👋Hey, Ocean friends!

Mother’s Day is almost here — and if you’re still figuring out the plan, you’re not alone. Whether it’s brunch, a day out, or something a little different, we’ve rounded up plenty of ways to make Mom feel celebrated (without the last-minute scramble).

Let’s build you a weekend.

💐 Weekend Plans
🍳 Brunch Guide
🎨 Senior Art Show
📚 Library Picks
⚡ More to Do
🚗 Day Trippin’
🚢 Cruise News
📺 TV Time
🎂 Birthdays

Up first…

Calling all painters, photographers, sculptors, crafters and “I just made this and it’s pretty fabulous” artists.

The 2026 Annual Senior Citizen Art Show is returning to Ocean County College, and the Ocean County Office of Senior Services is inviting Ocean County artists age 60 and older to submit original artwork.

The show will be on display June 8 through June 25 at the Jay and Linda Grunin Performing Arts Academy at Ocean County College. The public can stop by Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The academy will be closed June 19.

Artwork categories include paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media, crafts, watercolor, drawing and more. Both professional and non-professional artists are welcome.

“We are excited for everyone to come out and experience the incredible talent, passion and originality on display at this year’s Senior Citizen Art Show,” said Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.

Interested artists should register by May 22, 2026. One piece of artwork must be dropped off Wednesday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. First-place winners in each category may advance to the New Jersey State Senior Citizens Annual Juried Art Contest & Exhibition.

For eligibility rules, submission guidelines and deadlines, visit www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/SeniorServices/ or call 732-929-2091 and ask for Charity.

If your Mother’s Day plan is still “we’ll figure it out,” don’t worry — this weekend is packed with fun events across Ocean County.

Mathis House • Toms River
Celebrating Mom in the Month of May
A full-on Victorian tea experience with a 5-course meal (tea, soup, salad, tea sandwiches, scones, desserts).
💲 $50 per adult | $40 midweek | kids discounts available
🎶 Live music on weekends + daily tours
📞 732-818-7580 or book on RESY

Mother’s Day Dinner with Live Music
Saturday & Sunday at 7 p.m. — multi-course dinner with prime rib or salmon, dessert, and a relaxed, elegant vibe.
💲 $75 per person (10% off for seniors 65+ and military)

Laurita Winery • New Egypt
Mother’s Day in the Grove (May 9 & 10)
Live music, vineyard tours, food trucks, and a strolling magician (yes, really).
💲 $16 admission | kids 12 and under free
🕒 Starts 11:30 a.m.

Mother’s Day Brunch (Sunday)
Two seatings with a full brunch spread. Reservations required.

Congress Hall • Cape May
Classic, elegant, and very “treat Mom like royalty.” Their Grand Ballroom brunch runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with pastries, made-to-order omelets, and locally sourced dishes.

Renault Winery & Resort • Egg Harbor City
Brunch meets vineyard vibes. Offered Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with omelet stations, breakfast favorites, and a full charcuterie spread.

Seaview Hotel and Golf Club • Galloway
A full buffet lineup from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with seafood, carving stations, salads, and desserts — basically a little bit of everything.

Harbor Pines Golf Club • Egg Harbor Township
A crowd-pleasing buffet (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) with breakfast classics, carving stations, lunch entrées, and desserts.

Avalon Brew Pub • Avalon
Just steps from the beach, with a buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring omelets, waffles, bacon, salads, and signature entrées.

MudHen Brewing Company • Wildwood
This one’s a whole event. Brunch buffet + omelet station, live music, a mimosa/Bloody Mary bar, photo station, caricatures, and even a make-your-own bouquet setup. Time slots: 9–11:30 a.m. or 12–2:30 p.m.

Windward Beach Park • Brick
Brick Farmers Market
🕒 Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Fresh produce, baked goods, and an easy morning stroll by the water.

Silverton Farms • Toms River
Water Lily Kitchen Pop-Up
🕒 Saturday, 9 a.m. – noon
Sourdough, baked goods, and Mother’s Day flowers — basically a one-stop “look what I picked up for you” moment.

Gifted on Washington • Toms River
Mother’s Day Pop-Up
🕒 Saturday, 12–3 p.m.
Build-your-own bouquet bar, live personalization, shopping, and free iced coffee with purchase.

