👋Hey, Ocean friends!

Halloween gets a proper send-off this week with parades, glowing pumpkins and a few reasons to dust off your dancing shoes. We’ve also got early voting details, a tax-relief deadline and a turkey lesson for anyone already thinking one holiday ahead.

👀Inside this week’s Scoop:

🗳️ News & Notes: Early voting details and the property-tax relief deadline
🎶 Out & About: Live music, dancing, turkey tips and a chili showdown
👪 Take the Grandkids: Costume parades, candy stops and farm fun
🥟 Dinner Goes Global: Three recipes to take supper somewhere new
📺 TV Time: Ghostly laughs, comedy nostalgia and spy intrigue
🎬 At the Movies: A documentary to discuss and senior ticket savings
🌭 In the Kitchen: Mummy dogs for your little monsters
📚 Beyond the Books: Crafts, games, helpful programs and LBI’s reopening
🧳 Day Trippin’: Tour Europe with Rick Steves and the symphony

Up first…

🗳️ Vote early, check it off your list: Ocean County’s early voting runs now through Nov. 1, with hours Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., and Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Registered county voters can use any of these 10 sites, regardless of their hometown:

Prefer Election Day? Tuesday, Nov. 3, polls open 6 a.m.–8 p.m., and you must use your assigned polling place. Check your sample ballot or the Ocean County Clerk’s election page for locations, directions and mail-in voting information.

🏠 A deadline worth sticking on the fridge: Eligible New Jersey residents have until Monday, Nov. 2, to apply for property tax relief. Residents 65 and older and qualifying disabled homeowners, including mobile homeowners, can use one PAS-1 application to apply for ANCHOR, Senior Freeze and Stay NJ, subject to each program’s eligibility rules. Homeowners and renters under 65 can apply for ANCHOR using ANC-1. Apply online here.

Halloween fun, live music and a head start on holiday shopping—Ocean County has plenty to keep your calendar interesting.

🌿 Meet the neighbors with wings and scales: Sorta Spooky Teach & Treat gives misunderstood creatures their moment with wildlife exhibits, campfire stories, spooky nature walks, interactive displays, a costume contest and candy. A fun outing with the grandkids—and perhaps a little less shrieking at spiders afterward. Thursday, Oct. 29, 3–7 p.m., Save Barnegat Bay, Toms River. Free; optional $10 donation appreciated.

🦃 Give your Thanksgiving turkey a practice run: At Chef’s Masterclass: Turkey 101, watch a chef demonstrate preparation, seasoning and roasting, then enjoy a three-course dinner of fall salad, turkey and pumpkin cheesecake. You’ll leave with a recipe card and fresh confidence for the big day. Friday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m., LBI National, Little Egg Harbor. Demonstration only; check the link for ticket pricing.

✨ Pumpkins after dark: Jacks & Lights fills Argos Farm with a glowing pumpkin trail, flashlight corn maze, pumpkin patch, “spook easy” and plenty of photo stops. Through Sunday, Nov. 1, Forked River. Thursday and Sunday, 6–9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6–10 p.m. See the website for tickets.

🍷 Dinner with a side of “Who are you supposed to be?”: Hallowine & Dine pairs a three-course dinner with music, dancing and singing from DJ Tommy Smooth & Company, plus a costume contest and prizes. Friday, Oct. 30, 6:30–10 p.m., Dolce Liberta, Manahawkin. $45.99 per person.

🎶 Hear something you haven’t heard a hundred times: Songwriters in the Pines brings six acts to Albert Music Hall for an evening of original songs and the stories behind them. The lineup includes Anthony West, The Lonesome Pines, Alexa Tabbacchino, Mindy Murray, Acoustic Flannel and Sam Houseal. Friday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m., Waretown. Free; donations welcome. Wheelchair accessible, with free parking. Bring cash for the snack and gift booths.

