Ocean Senior Scoop: News & Events for Ocean County Seniors

👋Hey, Ocean friends!

This week’s lineup is packed with spring energy. We’ve got festivals, flea markets, porch music, indie bookstores, cruise dreams, library happenings, and enough local events to keep your weekend calendar fully booked. Whether you’re in the mood to wander, shop, snack, learn something new, or simply enjoy a slower Shore day, there’s plenty to explore.

👀What’s on tap:

📚 Library Buzz — Stafford Library’s big move + Beyond the Books picks
🎉 Out & About — Fishing contests, festivals, Porchfest & markets
🗞️ Prime Time News — Helpful aging, Medicare & wellness stories
🚗 Weekend Plans — Statewide adventures worth the drive
🎶 Mark Your Calendar — Free concerts at PNC this summer
🚢 Cruise News — A Panama Canal milestone for Princess Cruises
🎰 Atlantic City Buzz — Ocean Casino’s big summer plans
📚 Shelf Life — Shore bookstores worth browsing
🧀 Fresh on the Block — New charcuterie stop in Point Pleasant
🥳 Celebrity Birthdays — This week’s famous candles

Up first…

A new Stafford Branch is on the way — but first, a little library shuffle.

The Ocean County Library Stafford Branch at 129 North Main Street in Manahawkin will close on May 1 as preparations continue for the opening of the new Stafford Branch at 179 South Main Street, next to the Ocean County Southern Service Center.

Patrons can visit the current branch through 9 p.m. Thursday, April 30. The new branch is expected to open this summer and will feature expanded collections, modern technology, and enhanced community spaces — basically, a bigger, fresher library chapter for Stafford.

Beginning May 1, all items being held for Stafford patrons will automatically be sent to the Barnegat Branch, 112 Burr Street. Anyone who would rather pick up materials at a different Ocean County Library location can contact any branch for help.

The new branch is supported by funding from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, including a $4.824 million grant awarded to Ocean County Library in 2022.

This week, Ocean County libraries are serving up Civil War letters, sick plant help, brain fitness, privacy tips, knitting circles and enough wellness programs to make your calendar feel very responsible. And the best part? They are all FREE!

Wednesday, April 29, 6:30–7:30 p.m. — Brick Branch
📜 Letters Home to Herbertsville from the Civil War
Local historian Gene Donatiello shares the stories of four Civil War soldiers from the Herbertsville section of Brick through the letters they wrote home, following their lives from enlistment through the end of the war.

Thursday, April 30, 1–3 p.m. — Manchester Branch
🪴 Houseplant Hospital: Diagnosing Your Sick Plants
Bring in your droopy, dramatic or “I swear I watered it” houseplants and let a Master Gardener help figure out what’s going wrong.

Thursday, April 30, 1–2 p.m. — Toms River Branch
🚶 Walk 4 Memory
This indoor walking-and-music program is designed to support body and brain fitness for people experiencing memory loss or mild cognitive decline who can participate independently.

Thursday, April 30, 2:30–4 p.m. — Stafford Branch
☕ Senior Friending Social Hour
Meet other seniors, enjoy games and refreshments, and settle in for good conversation. For ages 55 and up. Registration requested.

Thursday, April 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m. — Lacey Branch
🧶 Stitch It Club
Knit, crochet, sew or embroider alongside fellow crafters. All skill levels are welcome, and yes, chatting counts as part of the project.

Friday, May 1, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. — Little Egg Harbor Branch
🧩 Friends Plants, Puzzles & Pastries Sale
Plants, puzzles and pastries in one place. Honestly, that’s a pretty solid personality test — and a nice way to support the library.

Friday, May 1, 1–1:30 p.m. — Barnegat Branch
🎶 Spring Chorus Concert
Students from Robert L. Horbelt School will perform a spring concert at the library. All ages are welcome. Registration requested.

