👋Hello, Ocean friends!

The library has live music, the boardwalk has more fall fun in store, and the grandkids’ Halloween calendar needs a second look. We’ve rounded up plenty of reasons to get out — plus a few good reasons to claim your favorite chair when you get home.

👀Here’s the Scoop:

Up first…

Five towns. Two nights of Halloween. In Toms River, Pine Beach, Beachwood, South Toms River and Island Heights, the grandkids will trick-or-treat Friday, Oct. 30, leaving Saturday night free for the parade.

The 87th Toms River Halloween Parade steps off Saturday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m. Families get both celebrations, and those costumes earn their keep.

So remember, candy Friday. Parade Saturday. Check your town’s trick-or-treat hours — and try to leave a few treats for the children.

See what’s happening at Ocean County libraries this week.

🀄 Pull up a chair. Beginners are welcome at Mah Jongg. Noon–4 p.m. | Waretown Branch.

🎵 You know the tune. Now, what’s it called? Test your musical memory at Tune of the Season: Halloween Edition. 2:30–3:30 p.m. | Jackson Branch. Registration required.

🎙️ An afternoon with Dino and the Chairman. Celebrating Italian Americans: Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra pairs short documentaries about the two entertainers. 2:30–4 p.m. | Barnegat Branch. Registration required.

🧶 Give that unfinished project an outing. Bring your crochet and enjoy some company at Adult Crochet Club. 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Sparks’s Lab, Toms River Branch.

🏳️‍🌈 A fuller picture of the past. Invisible and Essential: Learning LGBTQIA+ Histories explores important historical moments and experiences. 6–7:30 p.m. | Berkeley Branch. Registration required.

🪡 Stitch a little, chat a little. Drop in for an evening with the Twisted Stitchers. 6–8 p.m. | Point Pleasant Borough Branch.

📖 A good book deserves a good conversation. Join Open Our Mind Book Discussion. Ask branch staff about signing up and this month’s selection. 6–7 p.m. | Point Pleasant Borough Branch.

🪗 A little Louisiana, right here in Toms River. The Zydeco Revelators bring accordion, rubboard and lively rhythms to Mancini Hall. 6:30–8 p.m. | Toms River Branch. Free; registration required.

🪕 Wednesday could use some bluegrass. Fish & Whistle plays bluegrass, acoustic rock and more in Jackson’s anniversary concert series. 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Jackson Branch. Registration required.

🤝 You don’t have to carry grief alone. An Affinity Care social worker leads a Bereavement Support Group, part of a four-session series. 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Brick Branch. Registration required.

🌊 The Shore has stories beyond the beach badges. Gregory Andrus, author of Portraits of the Jersey Shore, shares readings and reflections from his walks between Sandy Hook and Cape May. 7 p.m. | Upper Shores Branch, Lavallette. Free; registration required.

🛒 A little help navigating what’s available. Meet a representative from the FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties at Fulfill NJ’s Drop-in Assistance. Ask questions and pick up applications and program information. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Little Egg Harbor Branch.

🚐 County services come to you. The County Connection Mobile Unit offers passport photos, notarization, veteran ID cards and information about county programs, including Senior Services. Donations of eyeglasses, cellphones and American flags are also accepted. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Jackson Branch parking lot. No registration required. Call 732-288-7777 for service details.

✂️ Curious about the Cricut? Check out Quiet Cricut Morning, a low-key makerspace session. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Sparks’s Lab, Toms River Branch. See the listing for participation details.

🀄 Your Friday game plan. Bring current-year gaming cards and game sets for Mah Jongg at Stafford. 12:30–4 p.m. | Stafford Branch, Manahawkin.

🎨 Learn a little. Make something. Freedom to Create: The Artists Who Shaped America pairs an American art lecture with a hands-on session. 2–4 p.m. | Point Pleasant Beach Branch. Registration required.

🍿 A matinee with something to say. Documentary Fridays: Alive Inside explores music’s connection to memory. Popcorn provided; check the listing for allergen information. 2–4 p.m. | Point Pleasant Borough Branch. Film: 77 minutes.

