Ocean County Senior Scoop: Events, News & Fun for November 3–10

Hey there, Ocean County friends!
This week’s Ocean Senior Scoop is packed with fun—from glowing tulip fields in Cream Ridge to $3,000 bingo games, Broadway shows at the library, and wine tasting at Bell Works. Whether you're heading out or staying in, we’ve got great local and regional picks for every kind of week.

👀What’s on tap this week:

🗓️ Events Around Town – Craft fairs, history talks, murder dinners & more
🛍️ Mark Your Calendar – Jersey Shore Restaurant Week, Wine Expo & Pie Tasting
🧠 Prime Time News – Medicare alerts, money tips, flu warnings & Social Security updates
🎨 Day Trippin’ – Art museum café vibes in Princeton
📚 Beyond the Books – Ocean County Library’s top events this week
🎄 Allaire This Month – Flea market, crafts & stocking stuffers
📺 TV Time – New streaming picks from Frankenstein to Wicked
👩‍👧‍👦 Take the Grandkids – A glowing winter wonderland in Cream Ridge
🎂 Birthday Shoutouts – Famous faces turning fabulous
🍫 One Last Thing – Reese’s takes the Halloween candy crown in NJ

Up first…

From bingo jackpots to holiday markets and starry voyages, Ocean County is buzzing this week!

🧩 Bingo & Burgers at the Elks
📍 Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 | Nov. 5, 7–10 PM
Doors open at 5 PM for this Wednesday night classic. $2 to play, daubers and tape available, $2,200 in prizes! Grab a grilled cheese, burger, or hot dog and let the games begin.
📞 (732) 349-9660

🔥 The Hindenburg Experience
📍 Peto Studio Museum, Island Heights | Nov. 6, 3–4:30 PM
Relive the legendary Zeppelin’s fateful flight in this immersive historical presentation by Bill Schmidt.
🔗 petomuseum.org

🛍️ Craft Markets Galore – Nov. 8

🎖️ Veterans Tribute at Albert Hall
📍 Waretown | Nov. 8, 5–9 PM
Music, memories, and honor under one roof. Includes a 6 PM ceremony and toe-tapping live music from patriotic pickers.
🎟️ $6 at the door (cash only) | alberthall.org

🕵️‍♀️ Murder Mystery Dinner
📍 Mathis House, Toms River | Nov. 8, 7–9:30 PM
Dine among twinkling trees, enjoy a 5-course holiday meal, and solve a seasonal whodunit!
🎟️ $75 per person | mathishouse600main.com

💰 $3,000 Veterans Bingo
📍 Lacey Elks Lodge, Forked River | Nov. 9, 11 AM
Support local veterans—and maybe win big!
🔗 laceyelks.org

👜 Designer Handbag Bingo
📍 Toms River Elks Lodge | Nov. 9, 1 PM
Play for purses while enjoying good vibes and light bites.
📞 (732) 349-9660

🍂 Create a Wreath or Centerpiece
📍 TRAC, Toms River | Nov. 9, 1–3:30 PM
Craft your own seasonal showstopper. All supplies provided, or bring your own flair.
🔗 trac732.org

🧠 Holiday Scam & Fraud Protection
📍 Ocean County Library, Toms River | Nov. 10, 10 AM–1 PM
Stay safe and savvy this season with expert tips on avoiding fraud.

🎖️ Vietnam: The Early Years – History Talk
📍 Herbertsville Firehouse, Brick | Nov. 11, 7:30 PM
Professor Paul Zigo walks through the escalation of the Vietnam War. Free admission.
Info

Can’t-miss November regional events for foodies, wine connoisseurs, pie-lovers & holiday market hoppers.

🍽️ Jersey Shore Restaurant Week
Nov. 7–16
Grab your crew and your appetite—this 10-day foodie fest is the perfect excuse to hit up that place you’ve been meaning to try (or revisit an old favorite). Prix-fixe menus, fresh fall flavors, and plenty of local flavor.
📍 Various Jersey Shore Restaurants
💸 Price varies by location | More info

🍷 NJ Wine Expo at Bell Works
Sat, Nov. 15 | 11AM–7PM
Sip your way through 130+ Jersey wines from over 30 local vineyards. Meet the makers, plan your next wine country day trip, and snag bites from local food vendors. Bonus: It’s indoors, so no worries about the weather—just wine.
📍 Bell Works, Holmdel
💸 $38.10+ | Info

🥧 Pie Tasting Weekend at Terhune Orchards
Nov. 15 & 16 | 12–4PM
Smell that? It’s 15 kinds of pie calling your name. Taste them all, pick your faves for Thanksgiving, and enjoy live music while you’re at it. Proceeds support great local causes.
📍 Terhune Orchards, Princeton
💸 Free entry | $10 for pie tasting | Details

The latest headlines on aging, health, Medicare & more—from trusted national sources.

