Let’s Hear It for the Rays, Raffles & Reruns

January might be serving up frosty mornings and holiday leftovers you still haven’t tossed, but your weekly Ocean Senior Scoop is warming things up with events that hit just the right note—literally. We’ve got concerts, musical bingo, a Medicare scam alert, a fresh reason to feel good about eating eggs (yes, really), and a hippo or two waiting in Camden.

Up first…

Tuesday, Jan. 20 • 1:00 PM • Lacey Branch, Forked River
Feeling overwhelmed? Music Therapist Zach Alfred Walters is here to show how melodies can mellow your mood. Learn techniques to use music as a daily stress reliever in this free, relaxing session.

Tuesday, Jan. 20 • 2:30 PM • Brick Branch
Amy Goodman recounts her grandfather Joseph’s powerful Holocaust survival story in a deeply personal tribute. An unforgettable event marking Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Monday, Jan. 19 • 6:30 PM • Point Pleasant Beach Branch
Got questions for your mayor? Here’s your chance for face time with Point Pleasant Beach’s Douglas Vitale. Updates, town talk, and future plans, all in one cozy sit-down.

Thursday, Jan. 15 • 2:00 PM • Manchester Branch
Join a registered health educator to explore two of the best diets for heart health. Easy tips, real talk, and motivation to make your plate a little more powerful.

Friday, Jan. 16 • 11:00 AM • Jackson Branch
Learn the warning signs, risk factors, and how to protect yourself from osteoporosis with guidance from Hackensack Meridian Health.

Friday, Jan. 16 • 2:00 PM • Upper Shores Branch
Bring your device and all your tech questions. Darren Tietsworth, retired IT pro, is here to demystify the digital world — no judgment, just helpful vibes.

Monday, Jan. 19 • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM • Lacey Branch
Drop by to create handmade cards for Meals on Wheels recipients — a little kindness goes a long way. Supplies provided. Volunteer hours available!

Monday, Jan. 19 • 11:00 AM • Manchester Branch
A supportive space for caregivers and loved ones with memory loss. Socialization, connection, and a moment to breathe.

Monday, Jan. 19 • 12:00 PM • Stafford Branch
You don’t have to do it all alone. Learn ways to balance caregiving and take care of you.

Monday, Jan. 19 • 1:00–4:00 PM • Long Beach Island Branch
Meet local nonprofits and explore volunteer opportunities during this MLK Day of Service drop-in. Bring your heart — and maybe a friend!

Wednesday, Jan. 21 • 1:00 PM • Barnegat Branch
Talk recipes, favorite restaurants, and swap food wisdom with fellow foodies. Sometimes there are even samples!

Wednesday, Jan. 21 • 2:00 PM • Brick Branch
Post-holiday reset? Learn about different diet types and how to choose one that actually fits your lifestyle. Presented by Hackensack Meridian Health.

Wednesday, Jan. 21 • 6:00 PM • Upper Shores Branch
From storms to school boards — join Denise Wirth for stories and photos tracing Lavallette’s journey from seaside hamlet to bustling borough.

Wednesday, Jan. 21 • 6:30 PM • Stafford Branch
For individuals, families, and friends navigating Huntington’s — or those simply curious to learn more. Third Wednesday monthly. Just drop in.

Thursday, Jan. 22 • 2:00 PM • Upper Shores Branch
Falls are no joke. Learn how to protect yourself and your home, and stay on your feet confidently with help from Hackensack Meridian Health.

Thursday, Jan. 22 • 2:30–4:00 PM • Stafford Branch
Slow down, get creative, and make something beautiful. Materials provided — just bring your inner artist.
📍 Registration required

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

Eight Strategies for Deciding When to File For Social Security: Applying at age 70 maximizes your monthly payout, but claiming early could provide advantages that can’t be quantified on a spreadsheet. Kiplinger, Jan. 10.

Some Older Adults May Qualify for a New $6,000 Tax Break: A new, temporary federal tax deduction of up to $6,000 is available annually for taxpayers age 65 and older from 2025 through 2028. Elder Law Answers, Jan. 5

The 10 Best Splurge Destinations for Retirees in 2026: Come for the luxury vacation. Retire for the lifestyle (if the vacay goes well). Kiplinger, Jan. 10

8 Things to do This Year to Lower Dementia Risk and Protect Your Brain: Here are a few steps to take that may help keep your memory and cognitive abilities in good shape as you age. The Washington Post, Jan. 7.

