Ocean Senior Scoop: Easter Plans, Brunch Picks & Boardwalk Fun

There’s a lot happening in Ocean County this week: Easter brunch spots worth booking now, egg hunts and bunny sightings for the grandkids, live music, a little small-town mystery, and even Opening Night fireworks at the ballpark. Oh — and yes, there’s also a story about a very polite AI reminding people about colonoscopies (welcome to 2026).🙄

Whether you’re heading out or staying in, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get into it!

🕵️ Out & About — Murder mystery night, live music & baseball kickoff
🐣 Where to Brunch — Easter Sunday spots worth reserving now
🐰 Take the Grandkids — Bunny photos, boardwalk fun & spring adventures
📚 Beyond the Books — Library talks, clubs & community events
📰 Prime Time News — Medicare, Social Security & smart reads
🐰 In the Kitchen — A dessert that’s almost too cute to eat
📺 TV Time — What to watch this week
📅 Mark Your Calendar — Restaurant Week preview
🎂 Celebrity Birthdays — Who’s blowing out the candles
🤖🩺 One Last Thing — The robocall you actually want to answer

Up first…

🕵️ Murder, Mystery & Flapper Dresses
📍 Bayville Elks • April 3
Step into a 1920s speakeasy for a night of secrets, scandals, and sleuthing. Doors open 5:30 p.m., show at 7. Dress the part, bring snacks, and prepare to solve the crime.
💲 $30 | Tables available. for tickets, call 732-232-4523 or 732-773-2239.

🎶 Saturday Night at Albert Music Hall
📍 Waretown • April 4
Live bluegrass, country, and folk from 6 bands — plus jam sessions, hot food, and that classic Jersey Shore music hall charm.
💲 $6 adults | Cash only. Info

⚾ Play Ball! BlueClaws Opening Night + Fireworks
📍 Lakewood • April 7
Nothing says spring like baseball and fireworks.
🕡 6:35 p.m. Info

If you’re skipping the cooking this Easter (highly recommended), there’s no shortage of places serving everything from elegant buffets to casual, beachy breakfasts. Whether you want a full-on holiday experience or just a really good meal with zero cleanup, here’s where to go — with plenty of options close to home.

Harbor Pines Golf Club — Egg Harbor Township
https://www.harborpines.com/
A full Easter buffet experience with omelets, carving stations, entrées, and desserts for brunch — plus a dinner option later in the day.
💲 Brunch from $59 adults | $25 kids

The Reeds at Shelter Haven — Stone Harbor
https://reedsatshelterhaven.com/
Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in an elegant coastal setting that feels special but still family-friendly.
💲 $72 adults | $35 kids

Congress Hall — Cape May
https://www.caperesorts.com/congress-hall
Big holiday energy: pastries, seafood, Prime Rib, and Easter Bunny photo ops on the lawn after brunch.

Laurita Winery — New Egypt
https://lauritawinery.com
Wine country vibes without leaving Ocean County. Two seatings (10 & 1) and a beautiful setting.
💲 $63 adults

Renault Winery — Egg Harbor City
https://renaultwinery.com
Champagne Ballroom brunch plus an Easter egg hunt and Bunny photos — great for families.

Willow Creek Winery — Cape May
https://willowcreekwinerycapemay.com/
Brunch from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. with ham, seafood, and a polished seasonal menu.

Mathis House — Toms River
https://www.mathishouse600main.com
Victorian charm, live piano, tea sandwiches, scones, and a full spread.
💲 $50 adults | $20 kids

B2 Bistro + Bar — Toms River / Bayville
https://www.b2bistro.com
Go big: carving station, omelets, seafood, pasta, desserts — all of it.
🕙 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

37 Eats — Toms River
https://37eats.com/
À la carte Easter menu with seasonal dishes like lamb shank and lemon tart — a more relaxed, non-buffet option.

The Mainland Kitchen & Pub — Manahawkin
https://themainlandnj.com
Modern, lively, and a nice middle ground between fancy and casual.

The Sawmill — Seaside Park
https://sawmillcafe.com/
Casual beachfront breakfast buffet from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (last one of the season).
💲 $10 adults | $7 kids

Tuckers Tavern — LBI (Beach Haven)
https://www.tuckerstavern-lbi.com/
Brunch with beach-town energy. Always a crowd-pleaser.

