👋 Hey Ocean County! This week is bringing peak March energy: St. Patrick’s Day events all over the Shore, a few “go ahead, treat yourself” nights out (hello, Cher), and a library calendar that’s basically a community superpower—concerts, history talks, tech safety, Medicare help, games, crafts, and more. We’ve also got a feel-good toiletries drive, a grandkid-approved aquarium tour, and a streaming list for nights when your couch is the plan. Let’s do this. ☘️
👀What’s on tap this week:
☘️ St. Patrick’s Weekend: Ocean County Edition (parade, Casino Pier party, Laurita, Albert Hall, Mathis House dinner)
✨ More Events (Cher tribute, nature journaling, crisis hotline volunteer training, Collector’s Night, Tea Time Bingo, Neil Diamond tribute)
🗞️ Prime Time News (latest reads on aging + safety + health)
📚 Beyond the Books (Ocean County Library concerts, author talk, Black baseball, Irish music, documentary, Bruce talk, master gardener + more)
📚 More Library Events (tax help, memory café, caregiver support, scams, Medicare, speed friending, knitting, diabetes education, and more)
🐦 Did You Know? (Cape May = birding heaven in March)
🍀 St. Pat’s Dinner, Solved (hearty stew recipe)
📺 TV Time (what to stream March 2–8)
🐠 Take the Grandkids (Jenkinson’s Behind-the-Scenes Aquarium Tour)
💛 Community Caring (OCL Toiletries Drive, March 1–31)
🥪💚 One Last Thing (Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving)
🎂 Celebrity Birthdays
Up first…
☘️ St. Patrick’s Weekend: Ocean County Edition
🍀 Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Seaside Heights)
Sat, March 7 | 12 p.m. • Seaside Heights
The big one is back on the Boulevard at noon — bring your green, your loud cheer, and your parade-day stamina. After party at the Hershey Motel with live music by Drunken Clams.
🎡 Parade Party at Casino Pier (Waves Bar + Arcade)
Sat, March 7 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m. • Casino Pier Arcade, 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights
Parade starts at 12… but the specials start early. Family-friendly fun with:
Arcade deal: $30 arcade card for $15 (valid March 7 only)
Food: Hot corned beef sandwich + corned beef Reuben
Drinks: $5 well drinks, $4 domestic bottles, $3 domestic drafts
Bring your parade crew and make a whole day of it.
🍷 The Luck of Laurita (New Egypt)
Sat, March 7 | 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. • Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Rd
Live Irish music, Irish dancers, homemade Irish fare, vendors — and free admission. Bonus: it’s two weekends of fun: March 7–8 and March 14–15.
🎻 Albert Music Hall Irish Show (Waretown)
Sat, March 7 | Doors 5 p.m. | Show 6 p.m. • Albert Music Hall, Waretown
A shamrockin’ night of jigs, reels, and Irish tunes — kicked off by dancers from D’Arcy School of Irish Dance. Cash-only admission: $6 (kids under 12: $1). Parking is free, the hall is wheelchair accessible, and yes — the food booth has corned beef & Swiss on rye (plus other classics and desserts).
🍽️ Irish Dinner Party with Live Music (Mathis House, Toms River)
Sat, March 7 | 7 p.m. • Mathis House, 600 Main St
Corned beef, shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread with whipped honey butter, desserts (including those famous St. Patty’s Day scones), live bagpiper, and a best-dressed prize (overnight gift certificate). $50 per person + tax & gratuity. Tickets: 732-818-7580 or RESY at mathishouse600main.com.
✨ More Events: Cher, Chants, Nature, Bingo & Good Deeds
💃 The Beat Goes On: Cher Tribute (Lisa McClowry)
Sat, March 7 | 8 p.m. • The Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Ave, Lakewood
A full theatrical tribute to the Goddess of Pop—big hits, big costumes, big Cher energy. Tickets/info: strand.org or 732-367-7789.
🌿 Nature Journal Expressions
Mon, March 9 | 10–11:30 a.m. • Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site, 200 Old Halfway Rd, Barnegat
A guided 1-mile nature walk with a creative twist: make your own journal with sketches, notes, and pressed plant samples. Ages 15–adult • $5. Register: oceancountyparks.org • 732-506-9090.
📞 Crisis Hotline Volunteers Training (CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties)
Starts Tue, March 10 | 6:30–9:30 p.m. • Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington St, Toms River
Want to do something that truly matters? CONTACT is training new volunteers for its 24-hour crisis hotline. Training is free and runs twice a week (Tues/Thurs) for 6 weeks. Info/registration: 732-240-6104 or [email protected].
