Ocean Senior Scoop – News & Events for Oct. 30 to Nov. 3

👋 Welcome to Ocean Senior Scoop, your free weekly guide to what’s happening in and around Ocean County — just for seniors and their families. From library happenings to fun events, helpful programs, local scams to watch for, and a few travel dreams too — we’ve got your week covered.

🗂️ This Week’s Highlights:
🎻 Events Around Town – Candlelight concerts, ghost tours, holiday shopping & more
👛 Shop & Stroll – Vendor fairs, paint parties, bingo nights & charcuterie workshops
📚 Beyond the Books – Grief support, ukulele classes, author talks & Medicare tips at the library
📢 Scam Watch – Gold scams, Medicare fraud & how to protect yourself
✈️ Wanderlust Weekly – Dream cruises, NYE in Jersey & Alaska 2027 sailings
🎥 TV Time – Streaming picks for Halloween week (dinosaurs, drama & detectives!)
🎃 Take the Grandkids – Fall fun at Jakes Branch & a sweet PEEPS pumpkin treat

Up first…

With gold prices soaring, Ocean County seniors are being targeted by shady pop-up buyers using high-pressure tactics, unregistered scales, and questionable practices. The Department of Consumer Affairs is sounding the alarm — and sharing key tips to help protect your wallet (and your jewelry box).

📅 Plus: Mark your calendar for a free Holiday Scam & Fraud Protection Seminar on Nov. 10 at the Toms River Library.

👉 Read the full story here.

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

SSA Announces 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment of 2.8%: The annual benefit increase to both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income help ensure benefits keep up with inflation. CNBC, Oct. 24.

Private Medicare, Medicaid Plans Exaggerate In-Network Mental Health Options, Watchdogs Say: Companies running private Medicare and Medicaid insurance plans inaccurately list many mental health professionals as being available to treat the plans’ members. KFF Health News, Oct. 20.

Mental Exercise Can Reverse a Brain Change Linked to Aging: A new study finds that cognitive training can increase the levels of a key chemical messenger in the brain responsible for decision-making, and reverse a process associated with aging. NPR, Oct. 22.

Cataract Surgery Becoming an In-Office Procedure: Cataract surgery is being done in eye surgeons’ offices, rather than in a hospital or surgical center. Patients receive the surgery with minimal sedation using diazepam pills. HealthDay News, Oct. 23.

Child-Free Cruises Perfect for Your Retirement Celebration: How to find a bespoke ocean or river vacation geared to adults. Many of these options are smaller, charming river cruises, expeditions, or niche experiences. Kiplinger, Oct. 25.

Festivals, shopping, music & more — here’s what’s going on this week and next!

🛍️ Let’s Go Shopping – Holiday Vendor Fair
📍 Mirage Women’s Club, Barnegat
🗓️ Saturday, Nov. 1 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Kick off your holiday shopping with 50+ vendors, crafters, artists, baked goodies, coffee & lunch. All vendor spaces sold out — so expect a full house of festive finds!

🎶 Acoustic Musicians Guild Concert
📍 Ocean County Library, Plumsted Branch
🗓️ Monday, Nov. 3 | 7:00 PM
Enjoy a relaxing evening of live unplugged music performed by the Acoustic Musicians Guild — a nonprofit celebrating all genres and skill levels.

🎨 Stenciled Sign Workshop
📍 Jersey Shore Paint Party, 321 Drum Point Rd, Brick
🗓️ Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 6:30 PM
Create your own personalized wooden sign in this fun, hands-on art class. Perfect for beginners and creative spirits alike!

🎲 Toms River Elks Bingo Night
📍 Toms River Elks Lodge #1875, 600 Washington St.
🗓️ Wednesday, Nov. 5 | Doors open 5 PM, Games start 7 PM
$2,200 in prizes! Entry board $2, plus food available. A fun night out and open to the public!

🧀 Charcuterie Board Workshop by Anchor & Graze
📍 Gifted on Washington, 16 Washington St, Toms River
🗓️ Friday, Nov. 7 | 6:00 PM
Learn to craft the perfect charcuterie board — all ingredients and tools included. Take your board home or enjoy it across the street at Battle River Brewery! $55 per person.

🧡 There’s something for everyone this week — whether you’re shopping, snacking, painting, or playing to win!

Special Programs, Support & Inspiration at Ocean County Library branches.