Rosie’s — Ocean Gate
https://www.rosiesoceangate.com/
Cozy, classic, no-frills comfort brunch.

The Ocean View Restaurant — Seaside Heights
https://www.theoceanviewrestaurant.com
Big portions, old-school charm, and zero fuss.

The Gables — Beach Haven
https://www.gableslbi.com/
Refined, prix-fixe dining in a cozy, upscale setting — more quiet Easter than buffet buzz.

Coastal Blue Oceanside Bar & Grill — Wildwood Crest
https://www.coastalbluenj.com/events-and-specials/
Ocean views, buffet brunch, and Easter Bunny visits — easy win for families.

Whether you’re going fancy in Cape May, winery chic in New Egypt, or casual by the ocean in Seaside or LBI, there’s a brunch for every mood this Easter. 👉 Just one thing: make that reservation now. Because Easter brunch fills up fast… like “we’re eating at 2:45 or not at all” fast.

The Easter Bunny is making the rounds this week, and there’s no shortage of fun for the grandkids — from bunny photos to boardwalk events and egg-filled adventures.

🐰 Tuckerton Seaport Spring Kickoff (Free!)
📍 Tuckerton • April 4
Bunny Bingo, crafts, boat tours, lighthouse climbs, and museum fun.
🕙 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

📸 Free Easter Bunny Photos
📍 Jenkinson’s Boardwalk • April 4
Snap a beachside pic with the Bunny. Noon–5 p.m. by the South Arcade.

🐐 Petting Zoo on the Pier
📍 Casino Pier, Seaside Heights • April 4
Cute animals + ocean breeze = instant grandkid win.
🕐 1–3 p.m.

🥐 Easter Brunch, But Make It Fancy
📍 Mathis House, Toms River • April 5
Buffet + butler service + live piano + Victorian charm.
💲 $50 adults | $20 kids

🐰 Lunch with the Easter Bunny
📍 Jenkinson’s Boardwalk • April 5
No reservations — just show up, eat, and let the Bunny make the rounds.
🕛 12–3 p.m.

👒 Easter Promenade (Dress to Impress!)
📍 Seaside Heights Boardwalk • April 5
Think bonnets, best-dressed contests, prizes, and full-on spring flair.
🕐 1 p.m.

🌷 Jenkinson’s Easter Parade
📍 Point Pleasant Beach • April 5
Kids, families, floats, bonnets — all competing for boardwalk bragging rights.
🕐 1 p.m.

🐾 Animal Adventures at Popcorn Park
📍 Forked River • April 6–10
Meet animal ambassadors, watch enrichment demos, and learn something new each day.
🕚 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.

🍦✨ Ice Cream + Magic = Yes Please
📍 Mathis House, Toms River • April 8
Build-your-own sundaes + a magic show = guaranteed smiles.
💲 $20 adults | $10 kids • 6 p.m.

🎢 Boardwalk season is already calling. Casino Pier’s Annual Easter Sale is back with discounted deals on rides, waterpark admission, go-karts, midway games, and mini golf — basically a head start on summer without the full-price sting. The online sale runs April 2–6, with offers like 90 ride credits for $50, 210 for $100, and waterpark packages starting at 2 admissions for $75.

And if you’re feeling extra strategic with your summer fun budget, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is also hosting its Easter Sale April 3–5 in Point Pleasant Beach, with deals on ride cards, admissions, packages, and more — plus a chance to win a VIP voucher.

In other words: now’s the time to stock up on boardwalk fun before the beach bags come out.

☎️ Want to do some good in the world? CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties is looking for crisis hotline volunteers, with free in-person training held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Toms River. The program helps prepare volunteers to support callers in distress through the group’s 24-hour confidential hotline — and yes, that’s a pretty meaningful way to give back. CONTACT is also celebrating 50 years of answering the call, so this is a lovely time to join in. For info or to register, call 732-240-6104 or email [email protected].