Mobility Exercises Are an Important Part of Fitness as we Age. Here Are Some Tips: For anyone who wants to stay active later in life, there has to be a deliberate process of maintaining that level of activity by doing mobility exercises. Associated Press, Jan. 7

This month’s Medicare scam involves confusion around the new 2026 prescription drug cap. And scammers are loving it.

🧾 Here’s what’s true about Medicare Part D in 2026:

🚨 And here’s what’s not true:

🎯 If someone calls and says otherwise? Hang up and report it. If you suspect you (or a loved one) may have been scammed, call the Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374 or visit nysenior.org.

✔️ Let’s keep our wallets safe and our prescriptions simple this year.

Eggs have officially cracked the top of the charts again—thanks to the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which highlight eggs as a high-quality, nutrient-packed protein for every stage of life.

Whether you're feeding toddlers, supporting healthy aging, or just trying to eat smarter in 2026, eggs deliver the goods: complete protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like choline (a brain booster especially important during pregnancy and aging).

🥚 Fun fact: The protein quality of eggs is so high, food scientists literally use them as the gold standard.

💬 As NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya put it: "Eggs are a superfood."

🎯 Bottom line? Eggs are affordable, accessible, and officially recommended—again. You can feel good about putting them in your cart and on your plate.

👉 Want to make your eggs heart-smart? Check out these American Heart Association–approved dishes:
🍳 Heart-Healthy Egg Recipes

New Year, new… what is that melted Santa candle doing here?

If your home is still low-key haunted by broken snow globes, unwanted gifts, and platters you only touch when you're moving them to get to the good stuff, it’s time for a winter cleanse. Here’s what to send packing this January:

🎄 Broken Holiday Décor
If it’s held together by hope, glitter glue, and a pine-scented prayer—it’s time. Chuck the cracked ornaments and the string lights that only blink when Mercury's in retrograde.

🎁 Unwanted Gifts
Yes, that singing fish wall plaque is technically new, but if it didn’t spark joy on Christmas morning, it’s not going to suddenly grow on you in March. Regift, donate, or let it swim away.

🍪 Leftover Holiday Food
That fruitcake isn't aging like wine. Say goodbye to mystery cookies in the tin and anything that’s been wrapped in foil since December 26. Your fridge deserves a fresh start too.

🍽️ Platters You Never Use
You know the one—giant reindeer-shaped dish that only fits three deviled eggs? If it’s just collecting dust (or guilt), donate it to someone who’ll actually put food on it.

🧺 Bottom line: If it’s chipped, weird, or “just in case,” set it free. Decluttering now makes space for more important things—like breathing room, or honestly, just knowing where your socks are.

👉 Get this done now, so you’re ready for our February decluttering tips. (Spoiler: That hall closet’s days are numbered.)

Looking for something fun to do this week? From foot‑tapping live music to cosmic laser shows (and yes, scones), here’s what’s happening around town:

🎶 Saturday Night at Albert Music Hall
Jan. 17 | Doors 5:30 PM, Music 6:30–9 PM | Waretown
A Jersey classic since 1974, Albert Music Hall brings five bands to the stage for a night of bluegrass, country, folk, Americana, and old‑time tunes. Dinner’s covered (hot dogs, burgers, vegan options), there’s a 50/50 raffle, and admission is just $6 (cash only). Free parking, wheelchair accessible, and always welcoming. Info

🌌 Wonders of the Seasonal Sky
Jan. 17 | 7 PM | Ocean County College Planetarium, Toms River
Take a guided tour of New Jersey’s winter sky—constellations, bright stars, visible planets, and a little mythology mixed in. Informal, interactive, and perfect for curious minds. Info

🎸 Laser Grateful Dead
Jan. 17 | 8:30 PM | OCC Planetarium, Toms River
The music of the Grateful Dead—reimagined with full‑dome laser light. Psychedelic visuals, classic jams, and a 55‑minute trip through rock history (note: flashing lights). Info

