🍂 Welcome to This Week’s Ocean Senior Scoop!
Hello friends! Ready to fill your week with music, craftiness, tasty treats, and even a little mystery? Whether you love live shows, seasonal festivals, or hands-on workshops, Ocean County has something to make your days brighter. Grab a friend, bring the grandkids, or enjoy a solo adventure—there’s plenty to explore!
📅Mark Your Calendar
Theater & Live Shows
🎭 On Golden Pond – Sept. 25 | 2:00 PM
Classic love story of Ethel & Norman Thayer returns to the stage. Touching, funny, and heartfelt.
📍 Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven | 📞 609-492-9477 | 🌐 surflight.org
🎶 Albert Music Hall: Songwriters in the Pines – Bluegrass & Folk – Sept. 26 | 5:30–9:00 PM
Cole Quest & the City Pickers plus local bands. Music, food, and a lively Jersey folk vibe!
📍 Waretown | 🌐 alberthall.org
🎶 Albert Music Hall – Saturday Night Show – Sept. 27 | 5:30–9:00 PM
Five bands bring Bluegrass, Country & Folk music to life. Food, merch & community fun included.
💲 $6 Adults / $1 Kids | 📍 Waretown | 🌐 alberthall.org
🎤 The Bronx Wanderers – Sept. 28 | 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Multi-generational rock ‘n’ roll, personal stories & songs spanning decades. Fun for all ages!
📍 Grunin Center, Toms River | 🌐 grunincenter.org
🎵 Chicago 9 Tribute Band – Sept. 27 | 8:00 PM
Relive the classics like “Saturday in the Park” and “Beginnings.” High-energy fun for music lovers!
🌐 c9tb.com
Festivals & Fairs
🍇 Saint Barbara’s 52nd Annual Greek Festival – Sept. 26 | Noon–11:00 PM
Greek food, dancing, music & family fun. Bring your appetite!
📍 2200 Church Rd, Toms River
🎃 Jacks & Lights at Argo’s Farm – Sept. 26 | 7:30–10:00 PM
Lighted pumpkin trail, flashlight corn maze, treats & brews. Perfect for fall photo ops!
🌐 jacksandlights.com
🍂 Fall Festival at Argo’s Farm – Sept. 27 | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Pumpkin picking, hayrides, and family-friendly fall fun.
📍 1250 Lacey Rd, Lacey
🍀 Shamrocks by the Sea Irish Festival – Sept. 27 | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Irish food, music, dancing & pipe bands. Bring a chair and enjoy the fun!
🌐 shamrocksbythesea.com
🛍️ Fall Spectacular Outdoor Artisan & Vendor Market – Sept. 27 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Shop handmade items, crochet blankets, candles, baked goods & more. Supports local food pantry.
📍 East Dover Baptist Church
Workshops & Classes
🍰 Fall Cake & Cupcake Decorating Workshop – Sept. 25 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Learn buttercream piping, decorate fall-inspired cakes & cupcakes, enjoy seasonal sips!
💲 $68 | 📍 Gifted, Toms River | 🎟️ Buy Tickets
Mystery & Fun Dining
🕵️ Who Killed Peggy Sue? 1950’s Murder Mystery Dinner – Sept. 27 | 7:00 PM
Solve a 1950’s murder mystery while enjoying dinner. Costumes encouraged & prizes for best dressed!
💲 $75 | Seniors 65+ $55 | 📍 Mathis House, Toms River | 📞 732-818-7580
Boat Shows & Outdoor Fun
⛵ Jersey Shore Boat Sale & Expo – Sept. 26–28
Check out boats of all sizes at ShoreTown Ballpark. Outdoor shopping + amazing deals!
🌐 JerseyBoatExpo.com
✈️ Wanderlust Weekly
Where to go next? We’ve got ideas!
Seabourn at Endicott Arm
🌊 Seabourn Encore Goes Wild in Alaska (2026)
For the first time, Seabourn’s ultra-luxe Encore heads north—17 weeklong Alaska & BC sailings (or double up for 2 weeks!). Glaciers, wildlife, gourmet dining, and secret cove kayaking await. Info
Oceania Allura in port in Split, Croatia
🧳 Oceania Cruises: 230 New Itineraries Just Dropped
Big bucket list? Oceania’s 2027–28 collection serves up 230+ sailings—from Alaska’s parks to Mediterranean feasts, Asian adventures, and African journeys. Small ships, fine dining, big memories. Info
Biltmore's "Luminere," illuminating Biltmore House and gardens, debuts March 26, 2026.
