Ocean Senior Scoop: News and events for Ocean County seniors

The unofficial start of summer is knocking, and Ocean County is answering with markets, music, fireworks and plenty of Memorial Day weekend plans. Also inside: a new dining spot, smart library programs, day trips, streaming picks and birthday fun.

🌞 Weekend Plans: Farmers markets, food trucks, fireworks and Memorial Day moments
💧 Did You Know? New Jersey American Water releases its 2026 water quality reports
🦞 Local Flavor: Gourmand brings upscale dining to Point Pleasant Beach
🗞️ Prime Time News: Retirement, Social Security, cruising and helping aging parents with money
🍳 In the Kitchen: MasterChef-inspired recipes with a global twist
🚗 Day Trippin’: Wildwood kites, Cowtown rodeo and Renaissance Faire revelry
🥢 Tasty Treats: P.F. Chang’s rolls out a shareable celebration menu
📚 Beyond the Books: Concerts, crafts, tech help, Medicare, Mah Jongg and more at Ocean County libraries
📺 TV Time: New streaming picks, from action heroes to retirement-community monsters
🎂 Celebrity Birthdays: Cher, Mr. T, Naomi Campbell and more

Up first…

🌽 Farmers Market Season Is Officially Back
Fresh produce, baked goods and little “I didn’t know I needed this” finds are popping up all over Ocean County. The Tuckerton Farmers Market returns Friday, May 22, 9 a.m.–noon outside Union Market & Gallery, while the Seaside Park Farmers Market kicks off its season Friday, May 22, 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. on the J Street Marina Lawn. On Saturday, May 23, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., the Brick Farmers Market brings local flavor to Windward Beach Park.

🎹 Sip, Sing & Request Your Favorites
Friday night gets a little rowdy — in the best way — with Dueling Pianos at Laurita Winery in New Egypt on May 22, 6–9 p.m. Expect crowd-pleasing singalongs, winery vibes and plenty of reasons to shout out a request. Tickets are $21 per person.

🍞 Sourdough Saturday at the Farm
Fresh bread alert. Water Lily Kitchen pops up at Silverton Farms in Toms River on Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m.–noon, or until sold out, with sourdough bread, baked goods and farm-fresh produce nearby. Translation: go early.

🛍️ Treasure Hunting in Bayville
Part yard sale, part vendor fair, part community hangout — the White Elephant Sale, Crafts, Bake Sale & Sparkling Jewelry event takes place Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Faith Community, A United Methodist Church in Bayville. It’s rain or shine, and there may be a bargain with your name on it.

🇺🇸 A Bay Head Tradition of Remembrance
Pause, reflect and honor those who served at the Bay Head Memorial Day Service on Saturday, May 23, at 10 a.m. at Blue Star Memorial Park on Bridge Avenue. All are welcome at this community gathering of remembrance.

🧺 A Brand-New Saturday Market in Jackson
Farmers, makers, food vendors and small businesses are gathering at The Market at Adventure Crossing, a new weekly Saturday market running 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Adventure Crossing in Jackson. The season begins May 23, so consider this your first look at what may become a new weekend habit.

🎁 Craft Fair Season Comes in Strong
Need a gift, a treat or simply an excuse to browse? Ocean County has you covered. The HS South Marching Band Spring Vendor & Craft Fair fills the Toms River Elks on Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. with makers, boutiques, books, candles, sea glass, treats and more. Also in Toms River, Fabricated For You’s Craft Fair runs 10 a.m.–4 p.m. with more than 60 outdoor booths and 30 indoor spotlight vendors, plus raffles, handmade jewelry, quilts, décor, baked goods and face painting for the kids.

🍔 Food Trucks, Music & Memorial Day Weekend Energy
Come hungry to the Berkeley Township Food Truck & Music Festival on Saturday, May 23, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. at Veterans Park in Bayville. The lineup includes 15 gourmet food trucks, an adult beverage garden, vendor shopping, kids’ activities and live bands. Admission is $5, and children under 10 get in free.

🚑 Stafford EMS Turns 75
A milestone this big deserves a celebration. Stafford EMS marks 75 years of service on Saturday, May 23, with a parade stepping off at noon and festivities running 12–5 p.m. at 365 East Bay Ave. in Manahawkin. Expect food, music, family fun and a heartfelt salute to local service.

🔥 Cookout Season Starts at Mathis House
Memorial Day weekend meets backyard-party charm at the Summer Kickoff Cookout at Mathis House in Toms River on Saturday, May 23, at 5 p.m. Think grilled favorites, seasonal sides, lawn games, Cream Ridge Winery tastings, firepits and s’mores. Tickets are $35 per person, and reservations are required.

