Ocean Senior Scoop: Owls, Trails & Cozy January Plans

Hi Ocean County! 👋
January’s off and running — and this week’s Scoop is basically a choose-your-own-adventure: free nature walks, live animal talks, and a few very tempting winter programs (owls! cranberry bog stories! Lenape history! hot cocoa at a historic tavern!).

Plus, the libraries are serving up a full calendar of music bingo, soup demos, chair yoga, crafts, tech help, and more. Bundle up, pick your favorites, and let’s make winter a little less boring.

Up first…

🪖 History Comes Alive in Toms River
📅 Jan. 11 | 🕑 2:00 PM | 📍 Ocean County Historical Society

Ever wondered what it was like to fight in the Revolutionary War? Bob Gula doesn’t just study history—he embodies it. On Sunday, Jan. 11, he’ll step into the boots of his 5x great-grandfather, soldier Jehiel Day, to bring the Battle of Springfield (1780) to life at the Ocean County Historical Society.

This fierce but often overlooked clash marked the final major battle in the Northeast during the American Revolution. New Jersey’s local militia and the Continental Army beat back the British—who had their sights set on George Washington himself.

Gula, a retired finance exec turned heritage buff, is an active member of the Mayflower Society, Sons of the American Revolution, and more. Expect fascinating stories, family connections, and a fresh take on New Jersey’s place in Revolutionary history.

🎟️ Free to attend, but donations appreciated.
📧 To reserve a seat, email: [email protected] with your name, zip, email, phone, and the event date (Jan. 11).
📍 26 Hadley Drive, Toms River
🔗 More info at OceanCountyHistory.org

Turns out, all roads (and coffee cravings) lead to Spire Coffeehouse — and Ocean County folks agree. The beloved Toms River spot just scored Best Local Coffee Shop in the 2025 Asbury Park Press Community Choice Awards for the third year in a row. Not only that, it also snagged the Groundbreaking Business of the Year honor from the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce and a nod in WRAT’s Shore Awards.

☕👏 That’s a lot of buzz for a small biz — but if you’ve ever stopped by, you know it’s well deserved.

Spire is the dream-turned-second-career of longtime Toms River resident Bob Opitz, who teamed up with his wife Eileen and the experts at Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea to create a warm, welcoming café that’s part lighthouse beacon, part neighborhood hangout. (Yep — the name Spire is a nod to inspire and NJ’s iconic lighthouses.)

Since opening in 2022, Spire has grown from one cozy shop on Hooper Avenue to a second spot downtown at 53 Main Street, now celebrating its first anniversary. Both serve top-notch coffee and tea from Crimson Cup, plus snacks and baked goods from local makers.

But it’s not just the coffee that keeps people coming back — it’s the community spirit. Spire supports local schools and colleges, hosts live music every Friday, displays work by local artists, and shows up for just about every community event from farmers markets to the Halloween parade.

☕ Spire Coffeehouse is open seven days a week.
🗺️ Visit them at 1922 Hooper Avenue or 53 Main Street in downtown Toms River.
📱 Follow @SpireCoffeehouse on Facebook & Instagram for hours, events, and updates.

🚤 Boat Smarts Before Summer Starts
📅 Jan. 17 | 🕗 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM | 📍 Toms River Elks Lodge

Planning to hit the water this summer? If you’re driving a Jet Ski, WaveRunner, or any powerboat in NJ, you need a Boating Safety Certificate. This one-day, NASBLA-approved course covers everything you need to get legal—and stay safe.

✅ Ages 13+ welcome
📄 Certificate valid for NJ + many other states
💵 $110 per person
🍱 Includes lunch break & test time

🎓 Proctored exam options also available.
🖱️ Register now at BoatSafeUS.com/schedule-class

📸 Snap, Share & Get Inspired
📅 Friday, Jan. 9 | 🕕 6–8 PM | 📍 TRAC, 40 Main St., Toms River
Love taking photos? Whether you're a phone snapper or DSLR pro, come join the Photography Club for a free evening of friendly critiques, creative challenges, and photo-loving community vibes. All skill levels welcome!