💊 📅 Why Medicare Recipients Should Check Their 2026 Drug Plans Now
Premiums are on the move—some up by $50+, others dropping. Now’s the time to compare.
🗞️New York Times | Nov. 1
👉 Read the article

🌍 💸 15 Money-Saving Travel Tips for Retirees
Globetrotting doesn’t have to bust your budget. Smart tips for your next adventure.
🗞️ Kiplinger | Oct. 28
👉 Read more

❤️ ⚠️ Flu, COVID Increase Risk of Heart Attack & Stroke
New research confirms your heart’s at higher risk post-virus. What you should know.
🗞️ HealthDay News | Oct. 29
👉 Full story

🧪 🧠 What to Know About Chemicals and Parkinson’s Disease
Doctors warn that environmental toxins may be fueling the rise of Parkinson’s.
🗞️ Wall Street Journal | Oct. 30
👉 Read the report

🏛️ 🧾 How the Government Shutdown Affects Medicare
No, your coverage won’t disappear—but delays are possible.
🗞️ U.S. News & World Report | Oct. 31
👉 Learn more

📞 🚨 Medicare Open Enrollment Scams: How to Protect Yourself
Scammers are out in full force—here’s how to avoid costly traps.
🗞️ ElderLawAnswers | Oct. 30
👉 Stay safe

🧠 🕵️‍♀️ True or False? How To Tell Fact from Fabrication Online
Especially in the age of AI, media literacy matters. Experts say: double-check everything.
🗞️ Next Avenue | Oct. 31
👉 Tips here

💵 📈 Six Changes Coming to Social Security in 2026
New rules, bigger checks (maybe), and a shifting full retirement age—get ahead of it now.
🗞️ Kiplinger | Oct. 27
👉 See what’s changing

A café with croissants and campus views? Mosaic, the brand-new café atop the Princeton University Art Museum, is part eatery, part art piece. Tucked on the third floor, it’s serving up seasonal, sustainable dishes, sweeping views, and a stunning Mexican-tile wall inspired by the museum’s Roman mosaic collection.

Come for the culture, stay for the cappuccino. Whether it’s brunch with the grandkids or a quiet solo visit with a mocktail and a Monet, this is one worth penciling in.

📍 Princeton University Art Museum
🕘 Open Mon & Thurs–Sun, 9AM–3PM (10AM on weekends)
🔗 More info here

🧡 Senior tip: Admission to the museum is free—so take your time and make a morning of it!

Where learning, laughter, and local legends meet—Ocean County’s libraries have something for everyone this week. Learn more about these FREE programs here.

🎨 Make Holiday Cards
Wed, Nov. 5 | 10:30–11:30AM | Jackson Branch
Get crafty with paint, pens & glitter. Perfect for spreading cheer—no experience needed!

🩺 Healthcare & Tech at a Glance
Wed, Nov. 5 | 11:15AM–12PM | Brick Branch
AI, wearables, telehealth—oh my! AARP’s Sarah Spellman walks you through today’s health tech trends.

🧶 Beginner Knitting Class
Wed, Nov. 5 | 2–3:30PM | Toms River Branch
Learn the knit stitch & more with yarn and needles provided. Registration required!

💊 Understanding Medicare Part D
Wed, Nov. 5 | 2–3PM | Long Beach Island Branch
Got questions about prescriptions? Experts from Ocean County Senior Services have answers.

🌱 Winter Seed-Sowing
Wed, Nov. 5 | 2–3PM | Upper Shores Branch
Plan your spring blooms now with Rutgers Master Gardeners. Think ahead—plant smart!

🍗 Turkey Eats
Wed, Nov. 5 | 2:30–4PM | Brick Branch
Leftover turkey? Turn it into culinary gold in this live demo (yes, there are samples!).

🧵 Adult Crocheting Club
Wed, Nov. 5 | 5:30–7:30PM | Toms River Branch
BYO project and swap tips, stitches & stories with fellow fiber fans.