🎆 Fireworks Over the Bay
Cue the oohs and aahs. Waretown Bayfront Park & Pier hosts fireworks on Saturday, May 23, with festivities beginning at 6 p.m. Expect music from DJ Mike Thompson, food trucks and Mr. Softee. Rain date: Sunday, May 24.

🎭 A Broadway-Worthy Night in Beach Haven
For a little theater sparkle, head to Surflight Theatre for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing on Saturday, May 23, at 8 p.m. The musical revue reimagines classics from South Pacific, The King and I, The Sound of Music and more — all dressed up for a fresh night out.

🪑 Flea Market Finds at the Ballpark
The BlueClaws Spring Flea Market returns to Jersey Shore BlueClaws Stadium in Lakewood on Sunday, May 24, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Hunt for bargains, vintage surprises and that one thing you absolutely did not plan to buy.

🎶 Celebrate, Honor & Remember in Forked River
The Lacey Elks Lodge hosts a full Memorial Day gathering on Monday, May 25, starting at 9 a.m. with vendors, food trucks, family fun and live music under the pavilion. Go Rock Yourself performs noon–3 p.m., followed by The Polish Nannies from 4–8 p.m.

🇺🇸 Beach Haven Memorial Day Parade & Service
Beach Haven’s annual tribute steps off Monday, May 25, at 9:40 a.m. from Taylor Avenue, continuing along Bay Avenue before arriving at Veterans Park for a 10:30 a.m. memorial service. A meaningful Shore tradition to begin the holiday with gratitude.

💧 New Jersey American Water’s 2026 Water Quality Reports are now available online, giving customers a closer look at their local drinking water results. The company says its water once again met or exceeded all state and federal standards for regulated substances, including lead, based on testing conducted throughout 2025. The reports also include updates on lead service line replacement efforts. Customers can find their local report by ZIP code at the company’s website or request a printed copy by calling 800-272-1325.

A new upscale dining spot has opened in Point Pleasant Beach — and it’s already creating a stir. Gourmand, a chef-driven modern American restaurant, debuted Wednesday inside the historic Gottlieb Building at 641 Arnold Ave. Reservations are already booked through May, with June availability expected to open in the coming days.

The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Imer Jose Garcia, a partner in the restaurant, who is putting a polished, modern spin on classic dishes. The menu includes branzino, dry-aged steaks and spicy rigatoni, along with a signature mocktail cart that brings handcrafted alcohol-free drinks directly to the table.

Gourmand seats about 70 guests and is currently reservation only. A private dining room for 12 to 14 people is also planned for later this summer, likely in July or August.

The latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

Helping an Aging Parent with Finances Can Put You In Conflict. Here’s How To Approach It: It’s worthwhile to lay the groundwork to assist with your parents’ finances long before a crisis hits. CNBC, May 15.

Hantavirus: What Retirees Need to Know Before Boarding a Cruise Ship This Summer: Planning a cruise? Get the facts on the rare hantavirus outbreak — and why experts say norovirus remains the bigger health threat for retirees. Kiplinger, May 11.

Workers Want to Work Past 65. But New Survey Shows Some Employers Have Age Cutoffs — Despite Federal Law: Plenty of Americans plan to keep working past 65, but some employers are already saying they’ll be too old. Investopedia, May 16.

Social Security Claims at 62 Get Social Media Buzz — Experts Say Proceed With Caution: Some social media influencers recently claimed to have cracked the code on that decision, but experts say the calculation they’re using is missing crucial context. CNBC, May 11.

What If This Turns Out to Be a Terrible Time to Retire? Pre-retirees and new retirees concerned about today’s markets can take steps to protect themselves. Morningstar, May 15.

A little MasterChef flair is coming to home kitchens. Eggland’s Best is teaming up with FOX’s culinary competition series for Season 16 and serving up globally inspired recipes adapted from the show’s recipe bank. The tasty lineup of recipes to try at home includes:

Gluten-Free Frying Pan Muffin with Egg: a hearty, UK-inspired dish perfect for brunch

Carbonara with Blue Cheese, Broccoli & Hazelnuts: blends bold, modern flavors from around the world

Profiteroles: highlights precision pastry techniques and a rich, crowd-pleasing Italian dessert experience

Consider it your cue to bring a little global flavor — and a dash of TV-worthy kitchen confidence — to the table!

🪁 Wildwoods International Kite Festival: Go Fly One
The sky over Wildwood gets wonderfully busy May 22–25 as the Wildwoods International Kite Festival celebrates its 40th year on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. Look for glowing kites during the Illuminated Night Kite Fly, synchronized team flying, giant inflatable creations and family games. Best of all for spectators: admission is free.

