Ocean Senior Scoop: 🇺🇸 Ocean County’s Star-Spangled Week

👋Hey, Ocean County friends!

America’s 250th birthday is here, and Ocean County is not exactly celebrating quietly.

This week’s lineup includes fireworks over the bay, drone shows above the lake, patriotic concerts, parades, ballpark fun and enough red, white and blue to make your calendar look like a flag.

There’s plenty beyond the Fourth, too — free summer music, farmers markets, library programs, senior resources and a first-of-its-kind county plan designed to make Ocean County a better place to grow older.

So grab your chair, pack some water and choose your adventures carefully. You may need a long weekend to recover from the long weekend.

👵 Age-Friendly Ocean County: A first-of-its-kind roadmap for aging well
🇺🇸 Patriotic Celebrations: Concerts, history and a sky full of drones
🎆 Fourth of July Roundup: Parades, fireworks and America’s big 2-5-0
🎶 Music & More: Oldies, Broadway, disco and free outdoor concerts
🍅 Farmers Market Roundup: Fresh produce, local treats and handmade finds
📚 Beyond the Books: Betsy Ross, Beatles, magic and Shore history
👵 Just for Seniors: Memory support, tech help and health programs
📰 Prime Time News: The latest headlines on Medicare and aging
🚗 Day Trippin’: Blueberries, battleships and The Commodores
📺 TV Time: Enola Holmes, Madonna, Zorro and American icons
🍹 Beach Bar Buzz: Three Jersey Shore favorites make the national top 10
🍽️ The Local Dish: Red Lobster fans, Crabfest is back
🎂 Celebrity Birthdays: A local shoutout and this week’s famous candles

Up first…

Ocean County is taking a major step toward making the county a better place to grow older.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners, the Ocean County Office of Senior Services and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County officially launched Age-Friendly Ocean County’s first Multisector Plan for Aging on June 23.

The plan is the first county-level effort of its kind in New Jersey and lays out a roadmap through 2030 for supporting older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and families.

It focuses on some of the biggest challenges facing older residents, including housing, health care, transportation, social connection, caregiving support and access to reliable information and services.

Nearly one-third of Ocean County residents are age 60 or older, giving the county one of the largest senior populations in New Jersey.

The plan was shaped by more than 8,000 survey responses, along with interviews, focus groups, public forums, town halls and feedback from residents, caregivers, health care providers, community organizations and local officials.

“Ocean County is proud to lead New Jersey in developing a roadmap that responds to the needs and priorities of our residents,” said Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to the Office of Senior Services.

Ocean County joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in 2023 and has spent the years since gathering input on what residents need to remain independent and age in place.

Maria La Face, director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, said the plan reflects the voices of the entire community and strengthens the county’s commitment to helping residents age with dignity, independence and purpose.

The initiative was developed through a partnership involving Ocean County, Rutgers University, health care organizations, nonprofit groups, municipalities and residents.

Now comes the important part: turning the plan into action.

Ocean County is marking Independence Day with two events that blend music, history and a little sky-high spectacle.

The celebration begins Thursday, July 2, with the Stars and Stripes Spectacular Patriotic Concert and Drone Show at the Ocean County Parks Administration Building Bay-Front Field, 1198 Bandon Road in Toms River.

The free event starts at 7:30 p.m. and features a 25-piece orchestra led by Wilbur Whitman performing patriotic favorites. After the concert, a drone show will light up the night sky.

Food trucks, games, informational displays and a Revolutionary War-themed trailer will also be part of the evening.

Parking will be available at Cattus Island County Park, 1170 Cattus Island Boulevard, with free shuttle service to and from the concert site.

The celebration continues Saturday, July 4, at 1 p.m. on the Ocean County Courthouse lawn in Toms River.

The program will include a public reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by Ocean County’s participation in the nationwide Ringing from Sea to Shining Sea observance, part of the National Bell Festival’s commemoration of America’s 250th birthday.

Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace said the events offer residents a chance to reflect on the nation’s history, honor the sacrifices that made American freedoms possible and come together as a community.

Two days, two celebrations and one very big birthday for America.

Ocean County is celebrating America’s 250th with parades, concerts, fireworks, drone shows and enough red, white and blue to cover the Shore.

🚲 Kick things off in Island Heights. The America 250 Bike Parade begins at 3 p.m. on July 3 at Memorial Field and ends at the Wanamaker Complex, where Italian ice, food trucks, tables, chairs and entertainment will be waiting. Admission is free.

