Ocean Senior Scoop: New Year’s Plans, Local Events & Scam Alert

Hi Ocean County! 👋
Before the year winds down, we’ve got a few final plans to help you wrap 2025 on a high note. This edition is a cozy mix of local do-gooding, sweet treats, and easy ways to ring in 2026—plus a quick scam heads-up worth skimming before you answer any “Medicare” calls. Let’s get into it.

🧶 Out & About: Waretown Woolies + Prom Dress Donations
🍫 Tasty Treats: Netty’s Sweets (new site!) + No-Bake PB Crunch Bars
🎉 Ring in 2026: Father Alphonse in Manasquan + NJ NYE picks
📅 Mark Your Calendar: Dec. 26–Jan. 6 events roundup
📺 TV Time: What to stream (Dec. 22–28)
🛳️ Wanderlust Weekly: Cruise news for 2027–2028
🚗 On the Roads: NJDOT’s holiday sign zingers
🚨 Prime Time News: Medicare scam alert
🎂 Birthday Cheers: David M. + celeb birthdays

Up first…

Looking for a relaxing afternoon to work on your knitting, crochet, or fiber-related projects? Join like-minded individuals at the Waretown Branch of the Ocean County Library for “Waretown Woolies Knitting & Crocheting Club.”

The group will meet from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, January 5, January 26, and February 23. This program is open to tweens, teens, adults, and seniors of all experience levels. They supply the yarn and needles, or you are welcome to bring your own. Relax, chat and swap ideas with other yarn enthusiasts.

Registration is not required for this free program. For more information, call or visit the Waretown Branch at 609-693-5133, 112 Main Street.

Do you or someone you know have a new or lightly used gown or formal dress? The Ocean County Library invites you to help students experience the magic of prom night by donating your dresses during our 2026 Prom Dress Collection, running Friday, Jan. 2 to Thursday, Feb. 26.

The collection precedes the annual Prom Dress Giveaway, which will begin in early March. Donations will be given free of charge to students in grades 8 through 12, regardless of financial circumstances. You can bring your donation to any of the Ocean County Library’s 21 branches or reading centers. Short and long styles within the past five years are especially sought. Donors are asked to contribute dry cleaned items ready for prom wear. No accessories, shoes, or purses can be accepted. Visit theoceancountylibrary.org/prom-dress for more information.

Got a chocolate lover on your list? Look no further than Netty’s Sweets — a cozy, handcrafted chocolate shop nestled inside the Downtown Shops at 53 Main Street in Toms River. Now, thanks to their brand-new website, you can explore their lineup of decadent treats, gift baskets, and custom confections right from home.

Started by local sweethearts Annette Matiskiel and Nick Decuicies — who began selling their goodies at farmers markets and local events — Netty’s Sweets has grown into a full-time shop offering small-batch chocolates made with premium ingredients and plenty of local love.

🍓 What you’ll find:

📍 Stop by in person at 53 Main Street in Downtown Toms River, or browse and place a custom request online: nettyssweetsnj.com

🎼 Father Alphonse & the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea
Sunday, Jan. 4 | 3–5 PM at the Algonquin Theatre, Manasquan
A beloved tradition featuring festive favorites and joyful strings.
👉 Info & Tickets »

From flapper parties to fireworks, here’s your guide to celebrating in style — whether you're staying close to Ocean County or heading out for a special overnight adventure.

🍽️ NYE Gala at The American Hotel – Freehold
Celebrate in elegance at this beloved Freehold tradition. Enjoy a gourmet dinner, champagne toast, and live entertainment in the historic Majestic Ballroom. Perfect for couples or a night out with friends in a local, familiar spot.
📍 18-20 E Main St., Freehold
🔗 More info »

🎩 Great Gatsby Party – Mathis House, Toms River
Dine like it’s 1926 with a 5-course dinner, live jazz from Atlantic City’s REK’D4Jazz, and a best-dressed contest! Wear your finest flapper dress or fedora — the winner scores a free overnight stay at the inn.
📍 600 Main St., Toms River
🔗 More info »

🌊 NYE Dinner Cruise – City Cruises, Weehawken
Board at Lincoln Harbor Marina for a three-hour cruise featuring a romantic dinner, open bar, live DJ, dancing, and fireworks over the Hudson. Includes panoramic views of NYC and a sparkling wine toast at midnight.
📍 1500 Harbor Blvd., Weehawken
🕤 Boarding at 9:30 PM, Sailing 10 PM–1 AM
🔗 More info »