🌙 Biltmore After Dark: Luminere Debuts 2026
Asheville’s Biltmore Estate lights up March 26–Oct. 18, 2026, with Luminere—a nighttime show of glowing gardens, soundscapes, and storytelling under the stars. Artisan picnics included. Tickets on sale Nov. 12, 2025. Info
Coastal Charm & Fall Foliage: 2027 Canada & New England Season from Princess Cruises
🍁 Fall Cruising with Princess: Canada & New England 2027
Leaf-peepers, rejoice! Regal & Caribbean Princess sail Aug. 21–Oct. 30, 2027, from NYC, Boston, or Québec. 7–13 days of fiery foliage, fresh lobster, historic cities, and sparkling nights. Info
🗞️Prime Time News
Links to the latest news on aging from trusted media sources
🌀 Try Tai Chi, Stay Strong
It’s part workout, part meditation—and it just might be the secret to aging with strength and grace. Kiplinger, Sept. 19
👂 Hear Better, Spend Less
Over-the-counter hearing aids are here—affordable, accessible, and no prescription needed. NY Times Wirecutter, Sept. 18
📅 Medicare Check-In Time
Open enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7) is coming. Think of it as your yearly tune-up for health coverage. Motley Fool, Sept. 16
💸 Spending at 80—Surprise!
Most retirees actually spend less as the years go on. Here’s what the numbers look like. GoBankingRates, Sept. 16
💔 Divorce After 60?
“Gray divorce” is real—and it can shake up your retirement plans. Here’s how to stay steady. Kiplinger, Sept. 17
💳 Bye-Bye Paper Checks
Starting Sept. 30, Social Security and federal benefits go digital. No more waiting by the mailbox! CNBC, Sept. 18
🌍 Why Solo Travel Rocks
Forget group selfies—sometimes the best adventures are the ones you take on your own. Next Avenue, Sept. 15
📚Beyond The Books
Library events across Ocean County this week—engaging, social, and perfect for seniors. For more info, visit Ocean County Library.
📅 Wednesday, Sept. 24
🕵️ Elder Fraud Talk (Jackson Branch, 11am) – Learn how to spot scams and keep your money safe.
🧶 Knit Wits (Beachwood Branch, 11am) – Bring your yarn, needles, and meet new crafty friends.
☕ Victorian Tea Fundraiser (Mathis House, Toms River, 12–2pm) – Tea, scones, champagne, and fancy hats. 🍰 Tickets $50.
🤝 Caregivers’ Support Group (Stafford Branch, 12–2pm) – Helpful tips and encouragement.
🌱 Ask a Master Gardener (Point Pleasant Borough Branch, 2–4pm) – Got a plant problem? Bring it in for answers.
🎶 Custom Blend Band (Point Pleasant Beach Branch, 3–4:30pm) – Toe-tapping mix of country, bluegrass & folk.
📅 Thursday, Sept. 25
🧶 Hooked on Yarn (Manchester Branch, 2–4pm) – Knitting & crochet circle.
🚢 Titanic Talk (Lakewood Branch, 2–3:30pm) – History, stories, and even menus from the doomed ship.
👢 Country Line Dancing (Toms River Branch, 3–4:30pm) – No experience needed, just bring your boots.
🍂 Fall Garden Prep (Brick Branch, 6:30–7:30pm) – Tips to tuck your garden in for winter.
🪑 Chair Yoga (Jackson Branch, 6:30–7:30pm) – Gentle, seated stretches.
📅 Friday, Sept. 26
💉 Wellness Screening (Barnegat Branch, 10am–12pm) – Free health checks.
📚 Waretown Book Sale (12:30–3pm) – Stock up on bargain reads.
🎨 Stamping 101 (Toms River Branch, 2–4pm) – Create handmade bookmarks & art.
