Ocean Senior Scoop: Music, Markets & Cool Summer Bites

Hey, Ocean friends!

This week’s Scoop is bringing the summer goods: outdoor concerts, library fun, farmers markets, a refreshing no-cook recipe and a Cape May day trip that practically comes with its own soundtrack. Grab the tote, the water bottle and maybe a lawn chair — we’ve got plans.

🎶 Summer Concerts — Beach stages, boardwalk music and park performances
📚 Beyond the Books — Washingtons, ghosts, Beatles tunes and shore history
☕ Local Flavor — Coffee in Manasquan and chocolate in Tinton Falls
🆕 Fresh on the Block — PGA Tour Superstore and Whole Foods news
🍉 In the Kitchen — Watermelon, cucumber and feta salad
🍅 Farmers Markets & Sidewalk Sales — Fresh produce, treats and local browsing
🚗 Day Trippin’ — Cape May concerts, crafts and ferry-side music
🌟 One Last Thing — A merger that means more senior support

Up first…

Two longtime nonprofit organizations are joining forces to expand services for older adults across the Shore region.

The YMCA of the Jersey Shore and Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey officially merged on July 1, bringing together two community-serving groups with a shared mission of helping people thrive at every stage of life.

The merger will expand support for seniors in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties while continuing the free services Caregiver Volunteers has provided for more than 30 years.

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey relies on volunteers to help older adults remain independent and reduce isolation. Services include transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping assistance, friendly visits, therapy dogs, reassurance calls, caregiver respite, handyman help, veteran support and other practical help for seniors and their caregivers.

Officials said current CVCJ programs and services will continue without interruption for existing participants and volunteers.

CVCJ will become part of the YMCA’s Counseling and Social Services branch, adding new opportunities to connect seniors with behavioral health and mental health support through the Y’s confidential services.

“This merger represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen and expand services for older adults while preserving the volunteer spirit and personal connections that have defined CVCJ for decades,” said Laurie Goganzer, president and chief executive officer of YMCA of the Jersey Shore.

Bob Scott, executive director of CVCJ, said the partnership will help the organization reach more older adults as demand for services continues to grow.

“Joining the YMCA ensures that our mission of helping seniors age with dignity, independence and connection will continue to thrive for years to come,” Scott said.

Together, the YMCA of the Jersey Shore and CVCJ will serve more than 65,000 people annually across three counties, employ more than 1,400 team members, engage about 1,800 volunteers and work with more than 100 community organizations, schools, healthcare providers and civic partners.

For seniors and families who rely on Caregiver Volunteers, the message is simple: the familiar support will continue — now backed by a broader network designed to help more older adults stay healthy, independent and connected.

Ocean County has a full week of outdoor music on the calendar — from beach stages and bayfront parks to lake gazebos and boardwalk favorites.

Wednesday, July 8: Manchester’s Summer Concert Series brings Joe Scarangello, “The Wedding Singer,” and dance hits from The FM Band to Harry Wright Lake at 5 p.m. Harvey Cedars hosts Tequila Rose with new and classic country at Sunset Park at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 9: Brick SummerFest returns to Windward Beach Park at 5:30 p.m. with food trucks, a beer garden and The Brit Pack playing British classic rock. In Seaside Heights, The Little Mermen & The Princess Pals bring Disney favorites to the boardwalk beach stage at 7 p.m., followed by the Tribute Band Concert Series at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 10: Tuckerton’s summer concert features Stranger Things at All Wars Memorial Ball Field at 6:30 p.m. Seaside Heights hosts the Angeltones with oldies and Doo-Wop at 7 p.m. Lavallette’s Firepit Friday brings music to Philadelphia Avenue beach at 7 p.m., and Barnegat Dock hosts Skys the Limit, a tribute to The Duprees, at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 12: Naughty Pines performs at 68th Street Beach on LBI at noon. Lavallette’s Summer Concert Series continues at Centennial Gardens Gazebo at 7 p.m. with the Wilbur Wittemann Orchestra.

Monday, July 13: Stafford Historical Society’s Summer Concert Series brings 80’s Crush to the Manahawkin Lake Park Gazebo at 6:30 p.m. Seaside Park’s Monday Night Summer Concert Series starts at 7:30 p.m. at the 5th Avenue Pier.

Tuesday, July 14: The Township of Ocean Concert Series continues at Waretown Lake Park at 6 p.m. Toms River’s Summer Concert Series brings The Infernos to Shelter Cove Beach at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, July 15: Berkeley Township’s Sounds of Summer series brings a double-header to Veterans Park in Bayville, with the Chris Yoder Band at 6 p.m. and Austin City Nights at 7:30 p.m.

Here’s some fun events happening at Ocean County Libraries this week. All for free!

🇺🇸 Meet George and Martha Washington. The Upper Shores Branch in Lavallette hosts George and Martha: A Love Story on Wednesday, July 15, at 7 p.m. Historical interpreters Alisa Dupuy and Curt Radabaugh will bring America’s first couple to life, sharing the story of their marriage, wartime devotion and the very human side of the nation’s founding. Powdered wigs, yes. But also feelings.