Saturday, May 2, 2–3 p.m. — Long Beach Island Branch
🐢 Project Terrapin
Learn how this volunteer-based organization supports diamondback terrapin research, education and conservation around Barnegat Bay, Long Beach Island and Island Beach State Park.

Monday, May 4, 11 a.m.–noon — Manchester Branch
🔐 AARP: Introduction to Managing Your Privacy
Cookie pop-ups, online tracking and password managers get a plain-English explanation in this AARP program on protecting your personal information online.

Monday, May 4, 12:30–2:30 p.m. — Little Egg Harbor Branch
🧶 Knitting at the Library
Bring your knit or crochet project, swap patterns and relax with fellow yarn enthusiasts.

Monday, May 4, 1–3 p.m. — Waretown Branch
🧶 Waretown Woolies Knitting Club
A cozy gathering for knitting, crochet and fiber projects, with plenty of idea-sharing and friendly support.

Monday, May 4, 2:30–3:30 p.m. — Brick Branch
🦋 Butterflies & Hummingbirds in Your Garden
Rutgers Master Gardener Sue Masoorli explains why pollinators matter and which host and nectar plants can help bring more fluttering visitors to your garden.

Monday, May 4, 6:30–7:30 p.m. — Plumsted Branch
🀄 Introduction to Mah Jongg
New to Mah Jongg? Learn the basics from experienced players in this beginner-friendly session. Registration required.

Tuesday, May 5, 11 a.m.–noon — Long Beach Island Branch
❤️ Blood Pressure Clinic
The Long Beach Island Health Department offers free monthly blood pressure screenings. Walk-ins welcome.

Tuesday, May 5, 11 a.m.–noon — Little Egg Harbor Branch
☀️ Staying Healthy During the Summer Months
A practical session for adults and seniors on staying fueled, hydrated and feeling good during the season of BBQs, ice cream runs and long hot days.

Tuesday, May 5, 2–3 p.m. — Brick Branch
🧠 Mastering Moods for Healthy Aging
Hackensack Meridian Health staff share tools for managing stress, anxiety and sadness, with practical strategies for building emotional resilience.

Tuesday, May 5, 6:30–8:30 p.m. — Little Egg Harbor Branch
📓 Make Your Own Junk Journal
Create a handmade journal using everyday materials, photos, memories or small keepsakes. No sewing required!

Wednesday, May 6, 10:30–11:30 a.m. — Lacey Branch
🥗 Gourmet Heart Health on a Grocery Budget
Hackensack Meridian Health shares smart ways to eat for heart health without spending like you’re shopping for celebrity superfoods.

Wednesday, May 6, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. — Brick Branch
🪖 Turning Point Battles of World War II
Author and military historian Paul Zigo discusses five key World War II battles that helped shift momentum toward Allied victory.

Links to the latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

They’re in Remission, but Their Medical Bills Aren’t: Cancer Survivors Navigate Soaring Costs: Of more than 1,200 cancer patients and survivors surveyed in 2024, about 47% said they had carried medical debt, with nearly half having owed more than $5,000, according to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. KFF Health News, April 22.

Japan Awakens to Radio Taiso Exercise Tradition. One Face of The Country’s Longevity: Exercisers can make it as strenuous as they wish, and it’s over in just 10 minutes, all done to the rhythm of a soft piano melody. Associated Press, April 24.

Medigap Premiums Leap, and Consumers Have Few Alternatives: More than 12 million people — about 43% of those in traditional Medicare — buy a Medigap policy. KFF Health News, April 23

Taking Medicare While Working Comes with Unexpected Complications: Understanding the dos and don’ts of Medicare can be challenging under normal circumstances. Add income from working to the equation, and things can get even murkier. The Street, April 23.

9 Steps to Take if You’re Laid Off Within 5 Years of Retirement: Getting laid off right before retirement can be both a financial and mental blow. Here’s how to bounce back. U.S. News & World Report, April 20.