🎟️ Free to attend
👯 Bring a friend!
🔗 Details at TRAC732.org → Events & Classes

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

Healthy to 100: Secrets from Countries Where Retirees Age Best: Longevity is a team sport, according to author Ken Stern. Here's the secret sauce for living long, healthy lives from countries like Italy and Japan. Kiplinger, Jan. 3

Vaccines Are Helping Older People More Than We Knew: Many shots seem to have “off-target” benefits, such as lowering the risk of dementia, studies have found. The New York Times, Jan. 3.

The 2026 Retirement Changes That Will Affect You: There are many changes coming to retirement benefits and planning in 2026. Here’s a list covering the significant changes. U.S. News & World Report, Dec. 29.

Five Financial Blind Spots That Burden Grieving Spouses: Proactive strategies can help avoid the financial fog of loss later. WSJ, Jan. 3

Ocean County’s parks are full of life this time of year—literally. Whether you're up for a winter walk or ready to meet the locals (the scaly and furry ones), there’s plenty going on outdoors and under cover. All programs below are FREE and require no registration. Just show up!

🦌 Cattus Island Nature Walks
📍 Cooper Environmental Center, Toms River
📅 Saturdays & Sundays | 🕑 2:00–3:00 PM

Step into a 40-year tradition of exploring nature in the footsteps of local legends. These guided walks with park naturalists change weekly and offer a fresh look at Cattus Island’s winter wonders.

Upcoming Themes:
• Jan. 10–11: Animal Habitats
• Jan. 17–18: Signs of Animals of Winter
• Jan. 24–25: Animal Tracks

🦎 Live Animal Talks @ Jakes Branch
📍 Nature Center, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood
📅 Sundays, Jan. 4 – Mar. 29 | 🕐 1:30 PM

Come meet the critters! These short 20-minute talks offer an up-close look at the animals that call Jakes Branch home—and a chance to learn what makes each species special.

👣 Discovery Nature Walks @ Jakes Branch
📅 Sundays, Jan. 4 – Mar. 29 | 🕑 2:00 PM
Stay after the animal talks for a short and sweet guided walk through the park. Walks are weather-permitting and won’t exceed 30 minutes, but they pack in plenty of fascinating nature facts.

🧠 Smart Money Moves for Women 50+
📅 Wed, Jan. 14 | 🕚 11:00 AM | 📍 Plumsted Branch (New Egypt)
Women over 50—this one’s for you. Join Ameenah Hill of Invest Her Way for a free, practical workshop on budgeting, debt reduction, retirement savings, and spotting scams.
🔗 Register here or call 609-758-7888

🎸 Groove into the Golden Years with Tony Pileggi
📅 Wed, Jan. 14 | 🕖 7:00 PM | 📍 Upper Shores Branch (Lavallette)
Relive the best of the 50s–70s as local favorite Tony Pileggi performs hits by Elvis, Cash, Denver, Diamond, and more. Free concert, good vibes.
🔗 Register here or call 732-793-3966
🎶 Sponsored by the Friends of the Upper Shores Library

📖 Lakewood Library Offers Yiddish Program
📍 Lakewood Branch | Ongoing in 2026
The Lakewood Branch has been selected for the “Between Two Worlds” program by the Yiddish Book Center! Expect Yiddish literature reading groups, guest speakers, cultural programming, and even a traveling exhibit celebrating Jewish life, identity, and storytelling. Mazel tov to OCL for being one of just 40 libraries in the U.S. to participate.

🥗 Heart-Healthy & Soup-Savvy
🧘 Jan. 7 @ Stafford, 10 AM – Heart-Healthy Eating with a registered dietitian. Learn what to eat, how much, and why your heart will thank you.
🍲 Jan. 7 @ Brick, 2:30 PM – Soup Eats is back! Watch a cooking demo, get inspired to make your own, and taste a couple of comfort-food winners. Free, with soup samples.

