A week of fall fun awaits for Ocean County seniors

👋Welcome back to this week’s Ocean Senior Scoop! From mums and farm markets to spooky treats and travel dreams, your week in Ocean County starts right here.

🌼 Fall Porch Magic: Mum Tips
🥕 Farmers Market Finds
🎃 This Week’s Happenings
🏥 Health News
📚 Beyond the Books
👩‍👧‍👦 Take the Grandkids
🍭 Ghoul-Approved Goodies
🍎 Still time to pick apples
⚓ Travel: Queen Elizabeth Sets Sail
📺 TV Time + Retro Picks
🎄 One Last Thing: Morven’s Holiday Magic

Up first…

🍂Fall’s too pretty to stay indoors! Nothing says autumn in New Jersey like stepping outside to a porch bursting with mums! Here’s how to turn your front stoop into a fall showstopper.

🌸 Mix Your Colors: Go beyond the basics! Pair classic gold and burgundy with pops of purple, orange, or creamy white for that rich, layered fall look.

🪴 Think in Layers: Use crates, baskets, and steps to create height and depth. Tuck smaller pots between pumpkins or along railings for a lush, full display.

☀️ Give Them Sun: Mums love sunlight — at least 4–6 hours a day keeps those blooms bright and happy.

💧 Water Smart: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Check daily — mums in pots dry out fast in cool, breezy weather.

🍂 Add Texture: Surround mums with cornstalks, hay bales, and pumpkins for that perfect harvest scene.

🌿 Keep It Fresh: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new ones and extend their show well into November.

🎃 Tip: Combine bronze mums with white pumpkins for a timeless, elegant porch — perfect for those golden Jersey sunsets.

Fall’s still in full swing — and that means cozy sweaters, apple cider, and farm-fresh finds at your favorite local markets! 🍎🌽 Here’s where to shop small, stock up, and savor the season this week:

Thursday, Oct. 24 | 9 AM – 12 PM
📍 The Union Market & Gallery, 120 W. Main St., Tuckerton
Kick off your morning at this charming market featuring fresh Jersey produce, baked goods, local honey, and artisan favorites. Grab a latte inside the Union Market and browse their gallery while you’re there — it’s the perfect small-town Thursday ritual.

Wednesdays, Oct. 29 – Nov. 19 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Brielle Public Library, 610 South St., Brielle
A cozy community market offering organic produce, breads, herbs, and more. The perfect stop for those who love their veggies and their neighborly chats. 🌻

Get ready to peel out — the Banana Ball World Tour is swinging into ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood next summer! 🎉

🗓 Mark your calendars:
Thursday, June 11 – Saturday, June 13, 2026

This high-energy, nonstop baseball circus brings the Party Animals face-to-face with the brand-new Loco Beach Coconuts, making their debut on the 2026 world tour.

Banana Ball isn’t your grandpa’s baseball — unless your grandpa is really into flaming bats, dance breaks, and players wearing kilts. 🤩 With 11 wacky rules (including the fan-favorite one where if you catch a foul ball, it counts as an out!), this is baseball turned up to eleven.

🎟️ How to get tickets:
You can’t just buy them — you’ve gotta win the lottery!
Head to bananaball.com and register for the Ticket Lottery before October 31.
Names are drawn at random, and lucky fans will get first dibs on tickets after verification.

🔥 VIP Tip:
Book a 2026 BlueClaws Group Outing, Hospitality Package, or Ticket Plan by October 31 to jump to the priority list for Banana Ball Hospitality options — including party decks, luxury suites, and even private fire pits. 🔥

Links to the latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

When a Hearing Aid Isn’t Enough: More older adults have turned to cochlear implants after Medicare expanded eligibility for the devices. The New York Times, Oct. 18.

Prescription Drug Coverage Options Are Shrinking for Medicare Shoppers: Fewer choices may be on the menu again as Medicare patients shop for prescription coverage this fall. Associated Press, Oct. 11.

Pickleball Eye Injuries Surge In U.S.: The surging popularity of pickleball has brought with it a concerning increase in eye injuries among players - especially older players. HealthDay News, Oct. 17.

You Retired and Stopped Commuting. How Do You Lower Car Insurance Costs? Retiring usually means cutting out that daily commute, which could make you less risky to insure. Does that mean your premium will drop? Kiplinger, Oct. 18.