📖 Cookbook Club
Wed, Nov. 5 | 6–8PM | Upper Shores Branch
Cook, share, and taste dishes from the featured cookbook. Limited space—sign up early!

💔 Bereavement Support Group
Wed, Nov. 5 | 6:30–7:30PM | Brick Branch
Coping through the holidays? This 4-part group offers comfort, support, and a listening ear.

🎸 Ultimate Johnny Cash: Late & Alone
Wed, Nov. 5 | 7–8:30PM | Manchester Branch
A heartfelt one-man show celebrating the Man in Black. Free, but registration is a must!

💬 Caregiver Support Group
Thurs, Nov. 6 | 11AM–1PM | Barnegat Branch
You’re not alone—this session offers real talk and real tools for navigating caregiving.

🎹 Live Piano: The Great American Standards
Thurs, Nov. 6 | 2–3:30PM | Upper Shores Branch
Gary Evans tickles the ivories with beloved classics. Sing along or just sway and smile.

💻 Canva Greeting Cards
Thurs, Nov. 6 | 6–7PM | Lakewood Branch
Learn to design your own cards with Canva—great for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

🎭 Broadway Up Close: Deb Lyons Cabaret
Thurs, Nov. 6 | 6:30–7:30PM | Jackson Branch
From “Cabaret” to “I Dreamed a Dream”—an intimate performance full of Broadway sparkle.

🦅 Osprey Conservation Talk
Thurs, Nov. 6 | 7–8PM | Barnegat Branch
Ben Wurst of Conserve Wildlife NJ shares how we’re helping NJ’s iconic ospreys thrive.

🌸 Pressed Flower Lantern Workshop
Fri, Nov. 7 | 2:30–4PM | Waretown Branch
Craft a glowing lantern with dried blooms. All supplies included—just bring yourself!

🧘‍♀️ Books & Bowls Meditation Session
Sat, Nov. 8 | 11AM–12PM | Pt. Pleasant Beach Branch
Breathwork, book talk & crystal bowl sound bath = peaceful Saturday vibes.

🏴‍☠️ Legendary Hessian Island Talk
Sat, Nov. 8 | 12–1PM | Plumsted Branch
Buried treasure, pirates & Pine Barrens lore—author William J. Lewis shares it all.

🎺 Navesink Brass Veterans Day Concert
Sat, Nov. 8 | 2–3PM | Jackson Branch
Jazz, pop, patriotic tunes & a salute to our heroes. Free, festive, and fabulous.

🐾 The Greatest Bond Documentary
Mon, Nov. 10 | 2–3:15PM | Tuckerton Branch
A heartwarming film about veterans and their service dogs. Drop in for inspiration.

Vintage gems, stocking stuffers & festive flair— the historic Allaire Village is your November HQ for holiday magic.

🧦 Stocking Stuffer Sale (3 Days!)
Fri, Nov. 7 & Sat, Nov. 8 | 10AM–3PM
Sun, Nov. 9 | 12–3PM
Mini gifts, big holiday spirit. Swing by the Auxiliary Gift Shop for adorable stocking stuffers and thoughtful little treasures.
📍 Allaire Village, Farmingdale
💸 Free to browse!

🫖 Flea Market Finds
Sat, Nov. 8 | 8AM–2PM
Vintage lovers, this one’s for you. Hunt for antique china, collectible décor, and unique holiday gift ideas at this classic outdoor flea.
📍 Allaire Village, Farmingdale
💸 $5 per person (kids 10 & under free)

🧶 Holiday Craft & Vendor Show
Sat, Nov. 15 | 10AM–3PM (Rain date: Nov. 16)
Over 150 local makers line the village pathways with pottery, paintings, textiles, and more. Live demos, Allaire Bakery goodies, and holiday cheer galore.
📍 Allaire Village, Farmingdale
💸 $5 admission (ages 10 & under free)

From monsters to musicals, here's what's worth streaming this week.

🧟‍♂️ Frankenstein (Netflix, Fri, Nov. 7)
Guillermo del Toro’s epic take on Mary Shelley’s gothic tale stars Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi—and it’s big in every way.

🦸 The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Disney+, Wed)
Watching the grandkids this week? Retro vibes, a superhero dream cast, and a Stan Lee-Jack Kirby story that finally works. Yes, please.