🏨 Cape May NYE at The Grand Hotel – Cape May
Party in the penthouse with a surf & turf dinner, 5-hour open bar, live band, DJ, and midnight toast. Stay overnight and enjoy brunch at Hemingway’s the next day — or extend your stay for extra relaxation.
📍 1045 Beach Ave., Cape May
🗓️ Dec. 31 – Jan. 2 packages available
🔗 More info »

💎 Glitter Ball – Congress Hall, Cape May
A stylish pre-NYE bash on Dec. 30, complete with dinner, dancing, live music, and cocktails in one of NJ’s most iconic seaside resorts. Come dressed to sparkle!
📍 200 Congress Pl., Cape May
🗓️ Dec. 30, 7 PM
🔗 More info »

🎹 NYE Bubbly Bash – Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven
Ring in 2026 with David Clark: The Music of Billy Joel, a high-energy concert full of hits like “Piano Man” and “Uptown Girl.” A crowd favorite and likely to sell out fast!
📍 201 Engleside Ave., Beach Haven
🔗 More info »

🎻 Capital Philharmonic NYE Concert – Trenton
Spend a cultured evening with the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey at the War Memorial. After the music, enjoy a backstage champagne reception with a live jazz trio.
📍 1 Memorial Dr., Trenton
🕗 Concert starts at 8 PM
🔗 More info »

🎼 Salute to Vienna – State Theatre, New Brunswick
Waltz into 2026 with a symphonic tribute to Johann Strauss Jr., including “The Blue Danube” and other beloved works of Vienna’s Golden Age.
📍 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
🕔 Show starts at 5 PM
🔗 More info »

🎠 First Night Ocean County – Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Celebrate early with the grandkids! Enjoy arcade games, prizes, magic shows, photo ops, live entertainment, and a balloon drop at 5 PM, followed by fireworks on the boardwalk (weather permitting).
📍 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights
🕐 1 PM – 5 PM
🔗 More info »

🎇 First Night Ocean City – Ocean City, NJ
This town-wide New Year’s Eve celebration features live shows, music, family activities, and fireworks at midnight. Extend the fun with three special events on New Year’s Day:

Two times per day: 11:00 AM or 3:00 PM
Mathis House, 600 Main St., Toms River
A full-on Victorian tea with a pot of tea, seasonal salad, petite soup, warm scone with clotted cream + lemon curd, five tea sandwiches, and a plate of homemade desserts — plus live music and a little Inn history.
Reservations required. Weekend pricing: $50/adult (+ tax & gratuity), $20 kids (6–12), free 5 & under.
Call 732-818-7580 or book on RESY: www.mathishouse600main.com

Dec. 26 • 5:30 PM (approx. 40 minutes)
Robert J. Novins Planetarium (OCC), 1 College Drive, Building 13, Toms River
Classic favorites like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” modern hits like “Jingle Bell Rock,” and a fun laser-filled twist on holiday lights.
Tickets required for ages 3+ (2 & under free on a ticketed lap, ticket needed for their own seat).
Tickets: booking.ocean.edu

Dec. 27 • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
(Ocean County Parks & Recreation)
Mark the 243rd anniversary of the last documented land engagement of the American Revolution with a walk tracing the old colonial road to Cedar Bridge Tavern — and the conflicts behind the skirmish.
Ages 9–adult • $6 adult / $5 child • Registration required
Info: 1-877-627-2757 • Ocean County Parks: 732-506-9090

Dec. 27 • 11:00 AM (Runtime: 21 minutes)
Robert J. Novins Planetarium (OCC), 1 College Drive, Building 13, Toms River • 732-255-0343
A holiday-themed “dot-to-dot” through the stars — great for PreK–1 and families.
Tickets: booking.ocean.edu

Dec. 27 • 12:00 PM (Runtime: 32 minutes)
Robert J. Novins Planetarium (OCC), 1 College Drive, Building 13, Toms River • 732-255-0343
Festive classics (Sinatra to Brenda Lee) with animation, special effects, and a big multimedia finale.
Tickets required for ages 3+ (2 & under free on a ticketed lap, ticket needed for their own seat).
Tickets: booking.ocean.edu

Dec. 27-28 • 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach • 732-892-0600
A daytime holiday event with a seaside twist — including a holiday lights spectacular inside the Fun House, holiday entertainment, characters, face painting, sweet treats, and more. (Holiday Princesses visit 12/27 & 12/28.)
Event link: https://jenkinsons.com/event/seas-greetings/2025-12-13/