👻 Get spirited about 1776. South Jersey Ghost Research comes to the Lacey Branch on Tuesday, July 14, at 7 p.m. for a Revolutionary War-themed look at haunted historic sites across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Expect apparitions, voices, soldiers, nurses and a little history that refuses to stay in the past.

🎸 Hear folk, blues and Americana unplugged. The Long Beach Island Branch in Surf City hosts guitarist and songwriter Tal Naccarato on Tuesday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m. His solo acoustic concert blends original music, traditional songs, bluesy swing and rare vintage instruments. Very “porch concert,” but with better acoustics.

🇺🇸 Sing along to Americana classics. Folk singer Jessica Carroll performs at the Berkeley Branch on Wednesday, July 8, at 3 p.m. The all-ages program features patriotic hymns and Americana folk songs, along with the stories behind them. A little music, a little history, and probably at least one tune you know by heart.

🎶 Come together for The Wag. The Upper Shores Branch in Lavallette welcomes The Wag’s Beatles and More Show on Wednesday, July 8, at 7 p.m. The four-piece band will play Beatles favorites from across the Fab Four’s 10-year run, plus a few originals. A splendid time is guaranteed for all — their words, but we support it.

⚔️ Learn about the War at the Shore. The Lacey Branch hosts War at the Shore on Wednesday, July 8, from 2 to 3:15 p.m. The Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission will explore the Jersey Shore’s role in the American Revolution, including the Toms River Blockhouse Fight, Long Beach Island Massacre, Manahawkin Skirmish and Affair at Cedar Bridge. Turns out the Shore has always had drama.

🌿 Garden like you live near salt air. The Barnegat Branch hosts Gardening Down the Shore on Monday, July 13, at 10:30 a.m. Rutgers Master Gardener Dr. S. Ann Earon will share tips on shore gardening, native plants and salt-tolerant choices. Because some plants thrive at the beach, and some simply file a complaint.

☕ Fahrenheit Coffee Co. Brews Up a Second Location

Fahrenheit Coffee Co., a popular Brick Township coffee shop, is opening a second location in downtown Manasquan.

The new shop will take over 217 E. Main St., the former home of Papa Ganache. The vegan and gluten-free bakery closed its Manasquan location earlier this year and has since reopened in Normandy Beach. Papa Ganache also has its original Matawan shop.

Fahrenheit, which operates at 246 Mantoloking Road in Brick, is known for its house-made syrups — including vanilla bean and maple bourbon — and creative seasonal drinks like a banana French toast latte.

Customers have given the shop plenty of love online, especially for its iced lattes and cortados. One reviewer called it “the best Iced latte I’ve ever had,” while another praised the “smooth and rich” cortado with honey, vanilla and cinnamon syrup.

The menu also includes non-coffee options, including blueberry basil hibiscus tea and a watermelon matcha spritz.

The Brick shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is closed Mondays.

Fahrenheit Coffee Co. does not have a website, but the business is posting updates about the Manasquan opening on Instagram.

🍫 A Sweet New Stop in Tinton Falls. There’s a new place to satisfy a chocolate craving at the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory celebrated its grand opening Friday, June 26, bringing handcrafted fudge, gourmet truffles, specialty sweets and those famous “Mountain Size” caramel apples to Tinton Falls.

The new shop is owned by local franchisee David Semer, who also owns the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at Pier Village in Long Branch. His goal: bring back that classic “kid in a candy store” feeling — which, frankly, still works at any age!

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

⛳ A New Shore Stop for Golfers. PGA Tour Superstore is teeing up its Jersey Shore debut with a grand opening on Saturday, July 11, in Ocean Township.

The new 30,000-square-foot store at 2353 Route 66 is built for golfers who want to browse, practice, get fitted or just quietly convince themselves they do need a new putter.

Inside, shoppers will find a 1,100-square-foot putting green, custom-fitting and practice bays with simulator technology, plus two high-tech studio bays for swing analysis and instruction. The store will also carry golf apparel, footwear and accessories for men, women and juniors.

Doors open at 9 a.m., with giveaways planned for the first guests in line. Fore-warning: the early birds may have the best shot.

🛒 Whole Foods Is Coming to Eatontown. The new Whole Foods Market at Monmouth Square will open at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, giving local grocery routines a fresh produce-level shakeup.

The 40,000-square-foot store at 180 Route 35 South will feature more than 1,000 local items from more than 250 Northeast suppliers, including coffee from Paper Plane Coffee Co., pasta sauce from Hoboken Farms, mozzarella from Lioni Latticini and breads from Balthazar Bakery and Bread Alone Bakery.

Opening morning comes with a few perks, too: samples, limited-edition Eatontown tote bags and Secret Saver coupons for the first 300 customers in line, with savings of up to $100.