🧶 Yarn, Crafts & Community
🧵 Jan. 7 @ Plumsted, 1 PM – BYO Crochet & Knitting Club is a no-pressure afternoon of stitching and chatting. Bring your project.
🧶 Jan. 7 @ Brick, 6 PM – Twisted Stitchers meets monthly—perfect for knitters who love a stitch-and-share vibe. Beginners welcome!
🧶 Jan. 8 @ Manchester, 2 PM – Hooked on Yarn is another spot to meet fellow crafters and get those scarves done before spring.

🎶 Bingo, Beats & Breezy Afternoons
🎶 Jan. 7 @ Stafford, 2:30 PM – Sixties Music Bingo! No cash prizes, but lots of groovy tunes and good times.
🧘 Jan. 8 @ Brick, 3 PM – Coffee & Coloring: soothing music, warm drinks, and plenty of pencils. Come de-stress.

🗣️ Support & Wellness
🗣️ Jan. 8 @ Barnegat, 11 AM – Caregiver Support Group: Juggling it all? You’re not alone. Find balance and resources.
🗣️ Jan. 9 @ Stafford, 10 AM – SPEAK OUT! is a communication workshop for those with Parkinson’s or similar conditions. Register by calling 609-488-2650.
🪑 Jan. 13 @ Stafford, 10 AM – Chair Yoga: Stretch, breathe, and reset with this senior-friendly session. Sponsored by the Friends of Stafford Library.

✈️ Armchair Adventures
🌍 Jan. 9 @ Brick, 11 AM–1 PM – Armchair Travel takes you around the world from your library seat.
❄️ Jan. 14 @ Jackson, 2 PM – Seal the Deal: A scenic, chilly “trip” through Alaska’s Arctic—no parka required.

🧠 Learn Something New
📚 Jan. 8 @ Lacey, 2 PM – Library Where You Are: Learn how to use the Hoopla app to access free audiobooks, movies, and more. Bring your device!
✂️ Jan. 8 @ Jackson, 2 PM – Cricut Basics: Ready to master your Cricut? Bring your tablet and let’s get crafty.
🌱 Jan. 14 @ Point Pleasant, 2 PM–4 PM – Ask a Master Gardener: Got plant problems? Bring your questions—and maybe your weeds.

✍️ Words & Culture
📝 Jan. 8 @ LBI, 1 PM – Poet’s Studio: In-person or virtual monthly writing workshop for poets of all levels.
🎬 Jan. 14 @ LBI, 2 PM – Italian Cultural Society Film: It’s movie day! "Secondo Mercoledì" returns with stories and screen time.

🧊 Games, Crafts & Library Love
🃏 Jan. 9 @ LBI, 2 PM – LBI Canasta Club: For players who know the ropes. Friendly games, twice a month.
❄️ Jan. 9 @ Lacey, 2 PM – Cork Snowflake Craft: Make winter sparkle—registration required.
☕ Jan. 12 @ Waretown, 1:30 PM – Friends of the Library Meeting: Support your local branch and meet other book-loving neighbors.
🧘 Jan. 14 @ LBI, 10 AM – Yogalates: A gentle mix of yoga and Pilates—bring a mat and comfy clothes.
🎤 Jan. 13 @ Lacey, 6 PM – Meet the Mayor: Got a question for Mayor Steven Kennis? Now’s your chance.

Two major shows are making a comeback this week—and both are bringing serious heat to your winter watchlist.

👨‍⚕️ The Pitt returns for another breathless, beep-filled shift in a Pittsburgh ER. Noah Wyle is back as Dr. Robby, the quietly unraveling heart of the hospital, in what’s now an Emmy-winning drama. Season 2 kicks off on Thursday (Jan. 9) at 9 p.m. on HBO Max, picking up ten months later with a new one-day story arc—this time set over a chaotic July 4th weekend. Expect fireworks (literal and emotional).