It’s a full slate at Ocean County Library branches this week — from inspiring author talks to mah jongg meetups, health talks, music, and more. Here’s what’s happening:

📖 Author Spotlight: Waves of Hope
A powerful WWII story about a New Jersey woman who helped families of captured soldiers — told by her son, author Ronald Negra.
📍 April 1, 6:30 p.m. — Toms River
📍 April 16, 2 p.m. — Manchester
📍 April 22, 7 p.m. — Upper Shores
🎟️ Free • Registration required • Signed books available

📚 First Wednesday Book Club — Stafford • 10–11 a.m. (The Golden Spoon)
🀄 Mah Jongg — Waretown • 12–4 p.m. (beginners welcome)
🀄 Mah Jongg — Little Egg Harbor • 12:30–4 p.m.
🧶 Crochet & Knitting (BYO) — Plumsted • 1–3 p.m.
❤️ Stress, Success & Your Heart — Lacey • 2–3 p.m. (register)
🍲 Cookbook Club — Upper Shores • 6–8 p.m. (bring a dish)
🧵 Twisted Stitchers — Brick • 6–8 p.m. (all levels)
🦅 Osprey Conservation Talk — Little Egg Harbor • 6:30–7:30 p.m.
📖 Waves of Hope Author Talk — Toms River • 6:30–7:30 p.m.

🧾 AARP Tax Aide — Jackson • 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (appt required)
🧠 Shore Memory Café — Manchester • 10–11 a.m.
🤝 Caregiver Support Group — Barnegat • 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
🧠 Living Your Best Life with Parkinson’s — Stafford • 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
🀄 Mah Jongg Open Play — Brick • 12–2 p.m.
🎹 Live Piano: Great American Standards — Upper Shores • 2–3:30 p.m.
🐦 Southern Ocean Birding Group — Barnegat • 7–8 p.m.

🤝 Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support — Stafford • 12–2 p.m.
🎬 Lunch & Movie (La La Land) — Barnegat • 12:30–4 p.m.
🧶 Knitting Meetup — Little Egg Harbor • 12:30–2:30 p.m.
🧶 Waretown Woolies — 1–3 p.m.
🎶 Poetry of Music — Manchester • 2–3 p.m.
🎸 Bayside Ukulele Club — Stafford • 3–4:30 p.m.

🧩 Spring Puzzle Packets — Lakewood • All day
🩺 Blood Pressure Clinic — LBI • 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
🩺 Wellness Screenings — Little Egg Harbor • 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
🩸 Red Cross Blood Drive — LBI • 1–6 p.m.
🌸 Orchid Growing Workshop — Jackson • 2:30–4 p.m.

💙 Heart Healthy Talk — Lacey • 2–3 p.m.

📌 Also worth a look:
💼 “Planning for the What If’s in Life” — April 8, 3 p.m. at Jackson (financial & life planning seminar)

⚠️ Library Closings
All branches closed April 3 (Good Friday) & April 5 (Easter Sunday)
Reopen April 6 • Digital services always available.

The latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

Regret Your Move to Medicare Advantage? Two 'Safety Nets' Can Help: But Act Fast: Discover the federal protections (one expires on April 1) and state-level hurdles you’ll face when switching from Medicare Advantage back to original Medicare. Kiplinger, March 24.

Medicare Is Denying More Claims Than Ever -- Here's How to Fight Back: The appeals process may seem daunting but can be highly effective. The Motley Fool, March 23.

The Divorced Spouse's Guide to Social Security Benefits in 2026: Understanding these rules will help you get the most money from the program. The Motley Fool, March 23.

How to Retire in Canada: The second-most popular destination for U.S. travelers is also a top contender for retirees. U.S. News & World Report, March 23.

This one is almost too cute to cut. An Easter Bunny Butt Cake from Culinary.net brings all the holiday cheer with fluffy cake, buttercream frosting, shredded coconut, chocolate candy eggs, and tiny chocolate-chip toes. Yes, bunny toes. It’s bright, playful, a little over the top in the best way, and exactly the kind of dessert that gets a laugh before it gets devoured. The full recipe includes step-by-step instructions for shaping and decorating the cake, so ambitious Easter bakers can go all in.

Fresh couch content is rolling in this week, with a little something for every mood — prestige drama, zombies, Broadway, reality chaos, and one very twisty box office hit. Here’s what’s landing on your screen:

🎬 “The Testament of Ann Lee” (Hulu, Tuesday) — Amanda Seyfried stars as Shakers founder Ann Lee in this bold, unusual musical that earned major critical praise.