📅 Saturday, Sept. 27
🧘 Yoga Pilates Fusion (Toms River Branch, 10–11am) – Stretch, strengthen & breathe.
📅 Monday, Sept. 29
🧾 Medicare Enrollment 101 (Brick Branch, 2:30–3:30pm) – Get ready for Open Enrollment.
🎶 Bayside Ukulele Club (Stafford Branch, 3:15–4:30pm) – Bring your uke & strum along.
🎃 Adult Halloween Luminary Craft (Brick Branch, 6:30–8pm) – Make a spooky jar to light up the season.
📅 Tuesday, Sept. 30
📱 Tech Help Tuesday (Waretown Branch, 10:30am–12:30pm) – One-on-one gadget help.
🧩 Creative Social Connections (Stafford Branch, 12–2pm) – Crafts, coloring & conversation (with lunch!).
💡 WISE: Senior Wellness Program (Brick Branch, 2:30–3:30pm) – Learn healthy living tips in a friendly group.
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 1
🏠 Historic Houses of Brick Township (Brick Branch, 11:15am–12:15pm) – Discover the stories behind local homes.
🌿 Houseplant Swap (Brick Branch, 2:30–3:30pm) – Trade cuttings, share care tips, grow your green family.
🧶 Adult Crocheting Club (Toms River Branch, 6–7:30pm) – Bring your project, meet fellow stitchers.
🎢 Seaside Heights: The Town That Fun Built (Upper Shores Branch, 7–8pm) – A look back at Jersey Shore memories.
🚨 Fake Tax Texts Making the Rounds
Some New Jersey residents are getting texts from the so-called “New Jersey Department of Taxation” warning they’ll lose their refunds. Spoiler: that department doesn’t exist. It’s a scam trying to trick you into clicking a shady link and handing over banking info.
The real NJ Division of Taxation reminds folks: they’ll never text you for personal info—first contact comes by good old-fashioned mail.
✅ Don’t click links in sketchy texts
✅ Don’t share personal info
✅ Double-check suspicious messages using official websites
Read more here.
🥕Farm Markets This Week
Fresh, local and senior-friendly spots to shop, stroll and savor.
🍎 Downtown Toms River Farmers Market
📅 Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 🕚 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fresh NJ-grown fruits & veggies, local honey, flowers, baked goods, mushrooms, olives & pickles, guacamole, soaps, lotions, plus a NJ winery, distillery & brewery. Don’t miss the smoothie truck every week!
📍 Downtown Toms River
📞 732-341-8738
🌽 Barnegat Farmers Market
📅 Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Local farms & fresh finds right in Barnegat.
📍 Barnegat Township
📞 609-698-0080 ext. 130
🍄 Tuckerton Farmers Market
📅 Thursday, Sept. 26 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Hosted at The Union Market & Gallery – shop fresh produce & artisan goods.
📍 120 W Main St, Tuckerton
📞 609-879-5799
🥕 Lacey Farmers Market
📅 Thursday, Sept. 26 | 🕚 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Produce, local treats & handmade items.
📍 Lacey United Methodist Church, 203 Lacey Rd
📞 609-693-5222
🍯 Brick Farmers Market
📅 Saturday, Sept. 27 | 🕣 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
A Saturday tradition! Farm-fresh produce, baked goods & specialty items.
📍 Township of Brick
📞 732-262-1000
🍲What’s Cookin’
🫑 Pepper Party, Jersey-Style
Fall means one thing at NJ farmers markets: bell peppers galore! Sweet, crunchy, and bursting with color, they’re perfect for everything from salads to cozy dinners. Grab some at your local market and turn them into a tasty treat with this recipe for Jersey Fresh Stuffed Peppers.
📺TV Time: What to Watch This Week
Settle in and grab the remote—this week’s lineup has everything from caped heroes and spy misfits to sun-soaked thrillers and family feuds over beer.
🦸 Superman lands on HBO Max
James Gunn’s bright and hopeful Superman has flown from theaters to streaming. David Corenswet dons the cape, Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois, and Nicholas Hoult brings the bald badness as Lex. A sequel’s already in the works.
💔 Love gets complicated in All of You
Brett Goldstein (yep, Roy Kent from Ted Lasso) stars in a tender, near-future romance where best friends wrestle with feelings—and a matchmaking service stirs the pot. Streams Friday on Apple TV+.