How ‘Age Tech’ Might Help You Grow Old at Home: The budding field is turning dreams into reality for older adults who are eager to age in place, filling caregiving gaps and easing minds as America ages rapidly. The New York Times, April 22.

Ocean County is not easing into May — it is sprinting in with fishing contests, food trucks, porch music, Derby hats, farmers markets and even a Bee Gees tribute!

Saturday, May 2, 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m. — Lake Shenandoah County Park, Lakewood
🎣 Fishing Contest
Take the grandkids! Cast a line at Lake Shenandoah for Ocean County Parks & Recreation’s fishing contest, with weigh-in locations, door prizes and two age groups. Sign up at the lake before heading out. Cost is $2 for under 16 and $4 for ages 16 and up. Info

Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m.; walk starts 10 a.m. — Seaside Heights Boardwalk
👟 Seaside ALS United Walk
Take a meaningful walk on the boardwalk while supporting local families facing ALS. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m. on Hiering Avenue. Info

Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. — J Street Marina, Seaside Park
🎣 31st Annual Fisherman’s Flea Market
The Berkeley Striper Club’s annual flea market returns with fishing gear, finds and fellow anglers. Basically, if you know someone who says “just one more rod,” send them here. Info

Saturday & Sunday, May 2–3, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. — Johnson Park, Jackson
🛍️ Mayor’s Flea Market
Jackson’s flea market is back with household items, crafts, collectibles and community groups selling donated goods. Admission is free, and treasure hunting is strongly encouraged. Info

Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. — Forest Resource Education Center, Jackson
🌳 Spring Forestry Festival
This free, family-friendly event celebrates forestry, conservation and New Jersey’s natural resources. It’s rain or shine, because trees are famously not afraid of a little weather. Info

Saturday & Sunday, May 2–3 — Laurita Winery, New Egypt
🥓 Bacon Fest Food Truck & Music Festival
Food trucks, live bands, fire pits and bacon — subtle, it is not. Fireworks are planned for Saturday, May 2. Tickets are $16 online or $18 at the gate; under 21 is free. Info

Saturday, May 2, noon–6 p.m. — Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
🚒 First Responders Day
Casino Pier is honoring first responders with free unlimited ride wristbands for eligible first responders and immediate family from noon to 6 p.m. There will also be Touch-a-Truck, character meet-and-greets and face painting from noon to 2 p.m. Info

Saturday, May 2, noon–6 p.m. — Washington Street, Downtown Toms River
🇲🇽 Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Ocean County Tourism will be set up on Washington Street with games, Ocean County World Cup swag and local info during the Downtown Toms River festivities. Info

Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. — Main Street, Tuckerton
🎶 3rd Annual Tuckerton Porchfest
Live music, poetry, art, vendors and community vibes take over porches along Main Street. Rain date is Sunday, May 3, with an after party at The Grapevine at 5 p.m. Info

Saturday, May 2, 1–6 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Park, Beach Haven
🍺 Craft Beer, Food Trucks & Live Music
Beach Haven brings together craft beer, food trucks, live music and vendors. Admission is $25 for ages 21+ who are drinking; entry for other attendees is donation-based. Info

Saturday, May 2, 3 p.m. — Mathis House, Toms River
👒 Kentucky Derby Tea Party
Put on your Derby best for tea, treats and big-hat energy at Mathis House. Tickets are $50. Info

Saturday, May 2, 3–9 p.m. — New Jersey Maritime Museum, Beach Haven
⚓ NJ Maritime Museum Annual Fundraiser
This fundraiser features food from local restaurants, a cash bar, basket auction, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and oldies music by the Eddie Testa Band. Tickets are $75, or $60 for members. Info

Saturday, May 2, 8 p.m. — The Strand Theater, Lakewood
🪩 Bee Gees Gold
A full Bee Gees tribute brings the falsettos, the disco hits and the “Stayin’ Alive” energy to Lakewood. White suit optional, but emotionally encouraged. Info

Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. — West Tuckerton Firehouse
🛍️ Craft & Vendor Fair
Shop local vendors, beauty items, housewares, treats and more while supporting the West Tuckerton Fire Company Auxiliary. Info

Sunday, May 3, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. — Lacey Elks Lodge, Forked River
🍅 Lacey Elks Farmers & Vendor Market
Fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, juices, pet items, handmade crafts and more are on the menu at this weekly market. Support local, shop small, and maybe bring a tote bag or three. Info

Sunday, May 3, 4–5:30 p.m. — Laurita Winery, New Egypt
🎼 New Jersey Chamber Singers
The New Jersey Chamber Singers perform Light in Winter, a concert of music centered on hope, comfort and wonder. A lovely way to end a very busy weekend. Info

🛍️ Hunt for hidden treasures the old-school way. The Atlantic Visiting Nurse Rummage Sale returns May 1–3 at the Far Hills Fairgrounds, where two acres of bargains and 25 departments turn thrift shopping into a full-blown sport. Bonus: Every vintage find and quirky lamp helps fund home health and hospice care in the community. info

🍷 Sip your way through Jersey’s fanciest weekend. The NJ Wine & Food Festival takes over Crystal Springs Resort May 1–3 with celebrity chefs, wine tastings, gourmet dinners, and enough swirling and sampling to make you feel very sophisticated for the day. info

🛍️ Stroll, snack, and shop your way down the shore. Ocean City’s Spring Block Party on May 2 brings more than 350 crafters, food vendors, music, and festival energy to Asbury Avenue. Translation: leave room in the trunk for impulse buys. Info

🍄 Lean into your mushroom era. The Annual NOFA-NJ Mushroom Fest lands in Asbury Park on May 2 with cooking demos, tastings, grow kits, shiitake log workshops, and fungi facts you’ll definitely bring up later at dinner. Info

🌿 Pretend you’re effortlessly eco-friendly. ECO Fair at WheatonArts on May 2 mixes gardening clubs, native plants, live music, nature tours, artisan vendors, and free eco shopping bags for early arrivals. Info

👹 Get delightfully weird with Jersey folklore. The Jersey Devil Fable Festival creeps into Asbury Park on May 2 with spooky storytelling, folklore, paranormal fun, and costumes inspired by the darker side of fairy tales. Info

🍹 Turn margaritas into a full-day activity. Highlands’ Fiesta de Mayo Cantina Crawl on May 2 lets you sample eight margaritas, vote for the best one, enjoy live Mariachi music, and wander between local restaurants with a festive wristband in hand. Info

⚔️ Live your medieval side quest. The Cape May Renaissance Faire takes over the Cape May County 4-H Fairgrounds May 2–3 with archery, axe throwing, live performances, artisan vendors, and costumes ranging from royalty to woodland creature. Info

🧺 Spend Sunday treasure hunting in the park. Springfest Craft Show & Antique Corner rolls into Veterans Park in Westwood on May 3 with handmade goods, antiques, festival snacks, kettle corn, Italian ice, and plenty of “I definitely don’t need this, but I’m buying it anyway” energy. Info

🎶 Book your free seat for a little Sinatra, Motown and red-white-and-blue. The Garden State Arts Foundation is bringing its 2026 Free Concert Series back to PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, and this year’s lineup is going big on classic favorites, tribute acts and a patriotic salute for America’s 250th birthday.

The schedule kicks off May 12 with Rick Michel’s An Afternoon with Sinatra & Friends, followed by Cousin Brucie Presents: Tommy James & the Shondells and Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone on May 28. On June 11, it’s a double bill with Tommy Lynn & One Hot Night – America’s Neil Diamond Tribute and Shadows of the 60s – A Tribute to Motown’s Super Groups.

The series wraps July 1 with Celebrate the United States 250th Birthday, featuring the United States Army Field Band with opening act American Bombshells. Admission is free, but tickets should be reserved in advance because — shocker — free concerts with this lineup may not stay available forever.