Retirement Road Trips with Pets: Tips for Traveling with Your Dog or Cat: Hitting the road for a retirement adventure with your pet? Check out these tips to keep your furry friend happy and safe on the journey! Kiplinger, Oct. 13.

🎶 Frankie Valli Tribute – Algonquin Theatre
📅 Saturday, Oct. 25 | 2–4 PM
📍 Algonquin Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees Dr., Manasquan

Get ready to “Walk Like a Man” down memory lane! 🎤 Let’s Hang On, America’s #1 Frankie Valli tribute, brings the timeless hits of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons to life with dazzling harmonies, sharp choreography, and all your favorites — from “Sherry” to “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”

🎭 A must-see for fans of classic Jersey sound and feel-good nostalgia!

👉 Info & Tickets: Visit the Algonquin Theatre website

What’s Happening This Week at Your Ocean County Libraries

There’s always something happening — from yarn circles and ukulele jams to art therapy and afternoon tea. Here’s your week at a glance 👇

Hooked on Yarn: Knitting & Crocheting Group
🕑 2–4 PM | Manchester Branch
Bring your yarn, needles, and good company! Work on projects and meet other fiber-art fans.

☕ Toms River Friends Celebration: Book Bingo & Afternoon Tea
🕑 2–4 PM | Toms River Branch
Celebrate National Friends of the Library Week with tea, treats, and a little friendly competition.

🎨 Mindful Art Club for Adults
🕝 2:30–4:30 PM | Stafford Branch
Ease stress with music, art, and creative expression. Supplies provided or BYO brushes!

Friends of the Waretown Library Book Sale
🕧 12:30–3 PM | Waretown Branch
Stock up on gently loved reads while supporting your local library.

🀄 Mah Jongg Meetup
🕧 12:30–4 PM | Stafford Branch
Join in for friendly games and lively conversation. Bring your card and tiles if you have them!

EWE Knit & Crochet
🕙 10 AM–12 PM | Barnegat Branch
A welcoming stitch-and-chat circle for knitters and crocheters of all levels.

💀 El Día de los Muertos: The Customs & History of the Day of the Dead
🕚 11 AM–1 PM | Stafford Branch
Learn about this beautiful Mexican tradition with hot chocolate and pan de muertos. Registration required.

Ask a Master Gardener – Diagnostic Clinics
🕙 10 AM–12 PM | Stafford Branch
Plant problems? Bring photos or samples for expert advice from Rutgers Master Gardeners.

🪴 The Dirt on Houseplants (Rescheduled)
🕥 10:30–11:30 AM | Stafford Branch
Get tips on keeping your indoor greenery lush and happy with Dr. S. Ann Earon.

🧶 Knitting & Crocheting at the Beach
🕐 1–3 PM | Point Pleasant Beach Branch
Stitch seaside style! Relax, craft, and chat with fellow yarn lovers.

Tech Help Tuesday
🕥 10:30 AM–12:30 PM | Waretown Branch
Need help with your phone, tablet, or eBooks? One-on-one support — call to reserve a spot.

💞 The Recharge – Caregiver Support Group
🕚 11 AM–12:30 PM | Toms River Branch
Take a breather and connect with other caregivers. Light refreshments provided.

🎨 Creative Social Connections for Seniors
🕛 12–2 PM | Stafford Branch
Craft, color, and connect — lunch included! Registration required.

🩸 American Red Cross Blood Drive
🕐 1–6 PM | Long Beach Island Branch
Do good and donate! Walk-ins welcome or register at redcrossblood.org.

🎸 Meet the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music
🕑 2–3 PM | Lacey Branch
Get an inside look at the Boss’s new archives at Monmouth University with curator Melissa Ziobro.

✍️ Writers’ Group
🕕 6:30–8 PM | Brick Branch
Share your stories, swap feedback, and find your writing tribe.

🎶 Vinyl Record Nights
🕕 6:30–8 PM | Toms River Atrium
Spin some classics and unwind under the stars of the library atrium.

🧓 Medicare Enrollment Help
🕤 9:30 AM–2 PM | Jackson Branch
Get free, one-on-one help reviewing your 2026 options with trained SHIP counselors.

