🏖️ Monmouth History: An organ with more than 13,000 Pipes. Ocean Grove’s Great Auditorium organ began with an instrument dedicated before more than 8,000 people in 1908. After several expansions and rebuilding projects, it now contains 207 ranks, five keyboards, and more than 13,000 pipes.

Wednesday Wisdom: “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow.” —Mary Anne Radmacher

Read about the Drone Ranger and “Evil Larry” in today’s new section called Fur, Feathers & Fins, then plan your Oktoberfest celebrations as our crew shares local events and restaurants offering specials.

OUR CREW’s PICK OF THE WEEK> Mia LeberKnight (performing as Mia Knight) crushed her Blind Audition on the Season 30 premiere of NBC's The Voice! The 16-year-old singer-songwriter from Holmdel stunned the coaches with her rendition of You Stole the Show. Her flawless performance triggered a three-chair turn, earning immediate button-pushes from Queen Latifah, Riley Green, and Kelly Clarkson. (Watch)

365> Kevin Hart and Henry Cavill filmed scenes for an upcoming Netflix spy movie on Red Bank’s Broadwalk Sept. 14–15, following the storefront preparations reported earlier. The actors play rival spies who meet at a Lamaze class. (More)

365> Who do you consider the most famous person from Monmouth County? A New Jersey radio station made a list of the most famous celebrities from each of the state’s 21 counties. (See List)

365> Jersey Shore: Purple meanies jellyfish, also known as the mauve stinger, are causing people pain up and down the New Jersey coast. (More)

365> Care Bears, Tickle Me Elmo, and bingo are among 12 finalists for the National Toy Hall of Fame’s class of 2026, alongside favorites including Yahtzee, Bop It!, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Three inductees will be announced in November. (More)

365> “Glow-up,” “kiki,” and “padawan” are among 5,900 new words added to Dictionary.com. The additions include terms for a positive personal transformation, a gathering of friends to catch up on gossip, and a novice learning from someone more experienced, respectively. (See List)

In a 12-week trial, 95% felt more energy, 85% better digestion, 80% better sleep and 75% sharper focus. NSF Certified for Sport and recommended by 300+ clinicians. Discover IM8 Today

365> Eighth graders interested in the county’s six career academies must attend an information session for the school to which they apply. Sessions begin Oct. 1 at the Academy of Allied Health & Science in Neptune; advance registration is required, and students may explore multiple schools but apply to only one academy. (More)

365> Trinity Hall, an all-girls high school in Tinton Falls, will host its first Open House of the season on Saturday, October 3, 9 am - 11 am. Learn about its academic curriculum, arts and athletics offerings, financial aid program, and how it empowers young women to lead and succeed. (Register)

365> Asbury Park High School will honor its 100th anniversary at a community-wide celebration on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 11 am. The oldest high school in the Shore area still in operation, it was built when Calvin Coolidge was in the White House and bread was nine cents a loaf. (More)

365> Monmouth University students have launched From the Ground Up, a podcast exploring real estate topics including affordable housing, property renovations, and tax exchanges. Real Estate Club members interview industry professionals, while communication students handle audio and video production at the West Long Branch campus. (More)

365> Brookdale Community College and Long Branch Public Library have partnered to bring college instruction into the library. The agreement runs through June 10 and provides classroom space at no cost to Brookdale. Course schedules and registration information will be announced separately. (More)

The International Quant Championship (IQC) is one of the world's largest quantitative research competitions. Participants take on research challenges, test ideas and compete alongside aspiring researchers from around the globe. Explore where quantitative thinking can take you. Learn more.

365> He’s known as the Drone Ranger. Michael Parziale, the owner of Riverside Cafe in Manasquan, founded a nonprofit drone team that has located 122 lost animals across New Jersey. (More)

365> Social media sensation “Evil Larry,” a Holmdel black cat whose real name is Dexter and has 3.3 million followers, is now the star of a mobile video game, Evil Larry Escape, which will be released tomorrow, Sept. 24. (See the Photo that Started it All)

365> Vote in the World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest through Sept. 28. (See Pups)

365> NJ Fish and Wildlife is asking residents statewide to report migratory bat sightings, especially silver-haired and northern hoary bats, aiding tracking with BlūBat+ transmitters. (More)

365> Team Car Wash's employee of the month jumped into action at the Marlboro location to save a CAT-astrophe. (See Video)

365> A new four-legged family member could be waiting at Associated Humane Societies in Tinton Falls, where prospective adopters can browse available pets and submit an application online. The shelter provides vaccinations, spay/neuter services, and microchipping as part of its adoption process. (More)

Prost! Munich’s famed Oktoberfest has begun, marking the 191st iteration of the fall festival. Monmouth County celebrates in style, and our crew has you covered with upcoming events. You can dress the part in traditional Bavarian clothing, such as dirndl dresses and lederhosen. See how seamstresses are working to put a modern twist on the classic outfits. (Video)

365> Brews & Brats Oktoberfest takes place at Twin Lights Brewing, Tinton Falls, on Friday, Oct. 2, from 6–9 pm. The free event features German music by Eric Kerseen, a stein-holding competition, and giveaways, with Fou de Frites serving bratwurst, Oktoberfest kettle chips, soft pretzels with beer cheese, and stroopwafels. (More)

365> Highlands’ 25th annual Oktoberfest takes place at Veterans Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from noon–7 pm. The family-friendly festival features German food from Bahrs Landing, Oktoberfest beers, live music, craft vendors, and best-dressed and stein-holding contests. Admission and parking are free; the rain date is Sunday, Oct. 4. (More)

365> Downtown Freehold Oktoberfest fills West Main Street on Sunday, Oct. 4, from noon–5 pm, with a beer garden featuring Twin Lights Brewing, Birdsmouth Beer, and Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery. Live music includes the Swedish Meatballs, La Stella Brothers, and The Discoteks, alongside food, craft vendors, games, a stein-holding competition, and traditional-outfit contests for adults and children. (More)

365> Red Bank Oktoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 10, from 1-5 pm at Edmund Wilson Plaza, with food, live music, a makers market, strength contests, and a kids zone. Admission is free; beer, wine, and spirits sampling for ages 21 and older costs $45 for unlimited samples or $25 for 12 samples when purchased before Oct. 10, with each package increasing by $15 that day. The rain date is Oct. 17. (More)

365> Pause to Thrive’s Oktoberfest takes place at Bakes Brewing in Wall on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 6–9 pm. The fundraiser supports the organization’s work with the military and features craft beer, food, and live music. Tickets are $75. (More)

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