📚 History, one book at a time. Browse and discuss books at the LGBTQ+ History Month Book Café. 2:30–3:30 p.m. | Lakewood Branch.

🖌️ No masterpiece required. Mindful Art is about enjoying the process. Materials provided; your inner critic can stay home. 2:30–4 p.m. | Barnegat Branch. Registration required.

🧶 A cozy start to Saturday. Bring supplies for EWE Knit and Crochet. 10 a.m.–noon | Barnegat Branch. Drop-in.

🌳 Who’s on your family tree? Genealogist Debbie Hadley shares 10 Best Tips for Finding Your Ancestors, including where to begin and how to locate useful records. 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Lacey Branch, Forked River. Registration required.

🧵 A fresh week, a familiar project. Work on knitting or crochet, swap patterns and catch up at Knitting at the Library. 12:30–2:30 p.m. | Little Egg Harbor Branch.

🧶 The Woolies are gathering. Bring a fiber project to the Waretown Woolies Knitting Club. 1–3 p.m. | Waretown Branch.

👻 Some houseguests really overstay. Watch Haunted Mansion, the 2023 movie inspired by the Disney attraction. 1–3 p.m. | Barnegat Branch. PG-13; listed runtime: 122 minutes.

🪡 Stitch by the Shore. All skill levels are welcome at Knitting and Crocheting at the Beach. 1–3 p.m. | Point Pleasant Beach Branch.

🔎 Another chance to find your roots. Debbie Hadley repeats 10 Best Tips for Finding Your Ancestors. 2–4 p.m. | Point Pleasant Borough Branch. Registration required.

🎶 Four strings and friendly company. Bring your ukulele to the Bayside Ukulele Group. All levels welcome. 3–4:30 p.m. | Stafford Branch, Manahawkin. Free; drop-in.

🎤 Pick an old favorite and take the microphone. Golden Grooves Karaoke invites seniors to sing and socialize. Applause is easier to come by here than in the shower. 6–8 p.m. | Waretown Branch.

🧣 That first scarf starts here. Get guided, hands-on instruction at Knitting 101. 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Sparks’s Lab, Toms River Branch. Check supplies and registration details online.

From keeping your calendar full to keeping yourself informed, here are this week’s headlines.

Links to the latest news stories on aging.

Lung Cancer Is Affecting Nonsmokers — and Younger People, Too: When many people think of an average lung cancer patient, they often imagine an older man smoking. But the face of lung cancer has changed. The Conversation, Oct. 13.

‘Masked’ High Blood Pressure Poses a Fall Risk for Seniors: Seniors older than 78 with “masked” high blood pressure have a 70% higher risk of falls than those who’ve been properly diagnosed, according to results presented at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting on hypertension. HealthDay News, Oct. 12.

12 Symptoms ENT Doctors Say Never to Ignore: Otolaryngologists treat conditions involving the ears, nose, throat, and much of the head and neck. Time, Oct. 16.

Aging Life Care Managers Can Be a ‘Godsend’ for Families: The Aging Life Care Association was founded in the 1980s and has grown to more than 2,000 members, but care managers still have a persistent public awareness problem. KFF Health News, Oct. 14.

Now, back to the enjoyable business of making plans.

See what’s happening around Ocean County.

A train turning 100, music worth a night out and plenty of grandkid-friendly fun: Pick your pace. You don’t have to do it all.

🍬 Bring the little treat collectors. Ship Bottom Police Department’s Trunk or Treat brings Halloween to the waterfront. 4:30–6:30 p.m. | Ship Bottom Boat Ramp, Ship Bottom.

👻 A bargain hunt after dark. Browse the Thrills & Chills Haunted Market, with paranormal investigators, music by Deja Vu and food from Lil’ Legacy. 5–9 p.m. | New Egypt Flea Market, New Egypt.