🎶 Celebrate in Little Egg Harbor. Head to the LEHT Sports Complex from 5 to 8 p.m. on July 3 for live music by 40 North, bounce houses, cornhole, a car show, temporary tattoos and free burgers and hot dogs. Bring your own chair.

⚾ Root, root, root for the BlueClaws. The Jersey Shore BlueClaws celebrate America’s 250th on July 3 and 4 with games against the Rome Emperors and post-game fireworks both nights. The July 4 display is billed as the biggest of the year.

🎸 Sing along with Journey hits in Lacey. Frontiers, a Journey tribute band, performs at Lacey Township High School beginning at 7:30 p.m. on July 3, followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Rain date: July 10.

🍷 Toast the Fourth at Laurita Winery. The New Egypt winery hosts two days of fireworks, food trucks, live music, cocktails and vineyard views on July 4 and 5. Adult admission starts at $16 online; guests younger than 21 are free.

🌭 Mark two big anniversaries in Waretown. Corliss Park celebrates the community’s 150th birthday and America’s 250th at 1 p.m. on July 4, followed by hot dogs, chips and soda.

🔔 Hear the bells ring in Toms River. A public reading of the Declaration of Independence begins at 1 p.m. on July 4 at the Ocean County Courthouse, followed by Bells Across America at 2 p.m. Free.

🎆 Spend the evening at Mathis Plaza. South Toms River’s Fourth of July celebration runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on July 4 with vendors, food trucks, children’s activities and fireworks. Wheelchair access is available.

🥁 Catch the parade and fireworks in Tuckerton. The Pinelands Fourth of July parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Main Street, followed by fireworks over Lake Pohatcong at about 9:15 p.m. Rain date: July 5.

🌊 Watch fireworks over the bay in Beach Haven. The annual show begins at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 at the Taylor Avenue Bayfront. Bring a chair and prepare for one very sparkly view.

🎇 Light up the boardwalk in Seaside Heights. Independence Day fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 and can be viewed from the boardwalk and beach.

✨ Get a double show in Lakewood. A coordinated drone display followed by fireworks will light up Lake Carasaljo beginning around 9 p.m. on July 5. Viewing is available from North and South Lake drives.

🎆 End the weekend at Jenkinson’s. Fireworks are scheduled for about 9:30 p.m. on July 5 over the beach in Point Pleasant Beach. The show is weather and wind permitting, so check for updates before heading out.

Ocean County’s summer soundtrack is officially on, with dockside oldies, Broadway favorites, disco nights and free concerts all over the map.

🎤 Catch oldies by the bay in Barnegat. The township’s dock concert series continues at 6:30 p.m. on July 3 with Remember When, followed by Joey D’s Rockin’ Oldies Band on July 4. Concerts are held on East Bay Ave. Bring a chair and prepare to sing along.

🎭 Roll the dice with Guys and Dolls. Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven brings the classic Broadway musical to the stage at 2 p.m. on July 5. Expect gamblers, showgirls, romantic complications and enough catchy songs to stay in your head through dinner.

🌙 Hear live music under the stars in Lavallette. Free concerts return to the gazebo every Sunday at 7 p.m. throughout the summer. The July 5 concert begins at 8 p.m. for fireworks night. Bring a chair and let the boardwalk provide the backdrop.

🕺 Boogie back to 1976 on LBI. The LBI Historical Association celebrates its 50th anniversary with a full-on Seventies dance party from 7 to 11 p.m. on July 5. DJ Nicholas Kaminski will spin disco, funk and classic rock, with drinks, light fare and bell-bottoms strongly encouraged.

🎸 Spend Monday night at Manahawkin Lake. The Stafford Historical Society’s summer concert series begins July 6 with Verdict from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Pop-up markets open at 5 p.m., so come early, shop a little and settle in for the music.

🎶 Hit the boardwalk for free music in Seaside Heights. Nostalgix performs at the Franklin Avenue Stage at 7 p.m. on July 6 as part of the weekly Monday Night Concert Series. Bring a beach chair and stay until dusk.

🌊 Make Monday musical in Seaside Park. The town’s summer concert series continues at 7:30 p.m. on July 6 on the Police Station Lawn at 1 Municipal Plaza.

🎷 Start Tuesday with The Outcrops. The Township of Ocean summer concert series opens at 6 p.m. on July 7 at Corliss Park Lake in Waretown. Bring your own chair; food and ice cream may be available for purchase.

Ocean County’s farmers markets are in full swing this week, with fresh produce, baked goods, handmade finds and enough local shopping to keep your tote bag busy.

