Egg Hunts, Irish Tunes & Good Things Happening in Ocean County

👋Hello, Ocean County friends!

Spring is starting to stretch its legs, and this week’s Ocean Senior Scoop has a little bit of everything: Easter events for the grandkids, hobbies to spark a new interest, wellness programs to keep you feeling your best, and plenty of library happenings.

We’ve also got some good news — Ocean County just received national recognition for the way it supports older adults through its library and senior services programs. And if you’ve been meaning to clear out that stack of old paperwork, the county’s popular free shredding events are coming back this year too.

In other words: good things are happening, and we’ve rounded them up for you.

👀What’s on tap this week:

🐰 Take the Grandkids – Easter egg hunts, bunny sightings, and spring fun around Ocean County
🎨 Hobbies & Happy Hours – Gardening, crafts, music, food talk, tech help, and more ways to try something new
📚 Beyond the Books – Ocean County libraries earn national recognition for serving older adults
💙 Stay Well & Thrive – Health talks, caregiver support, and wellness programs across the county
🧾 Time to Shred – Free Ocean County document shredding events are back for 2026

Up first…

Ocean County is getting national recognition for the way it supports older adults.

The Ocean County Library and the Ocean County Office of Senior Services were recognized by the Public Library Association for their work together to connect seniors with programs, services, and support across the county.

With more than 200,000 older adults living in Ocean County, officials said the partnership helps make services more accessible while keeping seniors informed, engaged, and connected through local library branches.

County leaders said the recognition reflects Ocean County’s ongoing commitment to helping older residents maintain independence, engagement, and quality of life.

For more information, visit theoceancountylibrary.org or call the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091.

If your desk drawer is stuffed with old bank statements, tax paperwork, and mystery envelopes from the early 2000s, Ocean County has some good news: the free Residential Document Shredding Program is back for 2026.

Now entering its 16th year, the popular program helps residents safely dispose of sensitive personal documents — and avoid the risk of identity theft — while clearing out piles of old paperwork. The first shredding event kicks off March 27 in Lakewood, with 11 additional events scheduled across Ocean County throughout the spring and fall.

According to the county, the program has become one of the most requested services each year.

“This program has become a trusted resource for Ocean County residents,” said Ocean County Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi, liaison to the Department of Solid Waste Management. “For 16 years, residents have relied on these shredding events to safely dispose of confidential paperwork and reduce the risk of identity theft.”

The demand continues to grow. In 2025 alone, more than 94 tons of documents were securely shredded through the program.

Residents are encouraged to bring household documents containing sensitive information, such as bank account numbers or Social Security numbers. Each vehicle may bring up to four boxes or clear bags of documents, with a maximum total weight of 100 pounds.

Some items, however, are not accepted, including newspapers, magazines, books, junk mail, greeting cards, photos, x-rays, CDs, and already-shredded paper. Paper clips and staples can stay attached.

There’s no need to register ahead of time. For safety reasons, residents are asked to remain in their vehicles while staff unload the documents. Materials should be placed in the trunk, cargo area, or truck bed for easy access.

The program also provides an environmentally responsible way to dispose of documents. Residents who shred papers at home can drop them off at the Northern Ocean County Recycling Center in Lakewood or the Southern Ocean County Recycling Center in Stafford Township, both open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Shredded paper should not be placed in curbside recycling bins.)

For the full schedule of shredding events and program details, visit:
www.co.ocean.nj.us/recycle

So if you’ve been hanging on to that expired warranty from 1997 — your moment has finally arrived.

Looking to meet some new people? The Ocean County Library is hosting Speed Friending for Seniors, a fun and easy way to connect with others in the community.

Think of it like speed dating — but for friendship. Participants have short, relaxed conversations with several people, using provided conversation starters to help break the ice. The goal is simple: meet new neighbors, share a few laughs, and maybe walk away with a new friend. Light refreshments will be served.

