🏖️ Monmouth History: During the summer of 1956, the Loew’s Rte. 35 Drive-In theater first opened in Hazlet. New Jersey has a long history with drive-ins, with the first true drive-in theater having opened in 1933 in Camden. During the “Golden Age” of drive-ins (1950s–60s), there were over 4,000 theaters across the U.S. There are still approximately 325 drive-in theaters operating in the U.S.

Wednesday Wisdom: Not everything needs an immediate answer. Some things become clearer when we give ourselves time to think and feel.

365> Ocean Township: Local Historian Arthur Green will speak on the Revolutionary War Soldier on Thursday at 7 pm at the Township of Ocean Historical Museum. Green will share equipment and uniforms from his private collection. The event is free to the public, and light refreshments will be served. (More)

365> Long Branch: On Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Bucky James Community Center, there will be a Back-to-School Giveaway from 12-3 pm. Free haircuts and backpacks, music, games, and a bounce house. (More)

365> Holmdel: The township committee is offering free home radon test kits to residents, available at Town Hall on a first-come, first-served basis. The township is classified by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection as a Tier 1 area with high radon potential. (More)

365> Manasquan: This year’s Broadway Ray Match was the most successful in the fundraiser’s history, raising a record-breaking $76,684 for Algonquin Arts Theatre. (More)

365> West Long Branch: The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University will host a special screening of The Making of Sun City, followed by a conversation with musician, activist, and TeachRock Founder Stevie Van Zandt and Center Founding Executive Director Bob Santelli, at 7:30 pm on Sept. 1, at the Center’s Powell Soundstage. (More)

The Future Today: From the president of OpenAI to the CEO of Google, we talk to the actual people changing the world with AI. And then we put all of their insights, advice, and business ingenuity into our newsletter. Join 75K Readers →

As we continue to celebrate America’s 250th as a nation, here are long-established Monmouth County institutions that have become part of the fabric of our beautiful community.

365> St. John’s Episcopal Church in Little Silver will celebrate its 150th anniversary on Sept. 13 with a community party including food, music, games, and face painting. (More)

365> Sea Girt Lighthouse first went into service on December 10, 1896, making 2026 its 130th anniversary year. It is especially interesting because it was the last U.S. East Coast lighthouse built with the keeper’s residence incorporated into the structure, and later became the site of an early shore-based radio beacon. Tours are available through November. (More)

365> Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank is celebrating 100 years. The historic theater opened as Reade’s Carlton on Nov. 11, 1926. The Basie is in the middle of a 16-month centennial celebration, including a Walk of Fame, special programming, community projects, and anniversary events. (More)

365> The Osprey Nightclub in Manasquan opened its doors 80 years ago in 1946. Patrons often share stories of their parents and grandparents finding love at the iconic music venue. (More)

365> Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright celebrates 50 years in business. Opened in 1976 as a tiki shack, it became the unofficial gathering spot for RFH seniors and grads and has hosted countless reunion nights. (More)

365> JBJ Soul Kitchen opened in Red Bank in October 2011, celebrating 15 years in service. Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi’s community restaurant has allowed many to dine in dignity. (More)

365> SHO Asian Table, which opened its doors on Aug. 12, is offering cuisine inspired by China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Southeast Asia on West Front Street in Red Bank. A signature offering will be the SHO Duck Experience, a dry-aged roast duck feast available for two, four, or six guests. (More)

365> Starting Thursday, new versions of M&M's, Skittles, and Starburst candies made without artificial food dyes will be available to purchase on Amazon. (More)

365> Oreo is launching a chicken and waffles cookie as one of three limited-edition Oreos hitting stores this month. Fans will be asked to decide which flavor gets to return. (More)

365> Ice cream can be traced back to a frozen milk dish from the 7th century. Learn its history as we celebrate the last weeks of summer. (See Video)

365> Domino’s launched a new Detroit-style pizza, The Domino, that is shaped like the company’s logo. (More)

If you are showing an out-of-town guest the best of our coastal area, where do you take them first?
Boardwalks and convention halls: 46%
Downtown shopping: 41%
A quiet walk along a local inlet or riverfront: 7%
A historic lighthouse tour: 6%

For investors with $1M+ in retirement accounts, the tax code allows specific strategies that can reduce your tax exposure once RMDs begin—but only if used before then. 

The window is open for anyone within ten years of 73. A fiduciary advisor can review which may apply, at no cost.

Get Matched Today

Know someone who loves Monmouth County? Forward this email and invite them to subscribe. Here’s how to partner with us. Here’s previous editions.

Have information you’d like us to add to an upcoming edition? You can always email us at: [email protected]. See ya out there - Monmouth365 Crew