🤠 Cowtown Rodeo: Lasso Some Fun
Saddle up — Cowtown Rodeo kicks off its 2026 season on Saturday, May 23, at 780 Harding Highway in Pilesgrove. The country’s longest-running weekly professional rodeo, and a 2024 Wrangler NFR Small Rodeo of the Year winner, brings bull riding, team roping, barrel racing and plenty of Old West excitement to South Jersey every Saturday night.

⚔️ New Jersey Renaissance Faire: Award-Winning Huzzahs
Cue the trumpets. The New Jersey Renaissance Faire returns to the Burlington County Fairgrounds in Columbus on May 23–24 and May 30–31, with additional weekends in June. This year’s swashbuckling theme welcomes The Three Musketeers back to the Shire of New Crossford, along with fire performers, musicians, magicians, more than 30 merchants, faire food and entertainment across seven stages. Tickets are available online.

Got a graduation, family dinner or belated Mother’s Day toast on the calendar? P.F. Chang’s is making it easy to gather around the table with its limited-time “Sizzle. Share. Celebrate.” menu, available through June 23. The five-course meal, starting at $89.99 for two at participating locations, is built for passing plates and lingering a little longer, with soup, appetizers, entrées and dessert. Expect favorites like Chang’s Spicy Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Miso-Glazed Salmon, dumplings and spare ribs, plus splurge-worthy upgrades such as NY Prime Strip Steak Tataki, Oolong Chilean Sea Bass and Lobster & Prawn Fried Rice. Save room for the Great Wall of Chocolate — because celebrations should end on a sweet note. Check out their Toms River location.

Color, Concerts, Crafts & Very Useful Life Stuff at Ocean County libraries this week.

🎨 Color Me Calm
Need a softer start to the day? Coloring for Adults brings soothing music and no-pressure creativity to the Lakewood Branch on Wednesday, May 20, 10:30–11:30 a.m. A second coloring session follows at the Barnegat Branch on Friday, May 22, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Crayons: not just for grandkids.

📜 Wills, Trusts & Peace of Mind
Estate planning sounds intimidating. This makes it less so. Estate Planning: Wills & Trusts — What You Need to Know comes to the Waretown Branch on Wednesday, May 20, 11 a.m.–noon, with longtime New Jersey elder law attorney Kathleen A. Browning Sheridan breaking down the basics in plain English.

🏠 Healthy Homes, Healthier Habits
Two practical programs land on Wednesday. At the Barnegat Branch, the Ocean County Health Department explains mold risks and prevention from 11 a.m.–noon. Later, the Manchester Branch hosts All About Dieting from 2–3 p.m., with a Hackensack Meridian Health nurse educator sorting through food myths, nutrition labels and smarter everyday choices.

🀄 Mah Jongg Curious? Start Here
Wondering what all those tiles are about? Introduction to Mah Jongg at the Little Egg Harbor Branch on Wednesday, May 20, noon–12:30 p.m. covers the basics, the gear and the rules. Guests can even stick around afterward to watch regular players in action.

📦 Declutter Without the Drama
If the closets are full and the “I might need this someday” pile has gained strength, AARP has ideas. Downsizing and Decluttering: You Can’t Take It With You takes place Wednesday, May 20, 2:30–3:30 p.m. at the Barnegat Branch Library — note the location change from Stafford.

🧶 Knit One, Make Friends
The yarn crowd has options this week. Knitting 101 begins at the Toms River Branch on Wednesday, May 20, 6:30–7:30 p.m., with a second session on Tuesday, May 26, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Yarn and needles are supplied, but registration is required. Prefer a casual stitch-and-chat? Stitch It Club meets at the Lacey Branch on Thursday, May 21, 6:30–8:30 p.m., and Knit Wits gathers at the Beachwood Branch on Wednesday, May 27, 11 a.m.–noon.

🎺 Big Band Energy at the Library
The Pineland Symphonic Band returns to the Toms River Branch on Wednesday, May 20, 7–8:30 p.m. with a crowd-pleasing mix of Sousa, Dixieland, patriotic favorites and even a little rock. Seating is first come, first served — and this one sounds worth arriving early for.

📱 Tech That Helps You See More Clearly
The LEAP Advanced Class at the Toms River Branch on Thursday, May 21, 9:30–11:30 a.m. helps adults 55 and older with vision changes build their iPad and iPhone accessibility skills. Registration is required by phone, and iPad experience is a prerequisite.

