBC revival of Night Court.

Today’s edition has me craving a sub Mike’s Way and wondering how soon I can get over to Highlands to see the tall ships in Sandy Hook Bay. Cooler temps and rain continues throughout the county today, but better days are coming. See ya out there!

On Sunday, June 28, America’s Big Birthday Parade: Red, White & You! is taking place in Middletown on the anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth, fought June 28, 1778.

The parade will feature marching bands, patriotic displays, community organizations, decorated floats, veterans groups, and special guests in a show of American pride and the county’s contribution to the Revolutionary War. You can see the parade route here.

The celebration will continue after the parade ends at Mater Dei Park, with a free Family Festival featuring live entertainment, rides and attractions, food trucks, interactive exhibits, historical displays, and activities for all ages.

Jersey Mike’s knocked Chick-fil-A out of the top spot in a major customer satisfaction survey. Headquartered at Bell Works Fort Monmouth in Tinton Falls, the fast food brand began in 1956.

The sub chain scored 84 in the American Customer Satisfaction Index quick-service rankings, just ahead of Chick-fil-A’s 83. It marks the first time in more than a decade that a new chain has led the category.

Jersey Mike’s was recognized for “freshness, food variety, and value.” The report added that the brand’s menu is “fairly narrow” and said it has a model that works well for franchisees

365> Marlboro: Mayor Jon Hornik announced that a new park is expected to open this August on 16 acres of land on Tennent Road, formerly known as the Smith Farm. In 2024, the township secured $387,000 in grant funding to support the design and development of the site. (See Details)

365> Middletown & Atlantic Highlands: Residents have raised concerns over a trio of 40-foot-tall LED billboards proposed along Route 36 near Atlantic Highlands and along Newman Springs Road. (See Details)

365> Eatontown: The Tigger Stavola Foundation announced that funds raised at its third annual Spring Fling Ladies Luncheon will bring drug prevention programming to 21,300 more students in New Jersey. (More)

365> Aberdeen: Avery Garr was presented with the Energizing Young Voters Schmiedel Family Foundation Founders Award for Outstanding Leadership in Civic Engagement at The League of Women Voters of Monmouth County Annual Meeting held June 15. (More)

365> Englishtown: A councilman and a Bridgewater man were arrested Friday following an organized crime investigation into alleged extortion and illegal lending activities. (More)

365> Long Branch: The city is hosting a FIFA World Cup watch party on Wednesday, June 24, at 6 pm at the Broadway Band Shell to watch Scotland take on Brazil. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. No alcohol allowed. (More)

365> Highlands: The 15th Annual Taste of Highlands will take place Saturday, June 27, from 12-5 pm, rain or shine. The event allows guests to sample food and cocktails from 20 participating establishments along the waterfront. (More)

365> Atlantic Highlands: The 30th annual Fireman’s Fair begins on June 30 and runs through July 4 at the Municipal Harbor. (More)

365> Colts Neck: The Brewed in Monmouth Taste of the Tee series will continue with two Friday events at Hominy Hill Golf Course this summer, each featuring a different local brewery and dinner theme. An option to play nine holes of golf is offered with each session. The two dates are July 24 and August 28. (See Details)

365> As part of Sail4th 250, the official maritime celebration of America's 250th anniversary, more than 50 international tall ships representing more than 30 nations, are expected to gather in the Port of New York and New Jersey between July 3 and July 8. Some of the ships have arrived and are visible along the scenic waterfront of Sandy Hook Bay in Highlands. (More)

365> Firefighters rescued a dog hiding in the bedroom of a smoke-filled house in Lincroft, leading the pet to safety and reuniting the animal with its family. (More)

365> Starting today, McDonald's is bringing back a dessert that nostalgic customers have been asking to see again for decades, its fried apple pie. The treat will return to some county locations for a limited time as part of celebrations surrounding America's 250th birthday. (More)

Would you like to see spiked ice cream in our county?

Yes: 72%
No: 28%
Don’t care: 0%