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Hey Monmouth County, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Solar-powered bus stop signs, Insomnia Cookies expansion, and a prom and special occasion giveaway + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Monmouth County protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Data-driven pilot improves commutes: NJ Transit is testing solar-powered bus stop signs that show real-time arrivals in Hoboken and in Monmouth County’s Manalapan and Howell, with brighter nighttime visibility and other rider-friendly features — see how the pilot works.

Cookie chain widens footprint: Late-night favorite Insomnia Cookies will open in Red Bank, plus Westfield, Jersey City, and Montclair, bringing warm cookies, brownies, and ice cream with tracked delivery in 20 to 35 minutes — check out the new locations.

A fresh spring reset: Playa Bowls is turning March green with Matcha Mania at local shops, featuring matcha bowls and smoothies, with 200 bonus Playa Rewards points starting tomorrow, March 10, through March 14 — check out the full lineup.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Highlights this week:

• Chat with author Beth Heller Gelles
• Celebrate spring with RB Express classics
• Find treasures at Christ Church rummage sale

🫶 We got your back

Old-school deli magic: Frank’s Deli & Restaurant brings counter-stool comfort and overstuffed subs, from turkey and provolone to roast beef to the classic pork roll, egg & cheese. When the week drags, their no-frills goodness is an Asbury Park reset.

Weekend reset, sorted: Trails that actually feel like escapes, a peaceful pond loop, and a quick detour to Historic Longstreet Farm… Holmdel Park delivers hometown calm without trying. Coffee pairs well with an arboretum stroll, and those easy steps handle the stress reset so your week can breathe.

Small-town toy joy: Toy Utopia in Red Bank is a family-owned trove of imaginative and educational finds, from classic toys, building sets, and puzzles to sensory picks and plush, curated by folks who truly know fun. When birthdays sneak up or boredom strikes, this shop makes smiles easy.

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

📆 Free events worth checking out

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎲 Every Tuesday D&D @ Olde Village Pub and Liquors (Middletown) | Tuesday (3/10) at 7:00 PM – Whether you’ve been taping shows since parking-lot days, or just want tacos, Tie-Dye Taco Tuesdays bring Mark Diomede, Dan Donovan, and weekly guests to Olde Village Pub. Grateful Dead jams, surprise sit-ins, local vendors, food and drink specials, and yes, no cover, every Tuesday.

💇 Free Blowouts: 5-Year Anniversary @ Hair Do Or Dye Studio (Farmingdale) | Friday (3/13) at 10:00 AM – This five-year glow-up comes with free blowouts for new clients, and for loyal regulars, 20% off any service or a free blowout with color. Treat your hair to round-brush therapy, then act like you always wake up like this. Call to snag a spot.

👗 Prom & Special Occasion Giveaway @ Lunch Break (Red Bank) | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – If you’ve got prom, a wedding, or any big to-do on the calendar, skip the mall meltdown and swing by Tower Hill Church in Red Bank for a free outfit upgrade. It’s open to everyone, students and the general public, just register by March 7.

🎶 Be5D @ Olde Village Pub | Saturday (3/14) at 8:00 PM – Be5D returns to Olde Village Pub for two sets of Grateful Dead, plus a few curveballs for the faithful. Expect singalongs, long jams, and that sweet spot between dancing and protecting your knees, all with no cover, cold pints, and familiar faces.

🏊 Masters Swim: Sunday Workout @ Asbury Park Boys & Girls Club | Sunday (3/15) at 7:30 AM – Think you’re more dolphin than dog paddle? Sunday Masters Swim at the Asbury Park Boys & Girls Club slots you with your pace people, from brisk to “I remember butterfly.” Free for members, $20 for guests, and big endorphins to go.

🍀 Leprechaun Storytime @ Middletown Township Public Library | Tuesday (3/17) at 10:00 AM – Head to Middletown Library for St. Patrick’s Day storytime, with crafts, giggles, and photos with the resident little trickster. All ages welcome, registration required, so bring the kids, grandkids, or your inner child, and snag a spot before the luck runs out.

🥚 Spring Eggstravaganza @ Middletown Arts Center | Saturday (3/28) at 10:00 AM – Spring EGGstravaganza is popping up at Middletown Arts Center with crafts, a bounce house, a petting zoo, pony rides, and Bunny photo ops. Indoors and out, free for residents, with mini pancakes and ice cream for purchase. No egg hunt, so your elbows can rest.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Monmouth County report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 70°F – Low: 46°F – Precip: 2%

Areas of fog before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 46. South wind 0 to 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 68°F – Low: 50°F – Precip: 19%

Patchy fog before 8am, then a slight chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. South wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain showers before 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance? 🚗

Premiums have been climbing across New Jersey but most folks won’t notice until they’re hit with a higher bill when it’s time to renew.

That’s exactly what happened to me. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, it was out of sight and out of mind. Turns out I was blindly paying way more than everyone else I knew.

If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too – here’s the comparison tool I used.

This house is wild

Newly built 8,100 sq ft on 1.5 acres overlooking Rumson Country Club, this 3-level stunner has 6 beds, 6.5 baths and a first-floor guest suite. The chef’s kitchen pairs Brookhaven cabinetry with Sub-Zero, Wolf and dual Bosch dishwashers. A coffered great room flows to a bluestone veranda, grill, firepit, saltwater pool and spa. Designer lighting pairs with smart tech throughout.

Take a peek inside →