🏛️ Brick Township Historical Society: Collector’s Night
Tue, March 10 | 7:30 p.m. • Herbertsville Firehouse, 601 Herbertsville Rd, Brick
A short meeting, then it’s show-and-tell for grownups—see all kinds of collections on display. Want yours considered? Call 732-785-2500. (Park in the rear; enter ground level. Wheelchair accessible.)
🎶 Name That Tune Tea Time Bingo (Mathis House)
Wed, March 11 | 6:30 p.m. • Mathis House, 600 Main St, Toms River
Bingo + music guessing + pots of gourmet tea + warm homemade scones with clotted cream. Prizes for winners (no cash). $20 per person + tax & cash gratuity. Reserve: RESY or 732-818-7580.
🎤 Sweet Caroline Tour: Neil Diamond Tribute (Jay White)
Thu, March 12 | 7:30–9:30 p.m. • Stafford Township Arts Center, 1000 McKinley Ave, Manahawkin
If you hear “Sweet Caroline” and instantly clap BAH BAH BAH, this one’s for you. Tickets: STACNJ.com or 718-423-8394.
🗞️Prime Time News
Links to the latest news on aging from trusted media sources.
Family Caregiving in an Aging America: Lower-income adults with an aging parent, spouse or partner are more likely to be caregivers than those in higher income tiers. Pew Research Center, Feb. 26.
There Aren’t Enough Geriatricians – Here’s How Older Adults Can Still Get the Right Care: With longer lives often comes more complicated health needs: multiple chronic conditions, long lists of medications, balance problems that can increase the risk of falls, and changes in memory. The Conversation, Feb. 27.
Seniors More Likely to Browse Bad Medical Info on the Web: Seniors are more likely to surf web sites containing quack medical information, potentially putting their health at risk, a new study says. HealthDay News, Feb. 23.
Scientists Discover a Key to Staying Mentally Sharp in Old Age: People who have razor-sharp minds in their 80s and 90s — known as “SuperAgers” — produce twice the number of young neurons as cognitively healthy adults and 2.5 times as many as people with Alzheimer’s disease, a new study found. CNN, Feb. 25.
Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance: Keeping Older Adults Safe: Families can support the independence of their aging loved ones while reducing risk through practical steps, including creating check-in protocols, protecting against financial scams, and maintaining open conversations about safety. Elder Law Answers, Feb. 23.
📚 Beyond the Books: Ocean County Library Picks
🎸 Briar Connection Concert (Toms River)
Wed, March 4 | 6:30 p.m. • OCL Toms River Branch, 101 Washington St
Classic rock, Motown, jazz, country, oldies — basically the “put it on and everyone’s happy” playlist, live. FREE (sponsored by Friends of OCL–Toms River) but registration required: tinyurl.com/BriarConnectionTR • 732-349-6200
🥗 Virtual Author Talk: Jenn Lueke (“Don’t Think About Dinner”)
Thu, March 5 | 2 p.m. • Virtual (Ocean County Library)
Meal-planning without the meltdown: grocery lists, prep shortcuts, and strategies to save time/money/energy — plus 125+ recipes. FREE, registration required: tinyurl.com/LuekeOCL • 732-349-6200 (or stop by any OCL branch)
⚾ The History of Black Baseball (Multiple Branches)
A photo-filled talk with David Shuffler exploring American history through the lens of Black baseball — resilience, innovation, and joy included. FREE, registration required: tinyurl.com/BlackBaseballOCL (or call/visit the branch)
Thu, March 5 | 2 p.m. — Little Egg Harbor, 290 Mathistown Rd • 609-294-1197 (registration open now)
Tue, March 17 | 2:30 p.m. — Island Heights, 121 Central Ave • 732-270-6266 (registration opens March 3 at 2:30 p.m.)
Mon, March 23 | 2:30 p.m. — Brick, 301 Chambers Bridge Rd • 732-477-4513 (registration opens Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m.)
Wed, March 25 | 2:30 p.m. — Barnegat, 112 Burr St • 609-698-3331 (registration opens Feb. 25 at 9 a.m.)