Reserve tickets and get details at: https://gsafoundation.org/news-events/upcoming-events/

🚢 Add “Panama Canal crossing” to the travel brag list. Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Star Princess, has officially completed its first-ever transit of the Panama Canal — a big moment in the ship’s inaugural season and a front-row seat for guests to one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels.

Princess has some serious Canal cred, too. Back in 1967, it became the first cruise line to offer regularly scheduled cruises through the waterway. Looking ahead, the 2026–2027 Panama Canal season will feature six ships, 31 departures, and itineraries sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Vancouver.

As for the ship herself? Star Princess debuted in October 2025, weighs in at 177,800 tons, carries 4,300 guests, and is the newest member of Princess’ Sphere Class fleet — with upgraded dining, entertainment, accommodations, and that classic Princess polish.

If Atlantic City is on your summer radar, Ocean Casino Resort is giving you plenty of reasons to pick a date and pack a bag. The resort’s Summer 2026 lineup is stacked with big-name concerts, beach club parties, new food and drink options, spa and wellness perks, and even expanded private jet service for travelers arriving in serious style.

Coming to Ovation Hall: Diana Ross, Sebastian Maniscalco, Matt Rife, Lenny Kravitz, and John Fogerty. Also on deck: an Americana-themed “America’s Birthday Bar,” a new Mrs. Fields on the casino floor, in-room IV wellness treatments, spa specials, and Friday night patriotic drone shows lighting up the July sky. Ocean is also putting about $20 million into upgrades and new experiences — sure to give your summer visit to Atlantic City a little extra sparkle.🌟🌟 Learn more here.

There’s something wonderfully old-school about wandering into an independent bookstore — especially at the Shore, where the shelves come stocked with beach reads, local stories, children’s favorites, and the occasional puzzle you suddenly can’t leave without.

In Beach Haven, LBI Bookswap is a reader’s playground, with more than 10,000 new and used books for adults, teens, middle-grade readers and children. The shop also regularly hosts well-known authors, making it a true Long Beach Island literary stop. Find it at 325 9th Street, Beach Haven.

A little farther north, BookTowne in Manasquan lives up to its motto, “Where Good Friends Meet Good Books.” The shop offers books for readers young and old, along with events throughout the year that help nurture the book lover in all of us. Visit 171 Main Street, Manasquan.

In Spring Lake, Thunder Road Books brings a little “flicks, books and rock & roll” spirit to the beach-town bookstore scene. This charming indie shop offers a carefully curated mix of bestselling fiction, memoirs, children’s books, local interest titles and more at 1100 3rd Ave, Spring Lake.

Heading farther down the coast, The Book Nook in Sea Isle City is open seasonally right on the boardwalk, with regional titles, children’s books, bestsellers, puzzles, games and photo products. Barrier Island Books & Art in Stone Harbor specializes in used books, local history, nature, birding, classics and vintage beach tags and postcards, while Stone Harbor Book Shop offers books, games and toys in Harbor Square.

Did we miss your favorite little literary hideaway? Hit reply and tell us — we’re always up for another chapter!

🍋 A little red, white and lemony. C&H® Sugar’s new America250 packaging comes with a sweet bonus: a delicious Lemon Nutmeg Pound Cake recipe right on the bag.

The recipe uses C&H® Granulated Sugar for a fluffy texture, then gets finished with a dusting of C&H® Powdered Sugar for a lightly spiced, citrusy treat. The limited-edition patriotic packaging celebrates America’s 250th birthday with red, white and blue designs — and honestly, this tastes like the kind of cake that belongs on a holiday table.

🧀 If you’re entertaining a crowd this summer, here’s a new option to keep on your snack radar. Graze Craze has officially opened its new Point Pleasant location at 2419 Bridge Ave., bringing its popular charcuterie boards, snack boxes, and grab-and-go grazing options to the Jersey Shore.