🕯️ Bereavement Support for the Holiday Season – Brick Branch
📍 Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Rd
🗓️ Wednesdays: Nov. 5, 12, 19 & Dec. 3 | 6:30–7:30 PM
Grief can feel even heavier during the holidays. Join this free, four-part support group led by an Affinity Care social worker in a warm and safe setting.
📞 Register: 732-477-4513 or tinyurl.com/BereavementBrickOCL

🎶 Uke Can Do It! Ukulele Lessons for Seniors
📍 Various Branches

📘 Meet the Author: Waves of Hope – Waretown Branch
📍 Waretown Branch, 112 Main Street
🗓️ Saturday, Nov. 1 | 11:00 AM
Meet Ronald Edward Negra, author of Waves of Hope, which tells the true WWII story of his mother, Agnes Joan Negra — a NJ woman who gave hope to families of POWs using her shortwave radio. Autographed copies available after the talk.
📞 Register: 609-693-5133 or tinyurl.com/NegraWaretown

🧓 Understanding Medicare Part D – LBI Branch
📍 LBI Branch, 217 S. Central Ave, Surf City
🗓️ Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 2:00 PM
Don’t let Medicare confusion ruin your season. Learn the ins and outs of Part D in this clear, friendly session led by a specialist from the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.
📞 Register: 609-494-2480 or tinyurl.com/MedicareLBI

🎯 Open Enrollment = Prime Scam Season
Medicare scammers love October 15 to December 7 — don’t let them win. If someone’s pushing free tests, pressuring you for info, or pretending to be Medicare, hit pause. Stay sharp. Read more »

🚔 Jail Time for Medicare Fraudster
A shady marketer just got nearly 5 years in prison for tricking seniors into unneeded genetic tests — sometimes at grocery stores or pharmacies! His team targeted Medicare enrollees using misleading pitches and zero medical training. Read more »

Dreaming of your next escape? From Christmas markets to cruise ships, here are four fabulous ways to get out there — or plan ahead!

🛳️ Set Sail for America’s 250th in Style
Want front-row seats to history? On July 4, 2026, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 will anchor in New York Harbor to headline Sail4th 250 — the official celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Guests aboard will enjoy unmatched views of a massive International Parade of Sail, Macy’s fireworks over the Manhattan skyline, and special onboard performances, lectures, and entertainment. Following the celebrations, the ship will continue her journey with calls in Newport, Rhode Island, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, before returning to New York.👉 More at cunard.com

🎉 Ring in 2026 with a Jersey Gala
Looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style — without heading to Times Square? NewYearsNJ.com is hosting two luxe hotel parties: one at the Sheraton Parsippany, the other at the Hanover Marriott. Enjoy premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a three-course dinner, and dancing to live bands like Daddy Pop and Audio Riot. 🎶 Bonus: both events feature a “Lights Out” Frankie Valli tribute and come with overnight accommodations, breakfast, and late checkout. Info

🧭 Alaska Awaits: Royal Caribbean’s 2027 Season
Looking to plan way ahead? Royal Caribbean just dropped its 2027 Alaska cruise lineup — 7-night voyages from Seattle, Seward, and Vancouver aboard ships like Anthem of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas. Expect jaw-dropping scenery through the Inside Passage, stops in Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, and optional land add-ons to Denali with luxury dome-train rides. 🚂 A perfect mix of adventure and comfort, with accessible options available.
🔗 Peek the itineraries »

Crisp apples, homemade pies, and the last of the Jersey tomatoes — fall farmers’ markets are still going strong across Monmouth County! Here’s where to stock up on local goodness this week.

🍂 Brielle Organic Fall Farm Market
📍 Brielle Public Library, 610 South St.
🗓️ Wednesdays: Oct. 29, Nov. 12 & Nov. 19 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
This cozy library-side market features fresh organic produce from Muth Family Farm — perfect for grabbing greens, gourds, and fall veggies with a side of small-town charm. Info

Fall’s bounty is here — squash, sweet potatoes and kale are in season and super nutritious. Try this delicious recipe from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Info

Looking for something fresh to watch as the leaves fall and the popcorn pops? Here’s what’s hitting your favorite streaming platforms this week:

🎥 New Movies

🕯️ Hedda (Prime Video, Wed)
Tessa Thompson and Nina Hoss shine in this fiery reimagining of Ibsen’s classic. Set in 1950s England, Hedda oozes drama, desire, and manipulation — all during one unforgettable estate party. Directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman), with themes of race, gender, and queerness folded in.

🎲 Ballad of a Small Player (Netflix, Wed)
Colin Farrell plays a haunted high-stakes gambler on the run in Macao. This sleek neo-noir from Conclave director Edward Berger is moody, mysterious — and a bit polarizing, according to early reviews.

🦖 Jurassic World Rebirth (Peacock, Oct. 30)
Babysitting the grandkids this week? Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali join the dino-sized action in this latest chapter of the Jurassic saga. It’s got awe, it’s got roars, and according to critics — it’s a real return to form.