🕺 Your favorite decades called. They’re playing your song: The Decades Dance Party at Laurita Winery serves up hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Consider it an invitation to dust off a few moves. Friday, Oct. 30, 7–11 p.m., New Egypt. $11 online; $13 at the door.

🎁 From jack-o’-lanterns to jingle bells: The VFW Post 8867 Holiday Craft Show offers handmade gifts, home décor, jewelry, baked goods, door prizes and raffles, supporting veterans and the community. Santa is stopping by, too—apparently his shopping season starts early. Sunday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Brick.

🌶️ Your vote comes with a spoon: At the Bay Head Mayor’s Chili Cook Off, town employees, first responders and community members compete for chili bragging rights. Taste, choose your favorites and help stock St. Gregory’s Pantry. Sunday, Nov. 1, noon–1 p.m., Bay Head Firehouse backyard; awards follow. Bring $5 or nonperishable food donations.

🚌 Shop small, let someone else drive: Point Pleasant’s Sunday Shuttle connects local shops, restaurants and other stops every Sunday in November, noon–5 p.m., beginning Nov. 1. Free shuttle tickets are available at participating shops and the Chamber of Commerce. Home pickup and drop-off within 08742 is also offered; call 732-761-5377 to arrange that service, which requires no ticket.

A little movement, promising research and a heads-up for your phone.

🚶 Low Daily Step Counts Linked to Dementia, Parkinson’s and Stroke: Your fitness tracker may reveal more than your daily step count. It could also offer clues about your future brain health. HealthDay News, Oct. 20.

🪑 What Chair Yoga Can Do for Your Body: At first glance, chair yoga might seem like a workout just for older adults with mobility issues. But it shouldn’t be pigeonholed. Time, Oct. 20.

🔬 A Novel mRNA Cancer Vaccine Helps Reduce the Chances of Melanoma Patients’ Tumors Returning: A first-of-its-kind cancer vaccine is significantly reducing the chances that melanoma patients’ tumors come back. Associated Press, Oct. 22.

📞 Medicare Scam Calls Spike as Open Enrollment Begins: Scammers already know your enrollment window, and they’re dialing now. The Street, Oct. 18.

Costumes on, candy bags ready. These Saturday, Oct. 31 outings give the grandkids somewhere to show off—and you plenty of photo opportunities.

👻 Give those costumes a proper debut: The Bay Head Halloween Parade & Costume Contest features trophies for everything from spooky creations to clever group costumes, plus age-group medals for children through age 11. Noon, Bay Head; preregistered participants check in from 11:15–11:45 a.m. The parade finishes at Centennial Park. Rain or shine; preregister for weather updates.

🐴 A candy cannon? That should get their attention: Halloween on the Farm brings a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce house, pumpkin carving and a DJ to Dancer Farm. Costume judging starts at 3:30 p.m., with cash prizes—including $100 for best children’s costume. Starts at noon, New Egypt. Admission for ages 21 and older: $10 online before 6 p.m. Oct. 30; $15 afterward and at the door. Under 21 free.

🍬 A little shopping, a little candy collecting: Trick or Treat Day invites costumed visitors to make the rounds at the shops of Schooner’s Wharf and Bay Village. The kids can admire their haul while you admire the shop windows. Noon–4 p.m., Beach Haven.

🎨 More treats, fewer doorbells: Dockside Cafe & Marina’s Trunk or Treat adds face painting, pumpkin decorating, a candy-corn guessing game, cider, doughnuts and a spooky photo spot to the candy collecting. 2–5 p.m., Tuckerton. Want to decorate a car and hand out treats? Spaces are limited to 15 vehicles; call 609-294-1859 to sign up.

🎭 Finish with a grand Halloween tradition: The 87th Toms River Halloween Parade steps off at 7 p.m. in downtown Toms River. Bring the grandkids to watch the procession and make a night of it. Planning to march? Parade-day registration runs 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

🎃 Pumpkins with a side of sharks: Fintastic Pumpkin Glow at Adventure Aquarium in Camden lights up the exhibits with glowing gourds above and below the water, alongside sharks, stingrays and other aquatic neighbors. Catch “Meet the Divers,” then watch the dive team carve pumpkins underwater. Suddenly, carving one at the kitchen table seems pretty easy.