💳 Medicare, Minus the Mystery
New to Medicare or helping someone sort it out? Medicare 101: Understanding Your Benefits comes to the Waretown Branch on Thursday, May 21, 2–3 p.m. The AARP NJ Speakers Bureau will cover the parts, costs, plan choices and helpful resources. Registration is requested.

💻 Bring Your Tech Questions
Phones, email, digital library materials, computer basics — ask away. Tech Help Tuesday offers one-on-one assistance at the Waretown Branch on Tuesday, May 26, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Registration is required by phone.

🕷️ Tick Talk, Game-Show Style
Public health meets Family Feud at the Long Beach Island Branch on Tuesday, May 26, 2–3 p.m. Tick-Borne Disease Prevention Family Feud turns an important seasonal topic into an interactive game. Please register.

🖍️ Craft, Relax, Reverse Color
The Plumsted Branch hosts Adult Craft and Relax: Reverse Coloring on Tuesday, May 26, 2:30–4 p.m. Supplies are provided; imagination is on you. Seating is limited, so registration is recommended.

🌱 Garden Problems? Ask a Pro
Got a mystery spot on a leaf or a backyard question that Google has only made more confusing? Ask a Master Gardener stops by the Point Pleasant Borough Branch on Wednesday, May 27, 2–4 p.m. Bring your questions — and even a plant sample for diagnosis.

🧶 Crochet Crew, Assemble
Experienced crocheters can bring their latest project to the Adult Crocheting Club at the Toms River Branch on Wednesday, May 27, 6–7:40 p.m. It’s a friendly, bring-your-own-project gathering for swapping tips, troubleshooting stitches and maybe untangling more than yarn.

This week’s watch list brings back a favorite action hero, serves up a retirement-community monster mystery, and adds a few juicy new reasons to stay in.

Jack is back. Four years after his Prime Video series wrapped, John Krasinski returns as the CIA analyst-turned-action hero in “Jack Ryan: Ghost War,” streaming Wednesday on Prime Video. The latest chapter in the long-running franchise brings back familiar faces, including Wendell Pierce, Michael Kelly and Betty Gabriel.

A world where women run everything? That’s the setup for “Ladies First,” arriving Friday, May 22, on Netflix. Sacha Baron Cohen stars as a chauvinistic man who wakes up in a parallel society dominated by women, with Rosamund Pike, Charles Dance, Emily Mortimer and Richard E. Grant along for the ride.

Tarantino completists, clear the couch. “Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair” debuts Friday, May 22, on Peacock, combining Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 into one epic cut, complete with a previously removed 7½-minute animated sequence.

Mystery lovers may want to queue up “You’re Killing Me,” debuting Monday on Acorn TV. Brooke Shields plays a bestselling novelist who teams with a true-crime podcaster to solve a murder. Very book-club-meets-whodunit.

And here’s one with serious senior-community intrigue: “The Boroughs” debuts Thursday on Netflix, following residents of a seemingly peaceful retirement community who band together to battle monsters. The cast is a powerhouse: Geena Davis, Bill Pullman, Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard and Denis O’Hare.

One last trip to Chicago’s South Side: “The Chi” returns for its eighth and final season Friday, May 22, on Paramount+, bringing its acclaimed story of family, friendship and survival to a close.

May 20: A little TV, a little rock ’n’ roll, and a whole lot of star power today. The Sopranos actor David Proval turns 84, while the one-and-only Cher celebrates 80 years of being fabulous. Also blowing out candles: actor and comedian Dave Thomas of SCTV and Grace Under Fire fame, 78; Go-Go’s guitarist Jane Wiedlin, 68; Susan Cowsill of The Cowsills, 67; actor Bronson Pinchot, 67; and The Facts of Life favorite Mindy Cohn, 60.

May 21: Soul legend Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers turns 85 today, and we pity the fool who forgets to wish Mr. T a happy 74th birthday.

May 22: Birthday wishes go out to Barbara Parkins, remembered for Peyton Place and Valley of the Dolls, who turns 84. Also celebrating: singer Morrissey, 67; actor Ann Cusack, 65; and supermodel Naomi Campbell, 56.

That’s the Scoop for this week — packed with Shore plans, good eats, library gems and enough long-weekend fun to justify checking the calendar twice. Have a wonderful one, Ocean County!

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Got a local event, news tip or community gem we should know about? Contact us — we’re always happy to hear what’s happening around town.

😎The Ocean Senior Scoop team

One last thing: Plans change, food trucks sell out, and weather loves a plot twist, so check event details before heading out. Ocean Senior Scoop is for informational purposes only — not medical, legal or financial advice.