📺 New Series

🕵️ Down Cemetery Road (Apple TV+, Wed)
From the writer behind Slow Horses comes another twisty Brit thriller. Emma Thompson plays a bold, no-nonsense detective with Ruth Wilson as her reluctant sidekick. Expect wit, mystery, and top-notch performances.

🏹 Robin Hood (MGM+, Nov. 2)
This isn’t your grandma’s Sherwood Forest. In this “romance adventure,” Rob and Marian (Jack Patten and Lauren McQueen) fight corruption while falling for each other. Sean Bean menaces as the Sheriff of Nottingham.

🎃Looking for a Halloween treat that’s easy, adorable, and sure to earn you “Best Grandma/Grandpa Ever” status? Enter: PEEPS® Pumpkin Patch Pails! With just a few simple ingredients — chocolate pudding, cookie crumbs, and those smiley little marshmallow pumpkins — you and your grandkids can whip up a mini edible pumpkin patch in no time. No baking, no fuss… just sweet, silly fun and lots of happy little hands helping out. Perfect for Halloween parties, after-school surprises, or cozy kitchen memories.
Get the Recipe »

Awesome Autumn Fun at Jakes Branch

📍 Jakes Branch County Park, 1100 Double Trouble Road, Beachwood
🗓️ Saturday, Nov. 1 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Looking for a perfect fall afternoon the whole family will love? Head to Jakes Branch County Park for this FREE all-ages event featuring:
🧡 Hayrides
🐐 Petting Zoo
🎨 Kids Crafts
🎶 Live Music
🎯 Lawn Games
🍔 Food Truck On Site

It’s outdoorsy, cozy, and full of hands-on fun — the kind of memory-making day that’ll have the grandkids asking to go again next year!

🎃 No registration needed. Just bundle up, bring your camera, and get ready for some autumn magic!

🎂 Cheers to Pete S. of Manasquan, turning 81!
Wishing you a joyful birthday filled with smiles, sweet surprises, and a little extra cake. You make 81 look fabulous — and Manasquan proud! 🎈💐

🎉 A few other notables celebrating birthdays this week:

Oct. 26: Jaclyn Smith (“Charlie’s Angels”) turns 80, Pat Sajak (“Wheel of Fortune”) is 79
Oct. 27: John Cleese (Monty Python) is 86, Garry Tallent (E Street Band) is 76
Oct. 28: Jane Alexander is 86, Dennis Franz (“NYPD Blue”) is 81
Oct. 29: Melba Moore is 80, Richard Dreyfuss is 78
Oct. 30: Grace Slick is 86, Otis Williams is 84, Henry Winkler (“The Fonz”) is 80
Oct. 31: Dan Rather turns 94

🎬 Deliver Me from Nowhere — the much-anticipated Bruce Springsteen biopic starring Jeremy Allen White — hit theaters last Friday. But while the story spans the country, the filming magic happened right here in the Garden State, with $41.8 million spent during just 31 days of shooting!

🏆 Thanks to the NJEDA’s Film & Digital Media Tax Credit, New Jersey took center stage — and showed off its chameleon skills by doubling as cities across America. Here’s where the cameras rolled and what each NJ location became on screen:

📍 Meadowlands Arena (East Rutherford) → Riverfront Arena in Cincinnati and LA Sports Arena
📍 Central & Konoz Restaurants (Newark) → NYC restaurants
📍 Washington Street (Newark) → 8th Avenue, New York City
📍 Nutria Alley (Newark) → Los Angeles Chinatown
📍 Hunan Taste (Denville) → Chinatown restaurant in Los Angeles
📍 Route 23 in High Point State Park (Montague) → Blue Ridge Mountains (Georgia to Pennsylvania!)
📍 Eisenhower Parkway (Roseland) → Memphis, near Graceland
📍 A farm in Harding Township → Archer County Fair in Texas

Filming also took place in:
Asbury Park (of course!), Bayonne, Chatham, Freehold, Jersey City, Montclair, Mountain Lakes, Orange, Rahway and Rockaway.

🎟️ Deliver Me from Nowhere is now playing in theaters — and with so much Jersey magic behind the scenes, it's practically a local documentary. (And it’s also a pretty great film about Bruce!)

P.S. What’s your all-time favorite Bruce song? Let us know — we just might build a Better With Age Bruce playlist!

⁉️Questions, comments or news to share? Email us: [email protected]

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

😊See you next week!

The Better With Age New Jersey team

_{Disclaimer: We’re here to share community news, events, and a little joy—never medical, legal, or financial advice. Take what’s useful, share what’s fun, and always check with the pros when it really counts.}