Through Sunday, Nov. 1. Ticket prices vary by date.

🥟 A little globe-trotting, no passport required. Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.’s new One Ingredient, Endless Cultures video series explores beef dishes from around the world. Put a fresh spin on dinner with these three recipes:

Still hungry? Explore the full video series and more recipes here.

Ghostly laughs, familiar comedy faces and a fresh helping of espionage—here’s what’s arriving on TV and streaming.

👻 The spirits are feeling festive: “Ghosts” returns with a one-hour Halloween event featuring the spirited residents of Woodstone Mansion. Thursday, Oct. 29, at 9 p.m. on CBS.

😂 Remember when these folks were the new kids? “SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of” celebrates the Canadian sketch-comedy institution that helped launch some very familiar funny faces. Expect a nostalgic look at its characters, cast and lasting influence. Friday, Oct. 30, on Netflix.

🔎 Small town, big trouble: “Nocturne” stars Liev Schreiber as a former soldier and homicide detective whose move to Pennsylvania takes a frightening turn when a serial killer targets his community and family. Zazie Beetz and Stephen Graham also star. Friday, Oct. 30, on Apple TV, with two episodes; new episodes follow weekly.

⛳ Another shot at a second chance: Owen Wilson returns in Season 2 of “Stick,” the comedy about a washed-up professional golfer who finds renewed purpose mentoring a talented young player. Golf knowledge optional; an appreciation for imperfect people helps. Wednesday, Nov. 4, on Apple TV, with two episodes followed by weekly releases.

🕵️ Secrets don’t stay buried for long: Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw reunite for Season 2 of “Black Doves.” The stylish spy thriller brings Helen and Sam back into a dangerous world of shifting loyalties, with Neve Campbell joining the cast. Thursday, Nov. 5, on Netflix.

🎬 The movie everyone’s talking about—and trying not to spoil: “You Can See Everything” follows disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in the weeks before prison. Filmmakers Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim turn that access into an unusual documentary that has audiences debating what—and whom—to believe. Go in curious, and avoid the spoilers.

Planning a movie outing? AMC offers senior ticket pricing for ages 60 and older all day, every day—no special weekday required. Choose the Senior ticket option when booking; prices vary by theater and showtime. See AMC’s offers.

🌭 Grandma’s got this Halloween all wrapped up. Turn ordinary hot dogs into little mummies with strips of refrigerated crescent dough, a little cheese and mustard eyes. These Crescent Mummy Dogs from Pillsbury make a fun supper before trick-or-treating—and the grandkids can help with the wrapping.

Flowers, films, friendly competition and even a little ghost hunting—Ocean County’s libraries have plenty going on for seniors this week.

📌 LBI reopening update: The Long Beach Island Branch in Surf City now plans to reopen Monday, Nov. 2, following an extended carpet replacement project. The book drop remains open. Need a held item sent elsewhere? Request a transfer; holds won’t move automatically. For help during the closure, call 732-349-6200. Digital resources remain available around the clock.

💐 A little flower power: Learn arrangement basics with Amy of the Whiting Flower Shoppe and take home your creation. Wednesday, Oct. 28, Jackson Branch, with sessions at 10–10:45 a.m. and 11–11:45 a.m.

🧶 Bring the project you keep meaning to finish: These gatherings pair stitching with good company:

⭐ Create a little light: Decorate Star Votive Candle Holders in Honor of Veterans Day. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2–3:30 p.m., Jackson.

💌 Make someone’s mail a little brighter: Create greeting cards for Meals on Wheels recipients at the Kindness Cards Project. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 7–8:30 p.m., Manchester. Drop in.