Island Beach State Park • Seaside Park
May Day Spring Festival
🕒 Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Craft vendors, plant sale, live music, food trucks — and plenty of “this would be perfect for Mom” finds.
💲 $8 suggested donation

Albert Music Hall • Waretown
Saturday Night Show
🕒 Doors 5:30 p.m. | Music 6:30–9 p.m.
Live bluegrass, country, and Americana with a super friendly, community feel.
💲 $6 adults (cash only)

Grunin Center for the Arts • Toms River
Three American Troubadours
🕒 Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
A tribute to James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Carole King — all the hits, all the nostalgia.

Long Beach Island Historical Association Museum • Beach Haven
History of Viking Village
🕒 Wednesday, May 6 (doors 12:30 p.m., talk at 1 p.m.)
A cozy afternoon of local history with coffee and treats.

Ocean County Historical Society • Toms River
General John Lacey & the Battle of the Crooked Billet
🕒 Sunday, 2 p.m.
A deep dive into Revolutionary War history and Lacey Township’s namesake. Free (donations appreciated).

Lacey Elks Lodge #2518 • Forked River
Farmers & Vendor Market
🕒 Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Produce, baked goods, crafts, jewelry, and plenty of small-business finds.

Ocean County Library has a busy May lineup — and this one has range: citizen science, eye health, military history, roses, music, mental health resources and even a little Elvis. Thank you, library calendar, for refusing to be boring.

2 p.m. Tuesday, May 12
Barnegat Branch, 112 Burr Street

Science-curious but not exactly wearing a lab coat? This free program shows how everyday people can contribute to real scientific research through SciStarter, a free citizen science hub. Darlene Cavalier of Arizona State University, founder of SciStarter and author of The Field Guide to Citizen Science, will lead the talk.

2 p.m. Friday, May 15
Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River

Older LGBTQIA+ adults are invited to connect, share resources and build community at this monthly social group, held the third Friday of each month.

7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
Upper Shores Branch, 112 Jersey City Ave., Lavallette

A musical history lesson with a side of jumpsuit-era nostalgia, this program celebrates the patriotic spirit of 1976 and Elvis’s final touring years.

10:30 a.m. Monday, May 11
Barnegat Branch, 112 Burr Street

Certified Rutgers Master Gardener Mary Townsend will explain how to care for roses from spring through winter — and prove they’re not quite as fussy as their reputation.

12 to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 6; screenings 1 to 3 p.m.
Barnegat Branch, 112 Burr Street

A Hackensack Meridian Health educator will share simple tips for eye wellness, from screen breaks to nutrition. Vision screenings follow the talk.

6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7
Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River

The Barynya Duo will perform music, songs and dances from Eastern Europe on domra, garmoshka and balalaika. The program is suited for all ages.

4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 6
Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street

Ocean County Library, the Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee and NAMI Ocean County will host a provider fair with local agencies offering mental health and substance abuse resources. The Celebrating Wellness awards ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.

6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7
Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road

Andrew Walker, curator of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey, will lead a look at the Garden State’s 350-plus years of military history — and help attendees build a summer exploration map.

LEAP Class Advanced
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 7
Toms River Branch
Free assistive technology training for adults 55+ with changes in vision. iPad experience required.

Digital Literacy Crash Course
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 8
Upper Shores Branch
Learn how online information is created, shared and monetized — and how to better spot what’s useful versus misleading.

Tech Help Tuesday
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12
Waretown Branch
One-on-one help with smartphones, email, computer basics, the OCL website and digital materials.

Southern Ocean Birding Group: Birds of Sandy Hook
7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 7
Barnegat Branch
Tom Brown will discuss bird banding, mark-recapture and the birds of Sandy Hook. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Ask a Rutgers Master Gardener
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 11
Barnegat Branch
Bring your gardening questions — and photos or specimens of plants, insects, shrubs or trees — for expert help.

Ask a Master Gardener
1 to 3 p.m. Monday, May 11
Manchester Branch
Drop in with questions about gardening, pest management, wildlife control or other environmental concerns.

Birds of Ocean County
2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12
Lacey Branch
A Park Naturalist from Ocean County Parks and Recreation will talk about birds native to Ocean County. Registration requested.

Hunters of the Sky
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
Little Egg Harbor Branch
Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge brings birds of prey to the library for a close-up look at their adaptations and role in the ecosystem. Ages 5+.

Shore Memory Café
10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 7
Manchester Branch
A relaxed social program for people experiencing early cognitive decline or early-stage memory loss and their care partners.