🫐 Browse the Beach Haven Farmers Market. Head to Walsh Field at Ocean Street and Bay Avenue from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Wednesday for fresh produce, local treats and a breezy morning on Long Beach Island.

🥕 Shop downtown in Toms River. The Downtown Toms River Farmers Market takes over Washington St. every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Jersey produce, food, crafts and more.

🍓 Fill your basket in Barnegat. The Barnegat Farmers Market is open Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its new home on West Bay Ave. Expect fresh produce, local vendors and activities for the kids.

🌽 Spend Thursday at Mathis Plaza. South Toms River’s market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 134 Route 166 with local vendors, food trucks and plenty of reasons to browse before lunch.

🍅 Support local in Bay Head. The Bay Head Farmers Market returns Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m. in the municipal parking lot on Bridge Avenue. Come for the produce and stay for the small-town Shore vibes.

🥖 Keep it local in Tuckerton. The producer-only Tuckerton Farmers Market sets up outside Union Market & Gallery from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 3. Local growers and makers only — no mystery middlemen here.

🌊 Shop beside the marina in Seaside Park. The farmers market fills the J Street Marina lawn every Monday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Labor Day. Fresh food with a side of bay breeze.

🍯 Make a Friday stop in Lacey. The Lacey Farmers Market is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lacey United Methodist Church on Lacey Road in Forked River.

🧺 Start Saturday early in Brick. The Brick Farmers Market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Windward Beach Park on Princeton Ave. Bring a tote, comfortable shoes and possibly a second tote.

🇺🇸 Browse a Fourth of July flea market in Jackson. Johnson Memorial Park will have vendors, food, face painting and a cornhole tournament from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 4. It’s early enough to shop and still make it to the fireworks.

🥬 Shop the Jackson Farmers Market. Vendors gather Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jackson Justice Complex, across from the spray ground, through Sept. 12.

🍎 Spend Sunday morning in Point Pleasant Beach. The Fresh Farmers & Makers Market brings local farms, food purveyors and makers to the NJ Transit lot at 317 Cooks Road from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

🎶 Make Sunday a market day in Forked River. The Lacey Elks Farmers Market runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Beach Blvd. with produce, homemade treats, crafts, entertainment and a season-long 50/50 raffle.

The Ocean County Library is bringing in Betsy Ross, Beatles music, magic, gardening advice and a little Revolutionary War history — which is a lot more excitement than most library cards usually promise.

🇺🇸 Meet Betsy Ross in Waretown. Historian and performer Alisa Dupuy brings the famous flag maker to life at 6:30 p.m. on July 6 at the Waretown Branch. The free living-history program is part of the library’s America 250 celebration. Registration is required.

🏛️ Tour the Museum of the American Revolution without crossing the bridge. A museum educator will lead a virtual walk-through of the Philadelphia museum’s galleries at 6 p.m. on July 7 at the Brick Branch. You can attend in person or watch from home. Registration is required.

⚔️ Learn why the Jersey Shore mattered during the Revolution. “War at the Shore” explores the battles, skirmishes and local grudges that made Ocean County a hotbed of activity during the fight for independence. The program runs from 2 to 3:15 p.m. on July 8 at the Lacey Branch. Registration is required.

🎶 Hear patriotic songs and Americana favorites in Berkeley. Folk singer Jessica Carroll performs traditional hymns and folk music at 3 p.m. on July 8 at the Berkeley Branch, with stories about where the songs came from. Free, but registration is required.

🎸 Come together for a Beatles tribute in Lavallette. The Wag brings Beatles classics and a few original songs to the Upper Shores Branch at 7 p.m. on July 8. Space is limited, so this is not the night to arrive eight days a week late. Registration is required.

✨ Start the morning with a little magic. Magician Jake Strong brings comedy, audience participation and family-friendly illusions to the Long Beach Island Branch at 10 a.m. on July 11. Light refreshments will be served, and registration is required.

🌿 Get smarter about gardening down the Shore. A Rutgers Master Gardener will share advice on salt-tolerant plants, native species and the special challenges of coastal gardening at 10:30 a.m. on July 13 at the Barnegat Branch. Registration is required.

A little support, a little tech help and a few practical programs designed with older adults in mind are happening at Ocean County libraries this week.

☕ Find connection at the Shore Memory Café. The Manchester Branch hosts a relaxed gathering from 10 to 11 a.m. on July 2 for people experiencing early memory changes and their care partners. The café offers conversation, support and a chance to meet others going through similar experiences. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is preferred at 800-272-3900.