🀄 Your next move starts here: Beginners are welcome at Waretown’s Mah Jongg gatherings Wednesday, Oct. 28, and Wednesday, Nov. 4, noon–4 p.m. Stafford also hosts drop-in Mah Jongg Friday, Oct. 30, 12:30–4 p.m. Bring current-year cards and game sets to Stafford.

📱 Put that puzzling device on the agenda: Device 101 offers beginner-level, one-on-one help with a phone, tablet or laptop. Thursday, Oct. 29, 7–8 p.m., Toms River. Check availability; the earlier 6 p.m. session is full.

🎨 Fresh eyes for your artwork: Bring work for feedback and meet local artists at Art Chat. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1–3 p.m., Tuckerton. Drop in.

🌱 Give your gardening questions an expert audience: Ask a Master Gardener connects you with Rutgers Master Gardeners of Ocean County. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2–4 p.m., Point Pleasant Borough. Drop in.

🚀 Back to the ’80s, then off to space: LBI’s Movie Matinee Monday: Explorers is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2, 1:30–3:30 p.m., Surf City. Register and check the branch’s reopening status before heading over.

🎶 Four strings, plenty of company: The Bayside Ukulele Group welcomes players of all levels. Monday, Nov. 2, 3–4:30 p.m., Stafford. Bring your ukulele; drop in.

👻 Halloween may be over. The ghosts apparently didn’t get the memo: The NJ Paranormal Team presents Ghost Hunting Behind the Scenes. Monday, Nov. 2, 7–8 p.m., Tuckerton.

📖 A fresh chapter for LBI: The Book Club of LBI discusses Jodi Picoult’s The Book of Two Ways. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6–8 p.m., Surf City.

🤝 You don’t have to navigate grief alone: An Affinity Care social worker leads a Bereavement Support Group at Brick, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6:30–7:30 p.m., with another session Nov. 4 at the same time. Register.

💙 Support for the person doing the caring: The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, presented with Hackensack Meridian Health, meets Monday, Nov. 2, noon–2 p.m., Stafford.

⭐ Honor someone who served: Add a veteran’s name to a star on the Upper Shores Veterans Tree. Monday, Nov. 2, during branch hours, Lavallette.

🇺🇸 Hear history from those who lived it: Volunteer docents share veterans’ experiences during the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial & Museum Presentation. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Brick. Register.

🩸 Roll up a sleeve for a good cause: An American Red Cross Blood Drive takes place Wednesday, Nov. 4, 1–6 p.m., Berkeley. Appointments preferred; walk-ins welcome. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule.

🩺 Make room for a health check-in: Attend Cancer Prevention: Lowering Your Risk, a presentation on prevention and early detection. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 3–4 p.m., Jackson. Register.

🧘 Let your shoulders know they’re off duty: Mindfulness & Yoga offers gentle Hatha yoga, breathing and relaxation for all levels. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Barnegat. Bring a mat; register.

Europe, without the overnight flight. Travel expert and public television favorite Rick Steves joins the New Jersey Symphony Nov. 7–8 for Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey, with performances at Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown and State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick.

Steves hosts in person, pairing travel stories and European history with sweeping music and big-screen footage. Nicholas Hersh conducts a musical itinerary through Austria, Germany, Norway and France, including Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.”

Going to Morristown? Steves also gives a live travel talk at MPAC on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m., ahead of the afternoon concert. Check the New Jersey Symphony for tickets and performance details.

Whether you’re watching the parade, trying a dance-floor favorite or helping a small superhero keep track of their candy bag, enjoy a little time out with your favorite people.

Know someone who’d love more local plans and fewer things to look up? Forward the Scoop and invite them to subscribe free. Have news or an event to share? Hit reply—we’d love the scoop.

See you next week,
😎 The Ocean Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: Event schedules, prices and availability can change, so check the event links before heading out. Also, the Ocean Senior Scoop does not offer medical, financial or legal advice.