🎩 Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (Peacock, Fri, Nov. 7)
It’s the end of an era, darling. Say goodbye with the Crawleys in this final film—and binge all the previous Downton drama too.

💔 The Materialists (HBO Max, Fri, Nov. 7)
Celine Song (of Past Lives) returns with a love triangle starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal & Chris Evans—plus a reality check on romance.

🤣 Crutch (Paramount+)
Tracy Morgan’s back! This time, he’s a widower-turned-grandpa dealing with an adult kid boomerang invasion.

⚖️ All’s Fair (Hulu)
Kim Kardashian plays a fierce divorce attorney in Ryan Murphy’s star-studded legal drama with Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson & Naomi Watts.

💥 Death by Lightning (Netflix, Thurs)
History gets weird: James Garfield, a persistent assassin, and a bizarre presidency. Darkly funny and surprisingly true.

⚾ Alex Vs. A-Rod (HBO, Thurs)
Baseball legend, tabloid king, complicated man—A-Rod tells all in this intimate 3-part docuseries.

🎶 Wicked: One Wonderful Night (NBC, Thurs & Peacock, Fri)
Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo & the “Wicked” cast bring Broadway magic to your screen ahead of the big movie release.

Tulips in winter? Holland Ridge says yes—just add 50,000 lights and some holiday magic.

🌟 U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland is back and brighter than ever! From Nov. 21 to Jan. 4, stroll through glowing tulip fields, catch a windmill light show synced to music, and pose for festive photos that’ll make your holiday cards jealous.

✨ NEW THIS YEAR: A jaw-dropping drone light show over the tulip fields on Dec. 18–20 (shows at 6 PM AND 8 PM)

🎟️ $20 admission includes:
✔️ Access to all dazzling light displays
🎅 Visits with Santa (on select nights)
🛍️ Holiday pop-up shopping
☕ Food trucks, hot cocoa & cider
🔥 Fire pits + cozy seating
📸 Endless photo ops!

🕔 Hours:
Mon–Thurs: 5–9PM | Fri–Sun: 5–10PM
📍 Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge, NJ
More info here

🧣 Bundle up, grab the grandkids, and glow make some memories!

No local birthdays this week 😢—but we’ve got a celeb-packed roundup to fill the cake void!

🗓️ Nov. 3
🎤 Roseanne Barr turns 73 — still keeping it outrageous.
🎬 Kate Capshaw hits 72 — cue the “Temple of Doom” nostalgia.
🎙️ Dennis Miller brings the sarcasm at 72.
🎶 Adam Ant is 71 and still standing… and delivering.
🏈 Phil Simms is 70 — calling plays in the CBS booth.

🗓️ Nov. 4
🎙️ Kathy Griffin celebrates 65 — with plenty to say.
🎬 Ralph Macchio turns 64 — forever the Karate Kid.
🏝️ Jeff Probst is 64 — the “Survivor” torch still burns bright.

🗓️ Nov. 5
🎶 Art Garfunkel hits 84 — still a bridge over timeless tunes.
🎸 Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits is 78.
📺 Kris Jenner is 70 — and the Kardashian empire continues.

📬 Know a local senior with a birthday coming up?
Send us their first name, town & age and we’ll give them a warm shoutout next week! Email: [email protected]

Move over, politics — the real bipartisan winner this fall is peanut butter & chocolate. According to the latest Rutgers-Eagleton poll, Reese’s is New Jersey’s top Halloween candy, grabbing 21% of the vote from sweet-toothed voters statewide.

🥈 Snickers came in second (11%) and — surprise! — 🎯 candy corn nabbed third place (9%), proving that love it or hate it, it’s still hanging in there.

Interestingly, voters aged 50 to 64 bucked the trend, giving Snickers a slight edge. But across party lines and demographics, everyone seems to agree: Reese’s is the true Halloween heavyweight.

Moral of the story? If you want to avoid leftovers next Halloween, stock up on orange-wrapped peanut butter perfection.🧡

🎬That’s a wrap for this week’s Scoop!
Thanks for reading and staying connected to what’s happening across Ocean County and New Jersey.

Got a local event, birthday shoutout, or tip to share? We’d love to include it!
💌Email us at [email protected]

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See you next week,
—The Better With Age New Jersey Team

📝 Disclaimer:
We’re here to inform, entertain, and uplift—no medical, legal, or financial advice included. Also, nothing in this newsletter is sponsored—yet! 😉 But when it is, we’ll be sure to let you know.