🇮🇳 Indian Culture Workshops with Priya Kumari (Food + Crafts)
Immersive, hands-on programs for adults — each branch is unique, register for each one. Food may contain allergens. FREE, registration required: tinyurl.com/IndiaOCL (or call/visit the branch)
“Dosa and Dips: A Taste of India” — Sat, March 7 | 11:30 a.m. • Plumsted, 119 Evergreen Rd, New Egypt • 609-758-7888
“Kundan Tea Lights” — Sat, March 7 | 2:30 p.m. • Berkeley, 30 Station Rd • 732-269-2144
“Food for Thought: the Mango” — Sat, March 28 | 11:30 a.m. • Waretown, 112 Main St • 609-693-5133 (registration opens March 14)
“Chaat: Indian Street Food” — Sat, March 28 | 2:30 p.m. • Upper Shores, 112 Jersey City Ave, Lavallette • 732-793-3996
🤖 AARP: AI and Disinformation (Jackson)
Fri, March 6 | 2:30 p.m. • OCL Jackson Branch, 2 Jackson Dr
Learn how deepfakes and voice clones are made — and how to spot what’s real vs. “someone’s uncle’s Facebook post.” 45 minutes + Q&A. FREE, registration required: tinyurl.com/AiJackson • 732-928-4400
🌿 Ask a Rutgers Master Gardener: Diagnostic Clinic (Stafford)
Mon, March 9 & Mon, March 23 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. • OCL Stafford Branch, Manahawkin
Bring photos/specimens for help diagnosing pests, disease, fungus, etc. FREE, no registration required.
Bonus: March 23 = Houseplant Hospital (bring the plant… unless it has bugs—then bring a photo).
🎸 Bruce Fans: Women of the E Street Band (Plumsted)
Mon, March 9 | 6:30 p.m. • OCL Plumsted Branch, 119 Evergreen Rd, New Egypt
A multimedia talk by Melissa Ziobro (Bruce Springsteen Archives) spotlighting the often-overlooked women who helped shape the E Street story. FREE, registration required: tinyurl.com/PlumstedEStreet • 609-758-7888
🎥 Documentary Screening: “My Name is Marco” (LBI / Surf City)
Wed, March 11 | 2 p.m. • OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 S Central Ave, Surf City
A film on composer Monsignor Marco Frisina, featuring interviews and orchestral/choral performances. Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Society of LBI. FREE, registration required: tinyurl.com/MarcoLBI • 609-494-2480
☘️ Songs of Ireland: Charlie Zahm (Upper Shores / Lavallette)
Wed, March 11 | 7 p.m. • Upper Shores Branch, 112 Jersey City Ave, Lavallette
A sing-along-friendly Celtic night with stories, history, and all the “Wearin’ o’ the Green” energy. FREE, registration required: tinyurl.com/IrishSongsOCL • 732-793-3996
🎶 An Irish Serenade with Jessica Carroll (LBI / Surf City)
Sat, March 14 | 2 p.m. • OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 S Central Ave, Surf City
Story + song tribute to Ireland with acoustic guitar and vocals. FREE, registration required: tinyurl.com/CarrollLBI • 609-494-2480 (registration opens Feb. 21)
🐦 Did You Know?
Cape May is basically the Super Bowl of birding. National Geographic has recognized Cape May as a World’s Best destination for birdwatching—and March is prime migration season at the Cape May Bird Observatory (The Northwood Center, 701 E. Lake Drive, Cape May Point). Keep your eyes peeled for Piping Plovers, Brown Pelicans, Pine Warblers, and plenty of other feathered passersby.
And when you’re done “spying” the spring migration? Reward yourself with the freshest breakfast or lunch at Beach Plum Kitchen—part of an Oprah-approved Best Foodie Hotel pick.
🍀 St. Pat’s Dinner, Solved: If you want something cozy, hearty, and very March-appropriate, this one’s for you. Our St. Patrick’s Day Stew is a beefy bowl of comfort—loaded with chuck stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onions, and yes… stout beer for that extra “Sláinte” flavor. Get the recipe here:
📺 TV Time: What to Stream This Week
🎬 New movies
“It Was Just an Accident” (Hulu) — An Oscar-buzzy, darkly funny revenge thriller from Jafar Panahi that’ll have you saying, “I’m stressed”… and clicking play anyway.
“The Secret Agent” (Hulu) — A tense, slow-burn thriller set in 1977 Brazil, starring Wagner Moura. Great for anyone who likes suspense with brains.
“War Machine” (Netflix — Fri, March 6) — Alan Ritchson + Army Ranger training + a relentless otherworldly killing machine. Basically: cardio, but make it sci-fi.
