Ocean Senior Scoop: Tacos, Tunes, Puzzles & a Mini Cannon

Hey Ocean County! 👋
Winter’s acting like it owns the place — but your calendar would like a word. This week we’ve got LBI Restaurant Week news, a 1950s Rockabilly dinner show, Puppy Bowl adoption day, library fun that’s actually fun, and a mini pom-pom cannon craft at Cedar Bridge Tavern.

🎭 Out & About (music, crafts, chili, pups)
📚 Beyond the Books (puzzles, walking-to-music, writing, tech help, AI safety)
🌱 Garden Corner (winter seed sowing)
🧨 In the Parks (mini cannon craft!)
⚡ Cold Snap Smart Tips (safety + outage help)
🎆 America 250 Watch (Ocean County’s big 2026 plans)
🍴 In the Kitchen (beef trends: global, quick, nostalgic)

Up first…

Big year ahead! Ocean County is joining the national celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution — and the schedule is packed with historical flair, community pride, and star-spangled fun.

Here’s a look at the major events planned for 2026 so far:

📅 March 29 – REVNJ 5K Run at Cedar Bridge Tavern, Barnegat
📅 April 18 – League of Historical Societies of NJ Regional Meeting, Barnegat
📅 April 22 – Planting a Liberty Tree (Arbor Day), Toms River
📅 July 2 – 250th Concert & Drone Show, Toms River
📅 July 3 – Wawa Welcome America Parade, Philadelphia
📅 July 4 –
  • Ringing from Sea to Shining Sea, Toms River
  • 250 Concert, Ocean County Library, Toms River
📅 October 4 – Bobby Horton: Patriot Songs of the American Revolution, Ocean County College
📅 November 12 – Countdown to Independence Presentation, Ocean County Courthouse
📅 December 6 – 244th Anniversary of the Affair at Cedar Bridge Tavern, Barnegat

🗺️ Most events take place at historic local sites like Cedar Bridge Tavern and the Ocean County Courthouse, with guest speakers, music, education, and local pride on full display.

🎉 Expect even more events and updates as the year unfolds!
🔗 Full details & updates: co.ocean.nj.us/oc/ch

Planning your spring garden while it’s still scarf weather? Us too. Head over to the Jackson Branch of the Ocean County Library on Wednesday, January 28 at 2:30 PM for a hands-on session: “Winter Seed Sowing with a Master Gardener” 🌼

You’ll learn how to start sowing seeds now (yes, in winter!) and get expert tips from an Ocean County Master Gardener on how to prep for a successful spring and summer bloom.

Expect advice on:

📍 Jackson Library – 2 Jackson Drive
📞 Call 732-928-4400
🔗 Or register at: tinyurl.com/SeedJackson

The program is free, but registration is required.

Mark your calendars and loosen your belts: LBI Bites Restaurant Week is serving up delicious deals from Jan. 30 through Feb. 8, and it’s not just Long Beach Island — spots in Barnegat, Manahawkin, Tuckerton, and beyond are getting in on the fun.

Started by the ever-hungry Facebook group Long Beach Island BITES, this annual foodie fest features prix-fixe menus, special deals, and the perfect excuse to try someplace new — or revisit an old favorite. Whether you're craving a $16.95 stack at LBI Pancake House or a full four-course feast at Dune 18 or Sun Harbor, there’s something tasty on tap for every appetite.

🥖 A few mouthwatering highlights:

✨ Menus are being posted in the LBI BITES Facebook group — so hop over, make your game plan, and maybe book a few reservations while you're at it.

📍 LBI Restaurant Week runs Jan. 30 to Feb. 8, 2026. Eat local, eat often.

Your week ahead is looking anything but boring. Whether you're into vintage vibes, artsy mugs, chili cook-offs, or Revolutionary War craft projects (yes, really), we've got the scoop:

🎸 1950s Rockabilly Dinner Show – Mathis House
📍 600 Main St, Toms River
🗓️ Thurs, Jan. 30 | 7:00 PM
Get your poodle skirts ready! Rockabilly hits, retro diner eats, and BYOB fun. $50 per person with 10% off for seniors. Call 732‑818‑7580 for tickets. Info

🐶 Puppy Bowl Adoption Day Championship
📍 All Fur One, Toms River
🗓️ Fri, Jan. 31 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Snuggles, tail wags, and touchdowns. Adopt your MVP and give them a forever home before Super Bowl Sunday. Info

🎨 Mug Art Workshop – TRAC
📍 40 Main St, Toms River
🗓️ Fri, Jan. 31 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Turn a plain mug into a masterpiece. Ages 10+, snacks welcome. Sign up: trac732.org

🌶️ Lakehurst Souper Bowl Chili Cook-Off
📍 Lakehurst Community Center
🗓️ Fri, Jan. 31 | 3:00–6:00 PM
Bring your appetite and vote on the tastiest bowls in town. Hosted by the Historical Society — come hungry! Info

💐 BYOB Flower Bouquet Workshop – Rose & Opal
📍 1508 Beaver Dam Rd, Point Pleasant
🗓️ Fri, Jan. 31 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Build a gorgeous bouquet with expert help. $25 per person. Email: [email protected] to RSVP. Info

🎻 Albert Music Hall Saturday Night Show – Waretown
📍 131 Wells Mills Rd, Waretown
🗓️ Fri, Jan. 31 | Doors at 5:30 PM | Music 6:30–9:00 PM
Five bands, $6 admission, comfort food, local charm, and down-home tunes. Cash only — don’t forget your dancing shoes! Info

🧘 Bendy Jane Yoga Grand Opening – Tuckerton
📍 249 Great Bay Blvd, Unit 3
🗓️ Sat, Feb. 1 | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Celebrate the opening of this new local studio with free classes and all-day zen vibes. Info

🧨 Miniature Cannon Craft – Cedar Bridge Tavern
📍 200 Old Half-Way Rd, Barnegat
🗓️ Sat, Feb. 1 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Yes, you're making a tiny working cannon (with pom-poms). Free, fun, and educational for all ages. Info: oceancountyparks.org

Ocean County libraries are turning up the volume this week — puzzles, poetry, tech help, and even a chair-based ballet class (yes, really). Here’s what’s happening.