🕵️ The Night Manager is finally back after nearly a decade (!). Tom Hiddleston returns as Jonathan Pine, the ex-hotelier turned espionage pro, in a brand-new chapter of the John le Carré-inspired thriller. This time, it’s not just a limited series—it’s a full-blown return. Three episodes drop Sunday on Prime Video.

🍿 If your TV’s been quiet since the holidays, consider this your sign to hit play.

The best game day gatherings have two essentials: snacks that score big and a crew to cheer with. And let’s be real — no football feast is complete without a bowl (or two) of creamy, dreamy guacamole.

Start strong with a crowd-pleasing classic: rich, velvety Avocados From Mexico teamed up with crispy bacon for a dip that’s pure touchdown energy. It’s the perfect play to crush cravings before halftime. [Get the recipe]

🥑 Avocado Trivia Break!
In the weeks before the Big Game, over 250 million pounds of avocados are imported to the U.S. That’s enough to cover a football field more than 400,000 times — now that’s a guac-load of game day goodness!

New Study Shows Retirees Are Leaving NJ — But the Garden State’s Still Got Hustle

Well, it’s official: New Jersey once again tops the list for people packing up and heading out. According to United Van Lines’ 49th Annual National Movers Study, a whopping 62% of moves in 2025 were outbound, making it the #1 state for exits… for the eighth year in a row.

But don’t cue the sad Bruce ballads just yet — the picture’s more nuanced.

👶 Younger professionals and families are still moving into Jersey, treating it as a "launch state" for careers, connections, and commutes. What we’re really losing? Retirees looking for sunshine, smaller towns, and lower costs of living.

The big winners for inbound moves?
📍 Oregon (65%)
📍 West Virginia (62%)
📍 South Carolina (61%)

Americans are also trending toward smaller cities like:
🏡 Eugene-Springfield, OR (85% inbound)
🏖️ Wilmington, NC (83%)
🌳 Dover, DE (79%)

Meanwhile, Northeast states like New York (58%) and Maryland (with Hagerstown at a whopping 88% outbound) joined New Jersey in the "see ya later" column — mostly due to retirement, affordability, and lifestyle shifts.

So if you’re sticking around, consider yourself part of the Jersey stubborn squad. 💪
And if you’re planning a move? You’ve got plenty of company headed southbound.

New Jersey has a whole network of experts dedicated to helping veterans and their families?

Through NJ’s Veterans Service Offices (VSOs), trained officers assist the state’s 325,000+ veterans with everything from filing claims to finding support for housing, education, employment, medical care, and more. They’re like your personal VA GPS — helping you or a loved one navigate benefits, services, and resources.

💻 Learn more or find help:
👉 www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/vso

A big happy 71th birthday to Carrie Morrison of Manahawkin — here’s to another year of good health, great stories, and plenty of cake! You're in fantastic company this week...

Celebrating on Jan. 7, singer Kenny Loggins turns 78 (still keeping us in the danger zone), while actor David Caruso hits 70, and news icon Katie Couric turns 69. Also blowing out candles are Nicolas Cage (62), bassist Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go’s (67), and actor David Marciano (66).

On Jan. 8, game show legend Bob Eubanks celebrates 88 trips around the sun, and on Jan. 9, folk queen Joan Baez turns 85, guitar legend Jimmy Page hits 82, and singer Crystal Gayle is 75 and still making our brown eyes blue.

Rounding it out on Jan.10, we raise a mic to rock legends Rod Stewart (81), Donald Fagen of Steely Dan (78), and powerhouse Pat Benatar, turning 73.

Got a local birthday we should shout out next time? Send it our way! Just hit reply to this email!

🎬 That’s a wrap for this week’s Scoop! Until next time, keep moving, keep mingling, and keep making the most of every moment.

Warmly,
The Ocean Senior Scoop Team
Powered by Better With Age NJ

P.S. We do our best to keep everything accurate and up to date, but details can change — so always check with event organizers before heading out. And just a friendly reminder: nothing in this newsletter should be taken as medical or legal advice (we’re fun, but we’re not your doctor or your lawyer). 😊📅⚖️🩺