“Fackham Hall” (HBO Max — Fri, March 6) — A slapstick “Downton Abbey meets Monty Python” spoof with a side of murder mystery.
“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” (Netflix — Sat, March 7) — Tea, drama, and a proper final bow for the Crawleys.
📺 New series
“R.J. Decker” (ABC, streams next day on Hulu) — Scott Speedman plays a former newspaper photographer/ex-con turned private investigator in South Florida, where the cases are… very Florida.
“Young Sherlock” (Prime Video — Wed) — Sherlock at Oxford, directed/executive produced by Guy Ritchie, with all the fast pace, action, and smart dialogue you’d expect. All 8 episodes drop at once.
“Rooster” (HBO Max — Sun, March 8) — Steve Carell stars in a feel-good comedy from “Ted Lasso” co-creator Bill Lawrence—college setting, family stuff, and lots of heart.
📚 More Library Events This Week: Ocean County
💸 AARP Tax-Aide (Appointments Required)
Thu, March 5 | 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. • Jackson Branch (Meeting Room)
Free tax help from AARP volunteers (no age requirement). To book an appointment call 732-440-9356. Bring photo ID, Social Security/ITIN, prior-year return(s), and all tax documents. (Branch info: 732-928-4400)
🧠 Shore Memory Café
Thu, March 5 | 10–11 a.m. • Manchester Branch
A relaxed, supportive meetup for people experiencing early cognitive changes and their care partners. Walk-ins welcome; registration preferred via Alzheimer’s Association 800-272-3900.
💛 Caregiver Support Group
Thu, March 5 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. • Barnegat Branch (Meeting Room)
Because caregiving is a lot. Learn ways to balance it all (with Hackensack Meridian Health). Info: 609-698-3331.
🐦 Southern Ocean Birding Group
Thu, March 5 | 7–8 p.m. • Barnegat Branch (Meeting Room) (doors open 6:30 p.m.)
This month: the Barnegat Bay Volunteer Master Naturalist Program + “Jersey Friendly Yards” tips to help protect the Bay. Info: 609-698-3331.
🧩 Music Puzzle Packs (Grab & Go)
Fri, March 6 | 12–1 p.m. • Long Beach Island Branch
Pick up a pack of puzzles and brainteasers to keep the mind sharp. While supplies last. Info: 609-494-2480.
🩺 Medicare 101: Understanding Your Benefits
Fri, March 6 | 2–3 p.m. • Waretown Branch (Meeting Room)
New to Medicare (or helping someone who is)? This is a clear overview of parts, costs, coverage, and plan choices. Please register. (Sponsored by AARP NJ Speakers Bureau.)
🕯️ Kundan Tea Lights (Craft Workshop)
Sat, March 7 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. • Berkeley Branch (Meeting Room)
Create a tea light holder inspired by Kundan (traditional Indian gemstone jewelry style). Info: 732-269-2144.
🌿 Ask a Rutgers Master Gardener: Diagnostic Clinic (Drop-In)
Mon, March 9 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. • Stafford Branch
Bring photos/specimens of plants or insects for ID + advice. (Runs 2nd & 4th Monday each month.) Info: 609-597-3381.
🗺️ NJ Hidden Gems: Hidden Histories
Mon, March 9 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. • Manchester Branch (Meeting Room)
Forgotten villages, mysterious places, and New Jersey history that still lingers (think Batsto, Smithville, and other “suspended in time” spots). Info: 732-657-7600.
🤝 Friends of the Waretown Library Meeting
Mon, March 9 | 1:30–3 p.m. • Waretown Branch
Want to support your library and see what’s coming up? New members welcome. Drop in. Info: 609-693-5133.
🃏 Canasta Club (Beginners Welcome!)
Mon, March 9 | 6:30–8 p.m. • Lakewood Branch (Meeting Room)
Classic cards + friendly competition. Please register. Info: 732-363-1435.
👋 Speed Friending for Seniors
Tue, March 10 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. • Lacey Branch (Meeting Room)
Quick chats, conversation starters provided, light refreshments served—leave with a new friend (or at least a good story). Please register. Info: 609-693-8566.
🥦 Healthy Eating on a Budget (Healthy New You Series)
Tue, March 10 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. • Little Egg Harbor Branch (Meeting Room)
Hackensack Meridian Health shares “strategic shopping” tips to turn simple staples into heart-healthy meals. Info: 609-294-1197.