Dec. 27 • 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
(Ocean County Parks & Recreation)
A look at the conflict on the Jersey shore circa 1782.
Ages 9–adult • $5/person • Registration required
Accessibility: Wheelchair access
Info: 1-877-627-2757 • Ocean County Parks: 732-506-9090

Dec. 28 • 9:00 AM–5:30 PM
Toms River Elks, 600 Washington St., Toms River
Earn your NJ Boating Safety Certificate (NASBLA certified; accepted in many states). Required if you operate a power vessel or personal watercraft in NJ waters.
One-day class: $110 • Includes lunch break + test time • Temporary cert issued after successful completion.
Register: www.boatsafeus.com/schedule-class • 609-613-2339
Proctored exams available for online courses (Ace Boater, Boat-Ed, Boater-Exam): $55 cash/check at exam site (must register).
More: www.BoatSafeUS.com

Jan. 6, 2026 • 10:30 AM–11:30 AM
Ocean Acres Community Center (OACC), 489 Nautilus Drive, Manahawkin
New “Mobility Moves” class — a hybrid of chair + standing exercises focused on mobility, range of motion, and balance for older adults.
Info: ocean8yoga.com

Looking for something to watch between cookie batches and cocoa refills? Here’s what’s new this week on the small screen — from spy thrillers to holiday tearjerkers and reality TV drama.

🎭 Must-Watch Movies

📺 Binge-Worthy Series

🎄 Bonus Pick:
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade — Tune in for festive fun, with performances by Gwen Stefani and Nicole Scherzinger.

Looking way ahead? Like… 2027 and 2028 ahead?

🚢 Norwegian’s 2027–28 Lineup
370+ voyages across 47 countries, including new Asia sailings, overnight port stays, and two Prima-class ships in San Juan. Free at Sea Plus™ perks apply to cruises starting Feb. 2026.
📞 888-NCL-CRUISE | ncl.com

🌍 Seabourn’s 2028 “Cape to Cape” World Cruise
120-day expedition from Miami to Dover, with stops on 5 continents, over 38 UNESCO sites, and Zodiac adventures in Antarctica. Book early and save up to 10%.
📞 1-800-929-9391 | seabourn.com

Need a last-minute snack for the grandkids? Try this no-bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bar recipe from SKIPPY® and Milk Bar®.

Main ingredients:
🥄 SKIPPY® Creamy Peanut Butter
🍚 Toasted rice cereal
🍫 Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Just mix, chill, and slice. It’s sweet, salty, and stress-free.
📌 Get the recipe at peanutbutter.com

Heads up, Jersey drivers — your commute just got jollier. The NJDOT is swapping out boring traffic messages for festive (and punny) safety reminders. These light up daily unless there’s an emergency or construction update — and they’re pure holiday gold:

Only in Jersey can a traffic sign roast you and spread holiday spirit at the same time. Buckle up — and drive safe! Santa’s watching. 🎅

Watch out for this new (and fake!) Medicare card scam.

The New York StateWide Senior Action Council just flagged December’s Fraud of the Month — and it’s a big one: scammers pretending to be from Medicare are calling seniors, claiming new plastic Medicare cards are on the way and asking you to “verify your number.” Spoiler: It’s 100% fake.

Here’s what you need to know:

🛑 Medicare isn’t sending out new plastic or metal cards. Your paper Medicare card doesn’t expire and doesn’t need replacing.
📞 Medicare and your doctor will NEVER call to ask for your Medicare number.
📅 This scam shows up every New Year — don’t fall for it.
📋 Check your Medicare statements regularly for charges you don’t recognize.
📵 If someone calls asking for your Medicare info, hang up.
🔐 Treat your Medicare number like a credit card. Keep it private.

If you think your Medicare number has been misused or you’ve been signed up for a plan without your permission, trained counselors at the Senior Medicare Patrol are ready to help:
📞 Call 800-333-4374 or visit www.nysenior.org

Medicare fraud costs over $60 billion a year nationwide — but staying alert, asking questions, and reporting suspicious activity makes a big difference.

Big birthday shoutout to David M. of Brielle, who’s celebrating 82 years young today — we’re raising a cupcake in your honor! 🎉

A few other notable people blowing out candles this week include:

🎄 Wishing you a peaceful, cozy, cookie-filled Christmas and a joyful start to 2026. Thanks for reading — we’ll see you next week!

📝 Got news or events to share? Email: [email protected]
💌 First time reading? Sign up here for your weekly scoop.

— The Ocean Senior Scoop Team