🎃 Treats and a little community spirit. Trunk or Treat at St. Francis includes raffles, food and coffee. 6–8 p.m. | St. Francis Community Center, Long Beach Township. To host a trunk: [email protected].

🧵 A pumpkin that lasts past November. Make a fabric pumpkin with “Krafty Kathy,” then enjoy dinner and conversation at the Handmade Fabric Pumpkin-Making Workshop. Materials and dinner included; beginners welcome. 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Knights of Columbus #4969, Toms River. Pricing and registration online.

🎸 Calling the Genesis fans. RAEL: The Music of Genesis and Peter Gabriel revisits the early years with music, storytelling and theatrical flair. 7:30 p.m.; doors at 7 p.m. | Lizzie Rose Music Room, Tuckerton.

🚗 Let the good times roll. Best Friends Girl brings The Cars’ hits to the stage, including “Shake It Up,” “Magic” and “Let’s Go.” No cassette deck required. 8 p.m. | The Strand Theater, Lakewood.

🛍️ “Just looking” is a perfectly good starting point. Browse handmade goods and seasonal finds at the Happy Harvest Artisan & Vendor Market. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | East Dover Baptist Church, Toms River.

🍁 An afternoon out that gives back. The Autumn Lights Festival for Parkinson’s features music, food trucks, vendors, an art expo and pumpkin-patch fun. Proceeds support The Oxx Foundation’s Parkinson’s programs. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Huddy Park, Toms River. Cornhole tournament: 11 a.m.; warm-up at 10 a.m.; $80 per team.

🚂 Still making tracks at 100. Celebrate locomotive #2173’s centennial at the Museum Reopening and First Annual Railroad Fest. Look for operating narrow-gauge locomotives, model trains, antique cars and equipment. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Berkeley Township Historical Society Museum, Bayville.

🍕 Hayrides for them. Pizza for everyone. Harvest Hayride & Pizza Fest combines live music, pizza, pumpkins and children’s activities. Noon–4 p.m. | Bayview Park, Long Beach Township.

🐾 Even the pets have Halloween plans. Halloween Fur Fest welcomes furry, feathered, scaly and hooved companions for a costume parade, prizes and giveaways. Parade registration begins at 1 p.m. | Southern Ocean County Animal Facility, Manahawkin.

🎃 A hometown treat stop. Berkeley’s Trick or Trunk is for Berkeley Township resident children through sixth grade. Candy donations welcome. 1–3 p.m. | Veterans Park, Berkeley Township. Questions: 732-269-4456.

🎠 One outing, plenty to do. Halloween in the Heights brings pumpkin painting, costumes, arcade fun, a corn maze and more to Seaside Heights. Passports for children 16 and younger include participating arcade gifts, treat deals, carousel rides and prize eligibility. No passport needed for pumpkin decorating or inflatables. 1–5 p.m. | Seaside Heights. Children’s dinner specials: 4–6:30 p.m. Free children’s boardwalk movie: 6:30 p.m.

🍬 More trunks, more treats. The NEPS/WES PTO Trunk or Treat includes a costume competition, with refreshments available to buy. 4–6 p.m. | New Egypt High School, New Egypt. Participating trunks arrive at 3 p.m.

🎤 You know the songs. Now add a costume. The Wag’s Halloween Spectacular mixes “Monster Mash,” “Ghostbusters” and “Thriller” with comedy, dancing and a costume contest. 6–7 p.m. | The Strand Theater, Lakewood. Discounts for ages 65+ and 18 and younger.

🎃 The boardwalk has another weekend up its sleeve. Boo at the Boardwalk offers trick-or-treating, characters and entertainment. Available rides cost half their normal credit amount during event hours. Noon–4 p.m. both days | Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach.

Yosi’s Spooky Silly Halloween Concert is at noon and 1 p.m. Underwater pumpkin carving is at 2 and 3 p.m. in the aquarium; aquarium admission required. Outdoor activities depend on the weather.