Caregiver Support Group
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 7
Barnegat Branch
A supportive session for caregivers, presented in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health.

Documentary: Just Like You: Anxiety & Depression
2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12
Lakewood Branch
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, watch this documentary about kids, families and the stigma surrounding anxiety and depression.

Mastering Moods for Healthy Aging
2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
Brick Branch
Hackensack Meridian Health staff share practical tools for managing depression, anxiety and stress.

Chair Yoga with Linda Higley
2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
Lacey Branch
A relaxing chair yoga session led by certified instructor Linda Higley. Waiver required before class. Registration requested.

Chinese Calligraphy 101
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 8
Waretown Branch
Celebrate Asian American Heritage Month by practicing basic Chinese calligraphy. Supplies provided.

DIY Farmer’s Market Tote
11 a.m. to noon Friday, May 8
Little Egg Harbor Branch
Paint your own canvas tote using fruit and veggie stencils — just in time for farmers market season.

Knitting and Crocheting at the Beach
1 to 3 p.m. Monday, May 11
Point Pleasant Beach Branch
Knitters and crocheters of all skill levels can work on projects, swap tips and enjoy the company.

Beginner Crocheting Class
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 11
Toms River Branch, Sparks’s Lab
A true beginner class covering stitches, yarn, tools and basic pattern reading. Supplies limited.

Cherry Blossom 3D Painting
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
Long Beach Island Branch
Art with a Heart leads a step-by-step spring painting class.

Coffee and Coloring
6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
Brick Branch
Coloring, soothing music, coffee and a relaxing evening for adults. Materials provided, but you may bring your own.

Military History of New Jersey
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7
Brick Branch
Andrew Walker, curator of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey, explores more than 350 years of Garden State military history.

The Bell Holder Wreck with Dan Lieb
7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 12
Barnegat Branch
New Jersey shipwreck historian Dan Lieb shares the story of the Bell Holder shipwreck, including photography and site-mapping from his expedition.

Goodbye, Babe Ruth! Hello, Ballpark Lights!
6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
Point Pleasant Borough Branch
Local author Phil Coffin talks baseball history, from the first major league game under the lights to one of Babe Ruth’s final big moments.

Mahjongg Mondays
Noon to 3 p.m. Monday, May 11
Upper Shores Branch
Come play Mah Jongg at the library — tiles, table talk and all.

For even more programs of interest to seniors, visit Ocean County Libraries website.

Worth-a-field-trip alert: Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton has opened Five Independent Souls: The Signers from New Jersey, a new exhibit on the Garden State’s five Declaration of Independence signers — Abraham Clark, John Hart, Francis Hopkinson, Richard Stockton and John Witherspoon.

More than 100 rare artifacts are on display, including a lock of John Hart’s hair, a George Washington letter, Witherspoon’s 1760 tall-case clock and one of the first American Bibles dedicated to readers instead of royalty.

The exhibit also looks beyond the patriotic polish, exploring the signers’ contradictions, including slavery, and the impact of independence on New Jersey’s Indigenous Lenni-Lenape communities. Morven is a fitting spot for it all: the museum was built for signer Richard Stockton and later occupied by British troops.

The exhibit runs Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., through Jan. 17, 2027.

Here’s a Jersey Shore stay with a little history baked in: the historic Officers Row homes at Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook are available as vacation rentals.

The bayfront duplex, once part of the former U.S. Army coastal defense post, has been renovated for overnight stays through Sandy Hook Rentals. Each side sleeps eight comfortably, or up to 10 with a pullout bed — with beaches, nature trails, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Manhattan skyline views nearby. Casual flex.

Fort Hancock helped protect the entrance to New York Harbor beginning in the late 1800s, stayed active through World War II, and became part of Gateway National Recreation Area after it was decommissioned in 1974.

Today, visitors can tour the historic site, explore the museum, check out preserved gun batteries and grab a bite at Mule Barn Tavern, a former mule barn turned popular restaurant.

Rates reportedly start at $435 a night in low season with a three-day minimum, and $575 a night for summer weekly stays. Weekend availability was listed for early May, with weekly rentals through the summer. Check Sandy Hook Rentals for current dates, pricing and pet policies before packing the beach bag.

Cruise fans, file this under “worth planning ahead.”

In May 2028, all four Cunard ships — Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne — will gather together for the first time in the company’s history.