💙 Get support for the caregiving journey. The Barnegat Branch hosts a Caregiver Support Group from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 2. Presented with Hackensack Meridian Health, the group offers practical guidance and a place to talk with others who understand. New participants are welcome. Register at 609-978-4728.

🤖 Learn how to spot AI-generated misinformation. An AARP New Jersey speaker will explain deepfakes, cloned voices and other tools used to spread false information at the Little Egg Harbor Branch from 11 a.m. to noon on July 2. You’ll also learn practical ways to check whether what you are seeing or hearing is real.

📱 Bring your tech questions to Waretown. One-on-one help with smartphones, email, library apps, computer basics and digital materials is available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on July 7. Registration is required at 609-693-5133.

❤️ Stop in for a blood pressure check. The Long Beach Island Branch offers a free monthly screening from 11 a.m. to noon on July 7, provided by the Long Beach Island Health Department. Walk-ins are welcome.

📺 Finally figure out streaming. The Manchester Branch hosts a beginner-friendly introduction to Smart TVs and streaming services from 2 to 3 p.m. on July 8. Learn how subscriptions work, how to use apps and whether cutting the cable cord could save money. Questions are encouraged, and each guest should register separately.

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

💊 Medicare's New $50 Weight Loss Drug Program Starts July 1 — but the Fine Print Could Surprise You: Starting July 1, millions of Medicare beneficiaries will have access to weight loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound for a fixed $50 monthly copay through a new federal demonstration program called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. Medical Daily, June 24.

🤖 Medicare’s AI Push Snarls Patients and Doctors in Errors and Delays: Patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals say the effort has created confusion, errors, long wait times, and stress. KFF Health News, June 23.

💔 Older Adults Are No Longer Staying in ‘Empty-Shell’ Marriages: Rates of gray divorce have risen sharply over the past few decades — and experts have a few theories as to why. The New York Times, June 22.

🏠 Older Adults Turn to ‘Golden Girls’ Housing: A growing network of home-sharing programs is helping people find compatible housemates. The New York Times, June 27.

Feel like taking a drive? July Fourth weekend has blueberries, battleships, big-name music and enough fireworks to keep your GPS busy.

🫐 Pick your way through blueberry country. Whitesbog’s Blueberry Summer Fest returns from 5 to 8 p.m. on July 3 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 11 in Browns Mills. Tour the historic home where cultivated blueberries began, then enjoy picking, pies, ice cream, live music, vendors and games. Admission is free; donations are welcome.

🥁 Catch New Jersey’s biggest Fourth of July parade. Historic Smithville’s annual celebration steps off at 9 a.m. on July 4 and draws about 10,000 spectators. After the parade, stick around for 60 shops, seven eateries, a carousel, train rides and paddle boats. Free.

🎆 Celebrate on the lawn at Congress Hall. Cape May’s landmark hotel continues a tradition more than 200 summers old with an All-American Cookout followed by fireworks at dusk. Historic charm, barbecue and fireworks — a pretty solid holiday trifecta.

🇺🇸 Party like it’s 1778 in Piscataway. George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette and Baron von Steuben return to the banks of the Raritan from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 4 for music, historical storytelling and a recreation of the “fire of joy” celebration at East Jersey Old Town Village. Bring a chair or blanket. Free.

🛍️ Shop beside the bay. Craft Day by the Bay brings more than 70 vendors to Sunset Park in Harvey Cedars from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 4. It happens rain or shine, so apparently neither drizzle nor humidity will stop the shopping. Free.

📜 Sign the Declaration in Princeton. Morven Museum & Garden hosts artmaking, garden tours, face painting, music and food trucks from noon to 3 p.m. on July 4. Then head to nearby Princeton Battlefield State Park for tours of the Clarke House and readings of the Declaration of Independence. Free.

🎤 Get funky with The Commodores. The Motown legends bring “Easy,” “Brick House” and plenty of soul to Camden’s Freedom Festival at Wiggins Waterfront Park on July 4. The concert begins at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks over the river. Free.

⚓ Watch fireworks from a battleship. The Battleship New Jersey opens its main deck at 7:30 p.m. on July 4 for live music, food, drinks, children’s face painting and prime views of the Delaware River fireworks. Tickets are $15.

🎆 End the night on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Tropicana’s free fireworks displays light up the sky at 10 p.m. on July 4 and July 18. Watch from the beach or boardwalk — no reservations required.

A box-office surprise and Madonna’s return to the dance floor are among this week’s streaming highlights.