📅 Wednesday, March 11 | 2–4 p.m.
📍 Brick Branch – Brick Meeting Room
☎️ 732-477-4513

📅 Thursday, March 12 | 2–3 p.m.
📍 Long Beach Island Branch – LBI Meeting Room
☎️ 609-494-2480

Sometimes the best events aren’t the biggest ones — they’re the ones where you leave knowing a few more friendly faces.

Looking for a few fun road-trip-worthy picks this weekend? Here some festive options!

Saturday, March 14 — North Wildwood St. Patrick’s Day Celebration & Parade
This free Cape May County celebration kicks off with a 10 a.m. Mass at St. Ann Church, followed by a noon parade starting at 2nd and Olde New Jersey Avenue and heading north.

Saturday, March 14 — Downtown Irish Festival
Toms River’s Irish Festival takes over Washington Street from noon to 6 p.m. with vendors, handcrafters, live entertainment, local businesses, restaurants, and free parking downtown.

Saturday, March 14 — Annual Sea Isle City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Sea Isle City’s annual parade steps off at 3:30 p.m., running from 83rd Street and East Landis Avenue down to 63rd Street. A very solid excuse for a shore-town stroll in March.

March 14 & 15 — Market Madness
Ocean City’s favorite stores gather under one roof at the Civic Center, with shopping specials running 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

March 14 & 15 — Laurita Winery Irish Weekend: The Luck of Laurita!
New Egypt is going full shamrock mode with Irish food, live music, Irish dancers, vendors, and free admission. On Saturday, March 14, festivities run from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Laurita Winery.

A little Irish cheer, a little shopping, a little winery time — not a bad way to spend a March weekend.

Ocean County libraries are serving up a full calendar this week — with music, movies, crafts, and even a chance to help local kids.

🧶 Waretown Woolies Knitting & Crocheting Club
If you enjoy knitting, crocheting, or just chatting with fellow yarn lovers, the Waretown Branch hosts this relaxed club from 1–3 p.m. on March 16 and March 23 (with additional sessions April 6 and April 20). All experience levels are welcome, and the library will provide yarn and needles — or bring your own project.
📍 Waretown Branch, 112 Main St., Waretown

🎬 Film Screening: My Name is Marco
At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, the LBI Branch in Surf City will screen a documentary about the life and music of renowned Italian composer Monsignor Marco Frisina. The film includes interviews and performances by orchestras and choirs from Europe and the U.S.
📍 LBI Branch, 217 South Central Ave., Surf City

🎶 Songs of Ireland with Charlie Zahm
Get into the St. Patrick’s spirit at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 when Celtic musician Charlie Zahm performs a lively program of traditional Irish songs at the Upper Shores Branch. Expect plenty of singalongs celebrating Ireland’s musical heritage.
📍 Upper Shores Branch, 112 Jersey City Ave., Lavallette

🧵 National Quilting Day Demonstration
Celebrate Women’s History Month and National Quilting Day at the LBI Branch on Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Members of the Pieceful Shores Quilt Guild will demonstrate quilting techniques and display their creations. Stop by anytime — no registration required.
📍 LBI Branch, Surf City

💙 Sparks B.F.F. Reading Club Toiletries Drive
Through March 31, several Ocean County Library branches are collecting new personal hygiene items for children in need. Donations of items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, socks, and feminine hygiene products will go to families served by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency.
📍 Drop-off locations: Toms River, Barnegat, Jackson, Lacey (Forked River), Little Egg Harbor, and Waretown branches

The bunnies are busy, the eggs are multiplying, and the Easter calendar is looking very full. Here’s a date-by-date roundup of fun Easter happenings for the grandkids.