🧶 Beginner Knitting Class
🕑 2–3:30 PM | Toms River Branch
Learn the basics with instructor Gail Michelini — yarn and needles provided!

🪡 Cross Stitch Club
🕕 6–7 PM | Lakewood Branch
Join fellow stitchers for a cozy evening of creativity. Materials available or bring your own.

🎵 Uke Can Do It: Ukulele for Seniors
🕡 6:30–7:30 PM | Lacey Branch
Learn to strum and sing along — no experience needed! Registration required.

✨ For full details, registration links, and even more programs, visit the Ocean County Library website.

Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 6 PM, 7 PM or 8 PM | Drum Point Sports Complex, Brick
Get those costumes ready — it’s time for Brick Township’s annual Trunk or Treat! 🚗🍬 Kids can collect candy from festively decorated cars, explore a haunted walkthrough, and enter the costume contest — all while showing off their Halloween spirit under the autumn sky.

👻 Bonus: Want to decorate a car and hand out treats? You can!
📞 Info: 732-262-1075 | ☔ Rain date: Oct. 24

Thursday, Oct. 30 | 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Town Hall, 95 W. Veterans Hwy, Jackson

Jackson Township is rolling out a spooktacular night of family fun! 👻
🍬 Town Hall Trick-or-Treating (3:30–4:30)
🎃 Pumpkin Patch & Painting (4:30–6:00)
🫧 Bubble Witch Show (6:00–7:00)
🚜 Hayrides | 🎧 DJ J Pro | 🏆 Costume Contest
🚒 Plus — say hi to Jackson’s Fire, Police & DPW crews!

📞 Info: 732-928-1200 ext. 1255

Duck Donuts has brought back its fan-favorite Spooky Dozen — a limited-time lineup of Halloween-themed treats guaranteed to make your sweet tooth scream with joy! 👻

Here’s what’s in the hauntingly delicious mix:
🍫 Dirt & Worms: Chocolate icing with OREO® cookie pieces and a gummy worm on top
🎃 Halloween Haunting: Vanilla icing with Halloween sprinkles and buttercream
🧛 Werewolf: Maple icing with chopped bacon and raspberry drizzle
⚰️ Graveyard: Vanilla icing with OREO® cookie pieces and marshmallow drizzle

Available through Nov. 2, these frightfully fun donuts are perfect for parties or a visit with the grandkids. 🕸️ Grab a dozen before they vanish into the night!

Nothing says “fall in Freehold” like a crisp apple, a warm donut, and a hayride through the orchard! 🍂 This Saturday, Oct. 25 & Sunday, Oct. 26 (9 AM – 4 PM), head to Battleview Orchards for a classic pick-your-own weekend featuring Stayman Winesap, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Empire, Fuji, Cortland, Rome Beauty, and Jonathan apples — plus pumpkins by the patch! 🎃

💵 Apples: $1.89/lb; Pumpkins: $0.79/lb
🧺 Hayrides 9 AM–3 PM ($4 per person)
☕ Cider Shack 9 AM–5 PM
🍩 Hot Donut Window 9 AM–4 PM
(Note: Orchard is cash only — and sorry, no pets or therapy animals.)

And after a day in the orchard… 🥧 why not turn those apples into a pie straight from the Battleview family recipe box?

You’ll need:

Directions:

✨ Serve warm with vanilla ice cream — and a side of cider, of course!

📍 Battleview Orchards is located at 91 Wemrock Rd., Freehold

The legendary Queen Elizabeth has officially arrived in Miami — and she’s kicking off her first-ever full Caribbean season! 🌴

From October 2025 through April 2026, guests can sail on 9- to 21-night voyages through the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with rates starting at $1,078 per person for an ocean-view stateroom (based on double occupancy).

✨ Dazzling Caribbean Voyages

🌊 Summer 2026 in Alaska
Once her Caribbean season wraps up, Queen Elizabeth will journey north — repositioning to Seattle in May 2026 for her second and final Alaska season. Guests will sail through breathtaking destinations like Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria, B.C., enhanced by Cunard’s partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and its fascinating “Locals Onboard” speaker series.