🌊 Nicolas Cage wipes out in The Surfer
Cage is at his unhinged best in this trippy Aussie thriller about childhood beaches, local bullies, and a man losing his grip on reality. Catch it Thursday on Hulu.
🕵️ Slow Horses, fast wit
Gary Oldman returns as Jackson Lamb, the grumpy, brilliant leader of MI5’s castoffs. Season 5 drops Wednesday on Apple TV+—and the spy misfits aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
⛱️A fixer on the Amalfi Coast
Jesse Williams trades scrubs for suits in Hotel Costiera, where he plays a hotel “fixer” making rich guests’ problems disappear. Smart caper vibes, stunning setting. Wednesday on Prime Video.
🍺 Brewing family drama in House of Guinness
Think Succession, but with stout. Netflix’s new historical drama dives into the 19th-century Guinness family feud. Eight episodes, pouring out Thursday.
👨👩👧👦Take the Grandkids
🦋 Flutter Into Fall at the Monarch Festival!
Cape May is buzzing with butterfly fun on Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Ave. 🏞️ Celebrate the magical monarch with live tagging demos, a butterfly parade, butterfly yoga, family games, crafts, music, and tasty treats! Plus, snag a monarch-themed keepsake from local vendors. A perfect day for nature lovers of all ages—come watch these beauties take flight! 🌼✨Info
Halloween House Freehold
🎃 Halloween House Freehold
Opens Sept. 26 | Freehold Raceway Mall
Halloween magic, hold the scares! 👻 Halloween House Freehold is back with brand-new rooms (hello, indoor carnival with unlimited games + prizes 🎯) and reimagined favorites like the glow-in-the-dark room, Beetlejuice illusions, and the ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Room. It’s fun, not fright—so you can stroll the immersive walk-through with your grandkids, rack up photo ops, and let them soak in the candy-colored thrills without the nightmares. Tickets start at $29 for kids and $45 for adults. For info, visit HalloweenHouseFreehold.com
🎉 Birthday Spotlight This Week! 🎉
Sending big birthday cheers to Barbara H., 72 (Toms River), Peter L., 68 (Brick), and Margaret S., 75 (Freehold)! 🎂💖And here’s a few other notable people celebrating birthdays this week.
Sept. 23:
🎤 Julio Iglesias – 82, still crooning like a heartthrob
🎭 Paul Petersen (“The Donna Reed Show”) – 80, classic TV charm
🌟 Mary Kay Place – 78, actress and all-around legend
🎸 Bruce Springsteen – 76, “The Boss” rocks on
🎬 George C. Wolfe – 71, master of stage & screen
😂 Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”) – 66, making us laugh for decades
Sept. 25:
🎺 Jimmy Sturr – 84, polka power!
🎥 Michael Douglas – 81, Hollywood royalty
👙 Cheryl Tiegs – 78, supermodel status
📺 Anson Williams (“Happy Days”) – 76, stayin’ groovy
🌟 Mark Hamill – 74, Jedi forever
💃 Heather Locklear – 64, style icon
🎭 Aida Turturro (“The Sopranos”) – 63, mob boss brilliance
✨One Last Thing…
🩺 Jersey Joins the Northeast Health Partnership
Big health news: New Jersey has teamed up with nearby states and NYC to launch the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. Translation? Seniors get faster responses when flu, COVID, or other outbreaks hit, stronger vaccine access, and better coordination for big events (like the 2026 World Cup crowds).
For Monmouth County folks, this means:
✔️ More vaccine clinics in your area
✔️ Smarter prep before flu season
✔️ Less “red tape” when states need to share resources
It’s regional teamwork making local health stronger.💗💗
🎬 That’s A Wrap!
Thanks for spending a little time with us — whether you’re wandering a festival, solving a puzzle, or dreaming of a cruise, here’s to enjoying every minute of fall in NJ! 🍂
💌 Questions or news to share? Email us: [email protected]
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😊See you next week!
— The Better With Age NJ team
Disclaimer: We’re here to share community news, events, and a little joy—never medical, legal, or financial advice. Take what’s useful, share what’s fun, and always check with the pros when it really counts.