🧟 “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” (Netflix, Tuesday) — The latest zombie installment brings Jack O’Connell, Ralph Fiennes, and plenty of mayhem to Netflix.

🧹 “The Housemaid” (Starz, Wednesday) — Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney lead this glossy, twist-filled thriller about wealth, secrets, and bad behavior.

🍿 “The Valley,” Season 3 (Peacock, Thursday, April 2) — More suburban drama from the former Vanderpump Rules crew, now with kids, divorces, and a whole lot of mess.

🏘️ “Your Friends & Neighbors,” Season 2 (Apple TV+, Friday, April 3) — Jon Hamm is back as the man who keeps swiping from the rich folks next door.

🍸 “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” (Peacock, Friday, April 3) — A new Housewives city enters the chat, and yes, the drama is coming with it.

🎭 “Merrily We Roll Along” (Netflix, Saturday, April 4) — The hit Broadway production starring Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe finally makes its streaming debut.

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week is April 10–19 — which means it’s officially time to loosen the waistband and make a few dinner plans.

Restaurants across Ocean County will be serving up special prix-fixe menus, with everything from fresh seafood to steaks, comfort food, and desserts worth saving room for. Spots taking part include The Shrimp Box, Bum Rogers, Prime 13, Crab’s Claw Inn, The Offshore Restaurant, Windward Tavern, Berkeley Cut Steakhouse, and all three B2 Bistro + Bar locations in Point Beach, Toms River, and Bayville.

In other words: this is your excuse to try somewhere new — or revisit an old favorite with a very good special attached. See all the restaurants taking part here.

Another week, another excuse for cake! No local birthdays this week 🥲but here are a few celebrities blowing out the candles.

April 1 – Actor Don Hastings turns 92, actor Ali MacGraw is 87, and singer Susan Boyle hits 65.

April 2 – Singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris turns 79, actor Pamela Reed is 77, and actor Christopher Meloni hits 65.

April 3 – Actor Marsha Mason and singer Wayne Newton both turn 84, singer Tony Orlando is 82, actor Alec Baldwin turns 68, actor David Hyde Pierce is 67, and comedian-actor Eddie Murphy hits 65.

April 4 – Actor Craig T. Nelson turns 82, singer Steve Gatlin is 75, actor Robert Downey Jr. hits 61, and actor Nancy McKeon celebrates 60.

If your phone rings and a very polite robot reminds you it’s time for your colonoscopy… don’t hang up 😄

Thanks to New Jersey’s Atlantic Health teaming up with Artera, AI is now making those awkward-but-important calls — walking patients through prep, answering questions, and gently nudging you to show up.

Is it a little weird? Sure.
Is it also potentially life-saving? Absolutely.

The AI agents call patients about a week before their procedure to confirm appointments, review prep instructions, and help clear up confusion around the many steps involved, Atlantic Health said in a recent press release. Early results are promising: 43% of patients answered the calls, 39% confirmed their appointments, and some even used the AI to ask questions about the procedure.

As Dr. Ravish Parekh, a gastroenterologist with Atlantic Health, put it: “We have, within our power, the ability to protect many patients from colorectal cancer, but that starts with screenings, specifically with a colonoscopy. By delivering personalized, easy-to-understand guidance, we hope to see better patient adherence and more effective exams. This initiative highlights Atlantic Health's dedication to patient-centered care through innovation.”

So, a friendly robocall about a colonoscopy may not be anybody’s idea of a dream conversation — but if it helps save lives, that’s one call worth taking.💙

That’s your scoop for the week — a little fun, a little fresh air, and plenty of reasons to get out (or stay in with something good on TV).

⁉️Questions, comments or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Just hit reply to this email.

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😎See you next week!

The Ocean Senior Scoop team

⚠️ A Little Heads-Up Before You Head Out…
Event details can change faster than an Easter Bunny on espresso — times shift, tickets sell out, and the occasional rain cloud may crash the party. Always double-check with the venue before you go.

And just to keep things official: this newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not medical, legal, or financial advice. For those matters, it’s best to consult a qualified professional (not us… we’re still deciding how many jellybeans is one too many).