Graze Craze specializes in those picture-perfect charcuterie boards stacked with meats, cheeses, fruit, crackers, and all the little extras that somehow make snacking feel fancy. Grab-and-go options include the $9 Char-Cutie-Cup, packed with berries, tomatoes, capocollo, salami, cheeses, and crackers, plus the $15 Grab and Graze Gone Grazey box, a full mini-meal with baguette, gouda, parmesan, prosciutto, dark chocolate bark, grapes, and more.

Hosting a crowd? Boards range from small (feeds 10 for about $120) to large (feeds 20 for around $200), with seasonal picks and dessert boards also on the menu.

The Point Pleasant shop is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Other New Jersey locations can be found in Haworth, Ramsey, Rutherford, and Wyckoff.

This week’s streaming lineup has literary drama, haunted towns, wild homes, animated fun, and one very stressful first-house purchase.

🎬 “Wuthering Heights” — Streaming May 1 on HBO Max
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star in a bold, stylized take on Emily Brontë’s classic tale of Catherine and Heathcliff. Expect romance, drama, longing, and very dramatic stares across the moors.

🐦 “Swapped” — Streaming May 1 on Netflix
Michael B. Jordan voices a tiny woodland creature who suddenly swaps bodies with a majestic bird. It’s animated, funny, family-friendly, and sounds like Freaky Friday wandered into the forest.

🚗 “Hallow Road” — Streaming May 2 on Hulu
Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys star as parents racing to help their daughter after a late-night accident. Minimalist thriller vibes with plenty of tension.

🏡 “This First House” — Streaming Monday on The Roku Channel
Here’s a show to watch with your adult grandchildren. A new series for first-time home buyers follows millennial and Gen Z families navigating the often-stressful and now verry expensive process of purchasing a home. Guided by renovation experts Zack and Camille Dettmore, the show is a spinoff of the longtime PBS favorite This Old House — with a modern, real-estate-meets-renovation twist.

📚 “The House of the Spirits” — Streaming Wednesday on Prime Video
Isabel Allende’s beloved novel becomes a Spanish-language series following generations of one Latin family through love, conflict, and changing times.

👻 “Widow’s Bay” — Streaming Wednesday on Apple TV+
Matthew Rhys plays the mayor of a supposedly haunted coastal town trying to turn it into a tourist destination. The locals? Not exactly supportive.

🏠 “Zillow Gone Wild” — New Season Streaming May 2 on HBO Max
If you’ve ever spent an hour scrolling through outrageous real estate listings for no reason at all, this one’s for you. Jack McBrayer tours the internet’s wildest homes — and yes, they are gloriously weird.

A star-studded birthday week is ahead. On April 26, actor-comedian Carol Burnett turns 93, while Giancarlo Esposito, known for his standout roles in “Better Call Saul” and “Breaking Bad,” celebrates 68. On April 27, singer Kate Pierson of the B-52’s turns 78, and pop singer Sheena Easton is 67.

April 28 brings birthdays for actor-singer Ann-Margret, who turns 85, former Tonight Show host Jay Leno at 76, and actress Mary McDonnell, known for “Dances With Wolves” and “Battlestar Galactica,” at 74.

On April 29, comedian Jerry Seinfeld turns 72, Oscar-winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis is 69, actress Michelle Pfeiffer turns 68, and Eve Plumb of “The Brady Bunch” also celebrates 68.

Closing out the week, country music legend Willie Nelson turns 93 on April 30, and folk singer Judy Collins celebrates 87 on May 1.

Thanks for reading this week’s Ocean Senior Scoop! We hope you find something fun to do, somewhere new to wander, or at least a reason to say yes to a little adventure. Until next time — enjoy the sunshine, support local, and don’t underestimate the power of a good weekend plan.😎

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

👀First time reading? Join thousands of Ocean County seniors. Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter here.

Disclaimer: Event times can shift, weather can surprise us, and farmers markets occasionally tempt you into buying far more baked goods than planned. Double-check details before heading out — and as always, this newsletter is here for fun and information, not medical, legal or financial advice.