The big meet-up happens May 16, 2028, on the River Mersey in Liverpool, Cunard’s longtime spiritual home.

The celebration comes with extra ship-shape drama: Queen Mary 2 will make her first-ever transatlantic crossing directly from New York to Liverpool, Cunard’s first eastbound New York-to-Liverpool arrival in more than 60 years.

Liverpool is planning waterfront festivities, music and maritime events, and Cunard is expected to offer special “Four Queens Celebration” sailings. For ocean-liner lovers, this is the kind of travel moment that practically says: book the balcony. Learn more here.

GLP-1 for Arthritis: Can Weight Loss Drugs Treat Joint Pain? Emerging research suggests popular GLP-1 weight loss drugs – like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro – may ease arthritis and joint pain by triggering weight loss and reducing systemic inflammation. U.S. News & World Report, April 28.

3 Medical Routines That Older People May Not Need: Some screenings and treatments no longer make sense for patients as they age. Researchers have just added a few more to the list. The New York Times, May 2.

What Medicare Covers When You Travel in the US and Abroad: Medical emergencies can happen at any time. Knowing what Medicare coverage you have, anywhere in the world, can help you avoid a massive bill. Kiplinger, April 30.

What Happens to Your Social Security Benefits If You Get Divorced in Retirement?: Your marital status could have a major impact on your monthly payment. The Motley Fool, April 29.

Couch plans? Handled. This week’s lineup has star power, survival chaos, period drama glow-ups and — yes — an emotionally supportive octopus.

“Send Help” (Hulu – Thursday)
From Sam Raimi, this survival thriller strands Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien on a deserted island… and then things get weird. Power dynamics flip, sanity slips — you get the idea.

“Remarkably Bright Creatures” (Netflix – Friday)
Based on the bestselling novel, Sally Field stars as a widow who forms an unlikely bond with a giant Pacific octopus at an aquarium. Quiet, heartfelt, and probably the most charming thing you’ll watch all week.

“The Other Bennet Sister” (BritBox – Wednesday)
A fresh spin on Pride and Prejudice — this time, shy sister Mary (Ella Bruccoleri) gets her moment. Already a hit in the UK, and honestly? It’s about time.

“M.I.A.” (Peacock – Thursday)
From an Ozark co-creator, this crime drama follows a woman trying to escape her family’s drug empire… until revenge pulls her right back in. All nine episodes drop at once.

“The Terror: Devil in Silver” (AMC+ & Shudder – Thursday)
Dan Stevens leads this creepy new chapter of The Terror — part psychological, part supernatural, all unsettling.

“Amadeus” (Starz – Friday)
A reimagined take on the classic rivalry between Mozart and Salieri, starring Will Sharpe and Paul Bettany. Expect drama, ego and very good wigs.

🎉 Happy 72nd Birthday, Ellen B. 🎉
Wishing you a wonderful week filled with laughter, love, and all your favorite things. Hope your celebration in Stafford is as special as you are — cheers to a fantastic year ahead! A few other celebrities sharing this birthday week with Ellen include:

May 5: Newsman Brian Williams, best known for anchoring NBC Nightly News, turns 67. TV personality Kyan Douglas, the grooming guru from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and a familiar face on Rachael Ray, is 56. Tina Yothers, forever remembered as little sister Jennifer Keaton on Family Ties, is 53.

May 6: Rock legend Bob Seger, the voice behind classics like “Night Moves” and “Old Time Rock & Roll,” turns 81. Roma Downey, beloved as Monica on Touched by an Angel, is 66. Julianne Phillips, known for her role on Sisters and as Bruce Springsteen’s former wife, is 66. And yes, George Clooney — actor, director and longtime Hollywood charmer — turns 65.

May 7: Singer Thelma Houston, best known for the disco hit “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” is 83. Soap favorite Robin Strasser, famous for One Life to Live and Passions, turns 81. Michael E. Knight, best known as Tad Martin on All My Children, is 67

💐We hope your Mother’s Day comes with good company, something delicious, and absolutely no dishes waiting in the sink.

⁉️Questions, comments or news to share? Just hit reply to this email!

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😎See you next week!

The Ocean Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: Event details can change faster than Mother’s Day brunch reservations disappear, so double-check details before heading out. And as always, nothing here is medical, legal or financial advice — just ideas to keep you entertained from your friendly local Scoop.😉