March 21 – Belmar Easter Egg Hunt
More than 3,500 eggs will be hidden in the sand at 11 a.m. in Belmar, with hunt areas divided by age. The Easter Bunny is expected to stop by too. Rain date is March 28.
Where: 4th and 5th avenues and Ocean Avenue, Belmar

March 28 – The Great Egg Hunt
From 1 to 3 p.m., kids can hop along the boardwalk and stop by participating stores while supplies last.
Where: 6th to 14th Street along the boardwalk, Ocean City

March 29 – Jenkinson’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Starting at 1 p.m., this popular beach egg hunt in Point Pleasant Beach is open to children up to age 10, with designated hunt areas by age group. There’s also an Accessible/Special Needs Egg Hunt at the Adventure Lookout Ropes Course. Each child can collect up to three eggs.
Where: Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach

March 29 – Seaside Heights Easter Egg Hunt
Also at 1 p.m., Seaside Heights will host an egg hunt on the beach and boardwalk featuring high-tech Easter eggs and prize drawings. Every entrant wins at least one prize.
Where: Beach and Boardwalk, Seaside Heights

April 3, 4 and 6 – Celebrate Easter at Storybook Land
Families can join Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny for an Easter egg hunt and meet-and-greet from noon to 4 p.m., all included with each child’s admission.
Where: Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township
Cost: Regular admission

April 3–5 – Easter EGGStravaganZOO
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Cape May County Park & Zoo will host an Easter egg hunt plus crafts, live entertainment, educational displays, a scavenger hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny, and of course, the animals.
Where: Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 U.S. 9, Middle Township
Cost: Free

April 4 – The Great Egg Hunt
Ocean City gets a second round of boardwalk fun from 1 to 3 p.m., with stops at participating stores along the way.
Where: 6th to 14th Street along the boardwalk, Ocean City

April 5 – Spring Celebration at the Pier
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pier Village in Long Branch will be packed with shopping, children’s activities, games, a DJ, balloon art, inflatable rides, face painting, an Easter Bunny appearance, and a new village-wide store egg hunt.
Where: Festival Plaza, Pier Village, Ocean Avenue and Centennial Drive, Long Branch

Asbury Park is doing what Asbury Park does best: giving you a boardwalk day with options. In its Jersey Shore roundup, Travel + Leisure highlights the one-mile-long Asbury Park Boardwalk for its mix of shopping, dining, drinks, and entertainment. The piece specifically calls out live music at Wonder Bar and The Stone Pony, plus family-friendly fun at Silverball Retro Arcade and Asbury Eighteen mini golf.

And yes, they get into the food, too. The article mentions The Iron Whale, Maruca’s Tomato Pies, and Stella Marina as go-to stops when hunger hits. If you want to make it an overnight, it also points to the Asbury Ocean Club for a more upscale stay and says the Asbury Hotel is a better fit for families.

So if you’re planning a shore stroll, this one comes with built-in live music, pinball, mini golf, pizza, and people-watching — which is a pretty strong case for heading to Asbury. Read the full piece here: Travel + Leisure’s “8 of the Best Boardwalks Along the Jersey Shore.” (Travel + Leisure)

Solo Agers Are Redefining Retirement: More retirees are embracing independence and building fulfilling, secure lives on their own terms. Kiplinger, March 7.

Many Americans Still Don’t Know At-Home Colon Cancer Screening Is an Option: Colon cancer is now the leading cancer killer for adults under 50, even though screening can help catch — and prevent — it before it turns serious. HealthDay News, March 5.

Could AI Robots Help Seniors Stay Home Longer? Early findings suggest they may boost wellness, support daily life, and improve quality of life for older adults aging in place. Elder Law Answers, March 3.

Frustrated With Your Medicare Advantage Plan? Plenty of People Are: Member satisfaction slipped last year as trust in Medicare Advantage plans declined and policy changes added to the frustration. Kiplinger, March 7.

A few helpful programs this week focused on health, support, and living well — all hosted at Ocean County Library branches.