Whole Foods also plans to mark the opening with donations to NJ Rise, a nonprofit that helps rescue surplus food and serve local communities. So yes, the Eatontown Circle may still be a construction adventure — but the grocery aisle is getting a serious upgrade.

On a hot summer afternoon, nobody wants to turn on the stove. This Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Salad with Mint Dressing is light, refreshing and comes together in minutes.

It’s a great warm-weather dish for seniors, too. Watermelon and cucumber are both packed with water, making this an easy way to help stay hydrated. The soft textures are gentle to chew, and the sweet-salty flavor combo makes it feel a little fancy without any fuss.

Ingredients

Directions

Combine the watermelon and cucumber in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice and salt. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently.

Top with feta and fresh mint. Serve right away or chill for 15 minutes for an extra-cool summer bite.

Grab a tote and browse this week’s farmers markets for fresh-picked produce, homemade goodies and a little local flavor.

🍓 Beach Haven Farmers Market
Wednesday, July 8, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Walsh Field, corner of Ocean Street and Bay Avenue

🛍️ Lavallette Sidewalk Sales
Wednesday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Additional dates: July 22, Aug. 5 and Aug. 19

🍅 Downtown Toms River Farmers Market
Wednesday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
33 Washington Street, Toms River

🌽 Barnegat Farmers Market
Thursday, July 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
900 West Bay Avenue, Barnegat

🥕 STR Recreation Mathis Plaza Farmers Market
Thursday, July 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
134 Route 166, South Toms River

🍑 Bay Head Farmers Market
Thursday, July 9, noon to 4 p.m.
Bridge Avenue municipal parking lot, Bay Head

🥖 Tuckerton Farmers Market
Friday, July 10, 9 a.m. to noon
Outside Union Market & Gallery, Tuckerton

🌻 Lacey Farmers Market
Friday, July 10, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lacey United Methodist Church, 203 Lacey Road, Forked River

🍉 Brick Farmers Market
Saturday, July 11, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Windward Beach Park, 265 Princeton Avenue, Brick

🌽 Jackson Township Farmers Market
Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Jackson Justice Complex, 1 Jackson Drive

🧺 Point Pleasant Fresh Farmers & Makers Market
Sunday, July 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
317 Cooks Road, NJ Transit parking lot, Point Pleasant Beach

🎶 Lacey Elks Farmers Market
Sunday, July 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
900 Beach Boulevard, Forked River

Cape May is turning up the volume this summer with big-name concerts, free outdoor music, oceanfront craft shows, and a few easygoing daytime outings. Here’s what’s happening:

🎤 See a legend at Convention Hall. Cape May Convention Hall on Beach Avenue has a packed summer lineup, with accessible indoor seating and national acts including The Stylistics on July 12, Joan Osborne on July 26, The Spinners on Aug. 2, A.J. Croce on Aug. 7, and The Legendary Wailers on Aug. 9. Beach by day, concert by night. Not a bad little itinerary.

🎺 Catch free music in the park. Rotary Park hosts free concerts every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 7 p.m. Highlights include the Congress Street Brass Band on July 10, Cape Shore Jazz Orchestra on July 19, Jack Melton Swing Band on July 25, and the John Walter Cape Community Band on Aug. 24. Bring a lawn chair or blanket — the benches tend to fill quickly.

⛴️ Dance by the ferry. The Wednesday Night Concert Series returns to the Green at the Cape May Ferry Terminal, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and music from 5:30–8:30 p.m. The free lineup includes the Sensational Soul Cruisers on July 8, Jimmy Buffett tribute band Jimmy & The Parrots on July 22, and Springsteen tribute E Street Shuffle on Aug. 19. Food and drinks will be available on-site.

🛍️ Browse with an ocean view. The Promenade Craft Shows return July 18 and 19 outside Convention Hall. The flat, boardwalk setting makes for easy strolling while you shop from local artists and independent makers — with the Atlantic Ocean providing the backdrop.

🌿 Take a walk on the farm side. Beach Plum Farm offers guided tours every Thursday at 11 a.m. The relaxed walking tour explores the farm’s sustainable agriculture, gardens, and gathering spaces. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a nice change of pace from the crowds along the promenade.

Aging well often comes down to the little things — a ride, a call, a helping hand, someone checking in.

That’s why the YMCA of the Jersey Shore and Caregiver Volunteers merger is great news. It means more support for older adults, while keeping the caring, neighbor-to-neighbor spirit that made CVCJ so trusted.

Big impact. Quiet work. Very much worth celebrating!

That’s it for this week. Stay cool, stay hydrated and don’t underestimate the power of a good farmers market peach.

Have news, events or a local tip to share? Get in touch — we’d love to hear what’s happening in your corner of Ocean County.

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😎 See you next week!
The Ocean Senior Scoop

Disclaimer: We do our best to keep things accurate, but times, dates and details can change. Check with organizers before you grab the keys and go. Also, information in this newsletter is for general interest only and should not be considered medical or financial advice.