🕵️ Understanding Fraud & Scams
Tue, March 10 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. • Brick Branch (Meeting Room)
AARP NJ’s Thomas Phair breaks down common scams, how to avoid them, and what to do if you get hit—plus how AI deepfakes are changing the game. Info: 732-477-4513.
🩸 Diabetes Education
Wed, March 11 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. • Lacey Branch (Meeting Room)
Learn signs, symptoms, and smart management tips from the Ocean County Health Department. Please register. Info: 609-693-8566.
👋 Speed Friending for Seniors (Yes, there’s another one!)
Wed, March 11 | 2–4 p.m. • Brick Branch (Meeting Room)
More chances to meet new people, with conversation starters and light refreshments. Info: 732-477-4513.
🧶 Beginner Knitting Class (Session 2)
Wed, March 11 | 2–3 p.m. • Toms River Branch
Learn beginner-friendly knitting with instructor Gail. Yarn + needles provided. Seating is limited; please register. Info: 732-349-6200.
☘️ Songs of Ireland: Charlie Zahm
Wed, March 11 | 7–8 p.m. • Upper Shores Branch (Main Floor)
A sing-along-friendly Celtic night of Dublin songs, sea shanties, and shamrock spirit. Sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation. Info: 732-793-3996.
🐠 Take the Grandkids: Jenkinson’s “Behind the Scenes” Aquarium Tour
Want instant “cool grandparent” points? Book a Behind the Scenes Tour at Jenkinson’s Aquarium and see what goes on after hours in fish world. The best part: your ticket includes admission for the whole day, so you can tour and keep exploring.
📅 Sunday, March 8 | 2–3 p.m.
📍 Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach
👟 Sneakers required
🧒 Ages 5+ only
💲 $30 adults (12+) / $20 kids (5–11)
📞 732-892-0600
✅ Register online: Behind the Scenes Tour | Aquarium
💛 Community Caring: Small Donations, Big Smiles
Ocean County Library Toiletries Drive (March 1–31)
A little kindness goes a long way—especially when it’s soap, socks, and toothpaste. The Ocean County Library, partnering with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, is collecting new, packaged toiletries for children in need during the Spring 2026 Sparks B.F.F. Reading Club Toiletries Drive from Sunday, March 1 through Tuesday, March 31.
Most-needed items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, soap, liquid/dry shampoo, conditioner, hair brushes/comb, socks, and feminine hygiene products.
Please donate new, packaged items only. No donation is too small—every item helps.
Drop-off locations (OCL branches):
Toms River — 101 Washington St • 732-349-6200
Barnegat — 112 Burr St • 609-698-3331
Jackson — 2 Jackson Dr • 732-928-4400
Lacey — 10 E Lacey Rd, Forked River • 609-693-8566
Little Egg Harbor — 290 Mathistown Rd • 609-294-1197
Waretown — 112 Main St • 609-693-5133
For more info, call or stop by any participating branch, or visit theoceancountylibrary.org.
🥪💚 Eat a Sub, Do Some Good: Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving
Special Olympics athlete Audrey Presby, at right, stars in Jersey Mike’s new 2026 Month of Giving commercial. Photo courtesy of Jersey Mike’s
Jersey Mike’s is kicking off its 16th annual Month of Giving in March, raising money to help athletes get to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games (June 20–26 in Minnesota’s Twin Cities). All month long, you can round up your total or add a donation when you order. The big finale is Wednesday, March 25 — “Day of Giving”—when participating Jersey Mike’s shops will donate 100% of the day’s sales (yes, sales!) to support the Games and the state programs heading there.
🎂 Celebrity Birthdays: March 4: Actor Paula Prentiss (The Stepford Wives) turns 88, and actor Patricia Heaton (The Middle, Everybody Loves Raymond) is 68. March 5: Magician Penn Jillette (Penn & Teller) is 71. March 6: TV personality John Stossel is 79, and actor Tom Arnold is 67. March 7: Guitarist Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers) turns 74, actor Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) is 70, and actor/comedian Wanda Sykes is 62.
🎬That’s a wrap for this week
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😎See you next week!
The Ocean Senior Scoop team
Disclaimer: P.S. We do our best to keep dates, times, and details accurate—but plans can change faster than a Jersey weather forecast. Before you head out, double-check with the venue/organizer. And as always: this newsletter is for info + fun, not medical/legal/financial advice. 😊