👻 A parade made for the little ones. Cheer on the Waretown Volunteer Fire Company’s Halloween Parade, traveling from the library to the firehouse. Costume lineup: 12:30–12:45 p.m.; parade: 1 p.m. | Waretown Library, Waretown.

🍭 An afternoon in costume. The Waterfront’s Seventh Annual Trunk or Treat features decorated trunks and tables, candy and contests. 1–4 p.m. | The Waterfront, Forked River. Free.

🦇 Not everything spooky deserves its reputation. Sorta Spooky Teach & Treat explores Barnegat Bay’s misunderstood wildlife with exhibits, campfire stories, nature walks, costumes and candy. 3–7 p.m. | Save Barnegat Bay, Toms River. Free; optional suggested donation of $10.

If all that local exploring has you thinking about a bigger trip, let’s look a little farther down the road.

Five ideas for your 2027 wish list!

Frommer’s turns 70 in 2027, and its Best Places to Go list offers some fresh reasons to dust off the suitcase:

Meanwhile, closer to home, supper could use a little seasonal spirit.

These Halloween recipes from Potatoes USA put something savory on the table — and make a fun kitchen project with the grandkids.

💀 Spooky Spud Skulls: Crispy skull-shaped potatoes with cheese and pepperoni. A little pizza personality, dressed for Halloween.

👾 Monster Mash: Green mashed potatoes turn a familiar side dish into a conversation starter.

🧟 Mashed Potato Meatloaf Cupcakes: Individual meatloaves get a Halloween disguise with mashed potatoes. Yes, these cupcakes count as dinner.

Find more ideas at PotatoGoodness.com.

Dinner handled? Let’s see what’s on TV.

New shows streaming this week.

Is Mother really Mother? A hospitalized teenager suspects the woman claiming to be his mom is an impostor in “Phony,” starring Sam Nivola and Connie Britton. Two episodes debut Tuesday, Oct. 20, on Hulu; weekly releases follow.

Chris Pratt is back on duty. Navy SEAL James Reece heads to Mozambique in “The Terminal List” Season 2, adapted from Jack Carr’s True Believer. All eight episodes arrive Wednesday, Oct. 21, on Prime Video.

Checking in, with drama. Lisa Vanderpump races to open her Las Vegas hotel in “Vanderpump Rules: Lisa Las Vegas.” Two episodes stream Wednesday, Oct. 21, on Peacock; the finale follows Thursday, Oct. 22.

Love makes room for a second toothbrush. Joanne and Noah move in together as Kristen Bell and Adam Brody return in “Nobody Wants This.” All 10 episodes arrive Thursday, Oct. 22, on Netflix.

A gentleman thief, in a tight spot. Omar Sy’s Assane Diop begins “Lupin” Season 4 behind bars, with his family still in danger. Eight episodes stream Friday, Oct. 23, on Netflix. French-language series.

Stand by your remote. Wynonna Judd, Ann Wilson, War & Treaty and others celebrate a country legend in “Great Performances — Tammy Wynette: Forever Yours.” Friday, Oct. 23, on PBS, pbs.org/gperf and the PBS app. Check local airtime.

A whole lot of love for Dolly. Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and more join “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.” Wednesday, Oct. 21, on ABC and Disney+; Hulu streaming begins Thursday, Oct. 22.

And before we go, someone deserves a little applause of her own.

Happy 72nd birthday to Maria A. of Toms River! Your Ocean Senior Scoop friends wish you good company, happy surprises and a generous slice of cake. A second slice is between you and the cake. 🎉

Pick something that sounds good, invite someone along and leave a little room for the unexpected. The best part of an outing is often the company.

Enjoying the Scoop? Forward it to a friend and invite them to subscribe to Ocean Senior Scoop. Have a local event, community update or birthday to share? Reply and send it our way.

See you next week,

😎The Ocean Senior Scoop team

The small print, minus the squint: Schedules, prices and availability can change, so check the linked sources before heading out. TV listings can shift, too. Health stories are for information, not personal medical advice. And remember: The grandkids don’t need an inventory of what was originally in the candy bowl.😉