Diabetes Education
📅 Wednesday, March 11 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
📍 Lacey Branch
Learn about the signs of diabetes and how to manage symptoms, with helpful tips from the Ocean County Health Department. Registration required.
☎️ 609-693-8566

Parkinson Voice Project – SPEAK OUT!®
📅 Friday, March 13 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
📍 Stafford Branch
This specialized program helps people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders strengthen their communication skills. Presented with licensed providers from Speech Pathology Solutions, LLC. New members welcome.
☎️ Register by calling 609-488-2650

The Recharge – Caregiver Support Group
📅 Monday, March 16 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 Manchester Branch
A monthly support group for caregivers led by a licensed clinical social worker. Caregivers receive encouragement and support while loved ones participate in social activities led by a certified dementia practitioner.
☎️ Reserve a spot by calling Julia at Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey: 732-505-2273

Support Group for Caregivers
📅 Monday, March 16 | 12–2 p.m.
📍 Stafford Branch
Presented with Hackensack Meridian Health, this program offers guidance and support for those balancing the responsibilities of caregiving. New members welcome.
☎️ Register at 609-978-4728

Shore to Age Well: Medication Management and Alternatives
📅 Tuesday, March 17 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
📍 Brick Branch
Learn the difference between medication misuse and abuse, plus practical tips on safe medication use, pain management alternatives, and communicating with your doctor. Presented by the Ocean County Health Department.
☎️ 732-477-4513

Huntington’s Disease Support Group
📅 Wednesday, March 18 | 6:30–8 p.m.
📍 Stafford Branch
A welcoming drop-in support group for individuals living with Huntington’s disease, along with caregivers, family members, and anyone interested in learning more.

March is National Nutrition Month, and apparently it’s time for potatoes to stop being underestimated, according to Potatoes USA. If you’re looking to eat a little better without giving up flavor, this is your sign to swap them in.

A medium skin-on potato packs nearly one-third of your daily vitamin C, 620 mg of potassium — more than a banana — plus 3 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, iron, and vitamin B6. Not bad for something that’s been unfairly reduced to “just a side dish.”

A few smart ideas to try: roasted potato croutons for extra crunch in salads, hash brown toasts as a gluten-free stand-in for bread, and a quiche with hash brown shreds instead of pastry crust for a lighter twist. Same comfort-food energy, just with a more nutritious spin.

Going green for St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to stop at shirts and shamrocks — it can head straight to the dessert table, too. These Luck O’ the Irish Cupcakes are a fun, festive treat made with a classic cupcake base and a splash of green for just the right holiday touch. Get the recipe here: Luck O’ the Irish Cupcakes: A Sweet St. Paddy’s Treat.

Looking to learn something new, pick up a hobby, or just have a little fun? Ocean County libraries have a full lineup of programs that let you explore everything from gardening to music to crafts.

🌸 Hydrangeas – When, Why & How
📅 Saturday, March 14 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
📍 Waretown Branch
Thinking about planting hydrangeas this spring? Rutgers Master Gardeners will share tips on choosing the right variety, planting, and caring for these colorful summer favorites. Registration required.

🎶 An Irish Serenade with Jessica Carroll
📅 Saturday, March 14 | 2–3 p.m.
📍 LBI Branch
Celebrate the Emerald Isle with storytelling and traditional Irish songs performed by Jessica Carroll and her acoustic guitar.

🍀 Travel to the Emerald Isle: Armchair Travel
📅 Monday, March 16 | 10:30–11:30 a.m.
📍 Jackson Branch
Take a virtual journey through Ireland’s rolling hills and rich traditions with music, images, and stories — no passport required.

🚗 1950s Wooden Transportation Craft
📅 Monday, March 16 | 2:30–4 p.m.
📍 Island Heights Branch
Build and paint your own vintage wooden transportation model while taking a trip down memory lane as part of the library’s 100th anniversary craft series.