⭐ The Little Star That Could
Jan. 19 | 11 AM | OCC Planetarium, Toms River
A sweet, short full‑dome show for families and grandparents with young kids, following a curious little star on a big journey. Relaxed performance, gentle volume, and doors kept slightly open. Info

🌿 Bogs & Barrens Talk
Jan. 20 | 1–2 PM | Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Toms River
Learn more about New Jersey’s unique bogs and Pine Barrens landscape in this informative afternoon program. Info

🎵 Name That Tune Tea‑Time Bingo
Jan. 21 | 6:30 PM
Sip gourmet teas, nibble warm scones with clotted cream, and test your musical memory at this cozy bingo night. Multiple games, prizes (no cash), and lots of laughs. $20 per person; reservations required. Info

Too cold for the playground? Head to Adventure Aquarium in Camden, where it’s always 72° and jaw-droppingly cool.

Start at Stingray Beach Club, where kids can safely pet and even feed the friendly rays (they love a snack). Then wander through Shark Tunnel, wave to the penguins, and don’t miss Hippo Haven—Button and Genny the hippos are fan favorites for a reason. Brave the Shark Bridge if you dare, then chill out with a live feeding show or dive into the Undersea Explore VR experience.

🐧 Open daily | More info

New week, new reasons to ignore your to-do list and cue up the good stuff. Here’s what’s streaming from Jan. 12–18:

🎬 Affleck + Damon = Mayhem in Miami
The Rip (Netflix, Friday, Jan. 16)
Boston bros Ben Affleck and Matt Damon reunite in this gritty action flick directed by Joe Carnahan. A Miami PD team stumbles on a fortune in a busted stash house—and the trust starts to unravel. Also starring Steven Yeun and Kyle Chandler. 💰🌴

🎭 Grief Gets Weird
Twinless (Hulu, Friday, Jan. 16)
This Sundance standout stars James Sweeney and Dylan O’Brien as strangers who meet at a bereavement group for twins. What follows is a tender, unexpected take on grief that refuses to follow a straight line.

🍸 Bond, All 26 of Him
Every single 007 movie (yep, all 26) drops on Netflix this Thursday to tide you over while we wait for the next chapter of shaken-not-stirred chaos. Daniel Craig, Sean Connery, Roger Moore — take your pick.

🌍 Pole to Pole with Will Smith
(Disney+ & Hulu, Tuesday)
After five years, Will Smith’s epic Nat Geo docuseries is finally here. Think jungles, glaciers, and one very wind-chapped movie star. Seven episodes, seven continents.

🔥 “Tell Me Lies” – Season 3
(Hulu, Tuesday)
Toxic relationships? Time jumps? Trouble in college and adulthood? Grace Van Patten and Jackson White return for another season of chaotic almost-love in this buzzy Hulu drama.

🚄 “Hijack” Season 2
(Apple TV, Wednesday)
Idris Elba returns—and this time, the hostage situation is on a train. Scarred but still smooth, he's forced into another high-stakes showdown. Buckle up.

🕵️‍♀️ Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials
(Netflix, Thursday)
Helena Bonham Carter, Martin Freeman, and a suspiciously quiet countryside mansion. This three-part mystery adaptation of Christie’s 1929 novel brings high tea and higher tension.

🕶️ “Ponies” – Cold War, Hot Mess
(Peacock, Thursday)
Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson play 1970s Soviet housewives who discover their late husbands were CIA agents—and are suddenly very much not housewives anymore.

Let’s kick things off with a big Ocean County shoutout to Seth W. of Lacey Township, turning a fabulous 73 this week! 🎉 Wishing you a year full of joy, good health, and maybe a slice (or two) of birthday cake. A few other notable names celebrating with Seth this week include:

Until next time, stay warm, stay curious, and enjoy every moment.
See you around the Shore!
—The Ocean Senior Scoop Team 🌊💙

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📬 Just so you know...
We’re here to inform and entertain, not to diagnose, treat, or manage your sock drawer. This newsletter is for general information and good vibes only—not medical, legal, or financial advice. Always check with a pro before making big decisions.