🎬 Obsession
Tuesday, June 30 | Premium on demand

After showing some serious staying power at the box office, Curry Barker’s thriller is finally heading home. Made for just $750,000, the film has earned more than $337 million worldwide. Michael Johnston stars as Bear, who uses a magical One Wish Willow to make his crush, played by Inde Navarrette, fall in love with him. Let’s see how that goes!

🔎 Enola Holmes 3
Wednesday, July 1 | Netflix

Millie Bobby Brown returns as Sherlock Holmes’ clever younger sister. This time, Enola is preparing to marry Lord Tewkesbury, played by Louis Partridge, when Sherlock, played by Henry Cavill, is kidnapped. Nothing disrupts wedding planning quite like having to rescue your famous detective brother.

💃 Madonna: Confessions II
Friday, July 3

Madge hath returned. Madonna’s new album arrives 21 years after Confessions on a Dance Floor gave us “Hung Up,” “Sorry,” “Get Together” and “Jump.” Early tracks include “I Feel So Free,” “Love Sensation” and “Bring Your Love,” a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter. Judging by the early reviews, Madonna is ready to send us back to the dance floor.

⚔️ Zorro
Tuesday, June 30 | MHz Choice, Prime Video and Roku subscription channels

Oscar winner Jean Dujardin stars as Don Diego de la Vega in this new French limited series set in 1821 Los Angeles. Diego hasn’t put on the Zorro mask in 20 years, but after unexpectedly becoming mayor, he finds himself battling corruption while juggling politics, family life and his secret identity. Capes apparently make governing more complicated.

🇺🇸 Ralph Lauren’s American Icons
Sunday, July 5 | History Channel app, History.com and On Demand

Ralph Lauren has designed a collection of 13 USPS stamps celebrating classic American images for the nation’s 250th birthday. This new History Channel special goes behind the project with unseen archival material and interviews featuring David Lauren, Ken Burns and others.

Three New Jersey spots just landed on USA Today’s list of the 10 best beach bars in America — because apparently the rest of the country has finally discovered that cocktails taste better with sand nearby.

PigDog Beach Bar in Wildwood ranked No. 3, Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright came in at No. 5 and Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille in Cape May took the No. 10 spot.

PigDog sits between the ocean and the Raging Waters slides at Morey’s Piers, serving barbecue, live music and a 32-ounce Bloody Mary topped with enough snacks to qualify as lunch.

Donovan’s Reef has been a Sea Bright favorite since 1976 and remains one of the rare Jersey Shore spots where you can order a drink right on the sand. There’s also a private beach, tiki bar, outdoor deck and live bands with the beach doubling as the dance floor.

Harry’s, Cape May’s only rooftop oceanfront bar, rounds out the trio with panoramic views, Orange Crushes, seafood and live music during dinner.

Three Jersey winners in the national top 10? We’ll drink to that!

Red Lobster fans, this one’s for you: Crabfest returned June 29, with more ways than ever to build your perfect crab feast.

The limited-time menu includes Snow crab, the return of Bairdi crab and customizable Seafood Boils with new flavor and spice options. Guests can also choose from six sauces, including Mike’s Hot Honey for a sweet-and-spicy twist. There are also new crab dishes, summer cocktails and plenty of the hands-on seafood favorites longtime Red Lobster customers look forward to every year.

Crabfest is available for a limited time at participating locations, there’s one in Toms River, so grab the bibs and start cracking.

🎉 Happy 78th birthday to Anne S. of Brick. Wishing you a great day filled with good food, good company and plenty of reasons to celebrate.🥳

A few other celebrities celebrating birthdays this week along with Anne include dancer and choreographer Twyla Tharp, 85; Blondie singer Deborah Harry, 81; actor Dan Aykroyd, 74; writer-director Larry David, 79; E Street Band keyboardist Roy Bittan, 77; model and actor Jerry Hall, 70; and actor Jimmy McNichol, 65. Also blowing out candles are writer Dave Barry, 79; actor Betty Buckley, 79; WKRP in Cincinnati actor Jan Smithers, 77; talk show host Montel Williams, 70; actor Tom Cruise, 64; and TV chef Sandra Lee, 60.

That’s it for this star-spangled edition. Celebrate big, stay cool and save a little energy for the grand finale.

Have news, an event or a birthday shoutout to share? Hit reply and send it our way.

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Have a safe and happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

The Ocean Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: Event dates, times, prices and other details are subject to change. Please confirm information with the event organizer before attending. Health, financial and legal information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.