🎸 Bayside Ukulele Club
📅 Monday, March 16 | 3:15–4:30 p.m.
📍 Stafford Branch
Bring your ukulele and join fellow players of all skill levels for a relaxed musical gathering. Drop-in.

⚾ The History of Black Baseball
📅 Tuesday, March 17 | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
📍 Island Heights Branch
Baseball enthusiast David Shuffler explores the history of Black baseball, its pioneers, and the cultural impact of the game through stories and photographs.

💻 Tech Help Tuesday
📅 Tuesday, March 17 | 1:30–3:30 p.m.
📍 Waretown Branch
Get one-on-one help with smartphones, email, computers, and digital library services. Registration required.

🥕 Starting a Raised-Bed Vegetable Garden
📅 Wednesday, March 18 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
📍 Lacey Branch
Rutgers Master Gardeners will explain how to plan, plant, and harvest a successful raised-bed vegetable garden. One lucky attendee will even take home a plant.

🍝 Culinary Enthusiasts Club
📅 Wednesday, March 18 | 1–3 p.m.
📍 Barnegat Branch
A relaxed gathering for food lovers to chat about recipes, favorite restaurants, and sometimes sample a few treats.

🧶 Beginner Hand-Crochet Workshop
📅 Wednesday, March 18 | 2–4 p.m.
📍 Jackson Branch Makerspace
Learn how to crochet without hooks in this beginner-friendly class. Materials are provided and you’ll leave with a project you made yourself.

Because retirement isn’t just about relaxing — sometimes it’s about learning, creating, and trying something new.

Your couch has a busy week ahead!

Awards night is going streaming. The 97th Academy Awards air live on ABC at 7 p.m. EDT on Sunday, March 15, and for the first time, they’ll also stream on Hulu. So if you’ve been meaning to catch up on the nominees before Hollywood starts handing out statues, this is your sign.

For the drama crowd: Nicole Kidman stars as forensic icon Kay Scarpetta in a new series premiering Wednesday, with Jamie Lee Curtis, Bobby Cannavale, Ariana DeBose, Simon Baker, and more in the cast. Crime, mystery, big names — all the ingredients are there.

For the Yellowstone-style crowd: “The Madison” debuts on Paramount+ on Saturday, March 14, with Michelle Pfeiffer leading a family drama set in Montana after a life-changing tragedy. Also in the cast: Kurt Russell, Patrick J. Adams, Matthew Fox, and Beau Garrett.

“Zootopia 2” lands on Disney+ Wednesday, bringing back rabbit officer Judy Hopps and fox partner Nick Wilde for another animated mystery. If the grandkids liked the first one, this is an easy pick for family movie night.

“Sesame Street” drops four new episodes Monday on Netflix, giving the little ones a fresh batch of familiar faces, songs, and lessons — and giving grandparents a very reliable viewing option that still holds up.

🎂 First up, a very happy birthday to Frank V. of Toms River, who’s celebrating 73 fabulous years on Friday. Hope your day is filled with cake, laughs, and love. 💐A few other famous folks blowing out candles this week right along with Frank include:

March 11 – TV journalist Sam Donaldson turns 92.
March 12 – Barbara Feldon of Get Smart is 93, Liza Minnelli hits 80, James Taylor turns 78, and Bill Payne of Little Feat is 77.
March 13 – William H. Macy turns 76, and Dana Delany of China Beach and Body of Proof hits 70.
March 14 – Funny man Billy Crystal celebrates 78.

If you spot an event we should share in a future issue, send it our way — and feel free to forward this newsletter to a friend who loves knowing what’s happening around Ocean County.

⁉️Questions, comments or news to share? Just hit reply to this email!

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😎See you next week!

The Ocean Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: Event details can change quicker than green cupcakes disappear at a St. Patrick’s Day party, so give the venue or organizer a quick check before you go. And while we’re always happy to share helpful information, this newsletter isn’t medical, legal, or financial advice — for that, it’s best to check with a qualified professional.💚