💫 Whether you crave tropical warmth or glacial wonder, Cunard’s refined luxury and timeless charm promise a voyage like no other. For details or booking, visit cunard.com

🍂 Halloween’s creeping closer, and there’s no shortage of thrills, chills, and a few feel-good escapes on the small screen. Here’s what’s new.

💥 A House of Dynamite (Netflix | Oct 24)
Director Kathryn Bigelow returns with a pulse-pounding, minute-by-minute nuclear-crisis thriller. As a mystery missile barrels toward Chicago, the White House scrambles from three gripping perspectives — with Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Anthony Ramos and Tracy Letts.

❤️ Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost (Apple TV+ | Oct 24)
Ben Stiller lovingly honors his legendary parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, in this family-made documentary packed with rare home footage and heart.

🏝 Eden (Prime Video | Oct 22)
Ron Howard’s true-story drama follows 1920s dreamers chasing utopia on a remote Galápagos island — with Jude Law, Ana de Armas and Sydney Sweeney. Spoiler: paradise isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

🧠 Harlan Coben’s Lazarus (Prime Video | Oct 22)
Sam Claflin stars as a forensic psychiatrist unearthing dark family secrets and cold cases in this twisty new mystery.

💞 Nobody Wants This (Netflix | Oct 23)
Season 2 of the charming rom-com starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody returns. Can love survive religious differences and real-life chaos? We’re rooting for Team Joah!

🧙‍♀️ Anne Rice’s Talamasca: The Secret Order (AMC+ | Oct 26)
The Immortal Universe expands with a new series about a secret society that tracks witches and vampires — cameos from Interview with the Vampire included.

🤡 It — Welcome to Derry (HBO Max | Oct 26)
The creepy prequel to Stephen King’s It dives into Derry’s dark past (1962). Bill Skarsgård is back as Pennywise — so keep the lights on.

If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic scare (or a cozy laugh between candy-handouts), here are a few timeless treats to stream this week:

🍬 Hocus Pocus (Disney+) — The Sanderson sisters never get old! A Salem staple for cackles and candy corn.
💀 Beetlejuice (Max) — Michael Keaton’s mischievous ghost antics still delight 35 years later. Say his name—just once. 😉
🕯 Practical Magic (Hulu) — Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman mix sisterhood, romance, and witchy charm.
🏚 The Addams Family (Paramount+) — Snap along with the spookiest (and funniest) clan on TV.
🧛‍♂️ Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Netflix) — Gary Oldman’s haunting take on the Count remains one of the best.

🍿 Grab a blanket, light a pumpkin candle, and settle in for a frightfully fun movie night!

We know — Halloween isn’t even here yet! But the elves at Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton are already hard at work decking the halls for one of New Jersey’s most enchanting holiday traditions: the Festival of Trees, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. 🌟

From Nov. 19, 2025 through Jan. 11, 2026, Morven’s historic mansion will sparkle with 17 creatively decorated trees and mantels, each designed by local non-profits, schools, garden clubs, and artists. It’s a dazzling display of imagination and community spirit that fills every corner of the museum with warmth, color, and festive cheer.

🎬 This year’s whimsical themes include:
🎲 Family Game Night
🐝 A Tribute to Pollinators
🌙 Midnight Winter Conservatory
🎭 All Aboard to Movie Magic
🍋 Fruit of the Holiday Spirit
🎨 Neapolitan Baroque
🇮🇸 The Yule Lads of Iceland
…and plenty of surprises! Visitors can even vote for their favorite designs as they wander through the wonderland.

🕒 Dates & Hours:
Nov. 19, 2025 – Jan. 11, 2026
Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 AM–4 PM
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day & New Year’s Day

📍 Location:
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ

🎟 Tickets (includes museum admission):

✨ A must-see holiday outing for grandparents, families, and festive souls of all ages — it’s pure Christmas joy, Jersey-style!

Thanks for spending a little time with us — we love sharing what makes life in New Jersey better with age!

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Ocean Senior Scoop is a publication of Better With Age New Jersey

_{Disclaimer: We’re here to inform and inspire — not to diagnose or advise. Nothing in this newsletter should be taken as medical or financial advice (always check with a pro before making big decisions). And nope, none of our stories or mentions are sponsored — yet! (But if that ever changes, we’ll tell you right up front.)} 💛