🧩 Puzzle Day at Lakewood
📍 Lakewood Branch
🗓️ Thurs, Jan. 29 | 10 AM–4 PM
Celebrate National Puzzle Day by joining a community jigsaw challenge. Come for the corners, stay for the satisfying clicks.

🧠 Walk 4 Memory – Toms River
📍 Toms River Branch
🗓️ Thurs, Jan. 29 | 1–2 PM
A fun, music-driven walking program for body and brain fitness. Designed for those with mild memory loss. No partner needed, just a willingness to move.

🧶 String of Purls – Knit & Crochet
📍 Stafford Branch
🗓️ Thurs, Jan. 29 | 1–3 PM
Bring your current project or get started with help. Beginners welcome! BYO yarn and needles or hook.

🪡 Stitch It Club – Lacey
📍 Lacey Branch
🗓️ Thurs, Jan. 29 | 6:30–8:30 PM
A chill evening of stitching, chatting, and sharing tips — all skill levels welcome.

🖋️ Micro-Memoirs Writing Workshop
📍 Stafford Branch
🗓️ Fri, Jan. 30 | 10:30–11:30 AM
Tell your story in 100 words. No writing experience? No problem. Just bring your memories and a pencil.

⚓ Shipwreck Stories – The Bell Holder Wreck
📍 Little Egg Harbor Branch
🗓️ Fri, Jan. 30 | 2–3 PM
Shipwreck diver Dan Lieb dives deep into maritime mystery and historic detective work.

🧘 Chair Yoga – Point Pleasant Borough
📍 Point Pleasant Branch
🗓️ Sat, Jan. 31 | 11 AM–12 PM
Gentle, guided movement to stretch, relax, and reset. Certified instructor, all levels welcome. Sign that waiver and join in!

🩰 Chair Ballet – Long Beach Island
📍 LBI Branch
🗓️ Mon, Feb. 2 | 10–11 AM
Perfect for the ballet beginner — with zero pressure and plenty of grace.

💬 Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
📍 Stafford Branch
🗓️ Mon, Feb. 2 | 12–2 PM
You don’t have to go it alone. Join fellow caregivers for support, tools, and a little encouragement.

🍽️ Heart Healthy Eating Talk
📍 Jackson Branch
🗓️ Tues, Feb. 3 | 10–11 AM
Learn how the DASH and Mediterranean diets support heart health. Bring your nutrition questions!

📱 Tech Help Tuesday – Waretown
📍 Waretown Branch
🗓️ Tues, Feb. 3 | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
Need help with email, eBooks, or your smartphone? One-on-one sessions available — just call ahead to register.

💓 Blood Pressure Clinic – LBI
📍 LBI Branch
🗓️ Tues, Feb. 3 | 11 AM–12 PM
Free monthly blood pressure screening — no appointment needed.

👥 Speed Friending for Seniors
📍 Little Egg Harbor Branch
🗓️ Tues, Feb. 3 | 11 AM–12 PM
Meet potential new friends in quick, conversation-filled rounds. Light refreshments, zero pressure.

🧠 AI & Disinformation Talk – Brick
📍 Brick Branch
🗓️ Tues, Feb. 3 | 2:30–3:30 PM
Learn how AI creates deepfakes and how to spot disinformation online. Presented by AARP NJ.

🍬 Where Does Your Candy Come From?
📍 Jackson Branch
🗓️ Wed, Feb. 4 | 2–3 PM
The Master Gardeners reveal the plants behind your favorite sweets — including chocolate, vanilla, and more!

📖 Cookbook Club – Upper Shores
📍 Upper Shores Branch
🗓️ Wed, Feb. 4 | 6–8 PM
Pick a recipe from this month’s featured cookbook, make it at home, and bring it to share. (Yes, we’re all hoping someone brings dessert.)

💌 Create a Paper Quilled Valentine Card
📍 Toms River Branch
🗓️ Wed, Feb. 4 | 6:30–7:30 PM
Craft a handmade Valentine using paper quilling techniques. Materials provided!

❤️ Paper Heart Craft – Manchester
📍 Manchester Branch
🗓️ Wed, Feb. 4 | 6:30–7:30 PM
A sweet DIY to get your space feeling festive. No experience needed — just come ready to craft.

🧶 Idle Hands Knit-Along Group
📍 Point Pleasant Branch
🗓️ Wed, Feb. 4 | 7–8 PM
Monthly meetup to start a knit-along project together. Patterns and encouragement included.

Oscar season is here and the Academy didn’t hold back — Sinners and One Battle After Another are leading the pack with a combined 29 nominations and more A-list drama than a reality show reunion. 🎭

Here’s where to watch the buzziest films — from vampire musicals to ping-pong thrillers — right from your recliner.

Streaming on HBO Max + Prime Video
Ryan Coogler goes full gothic with a bluesy, gangster vampire musical (yes, really), starring Michael B. Jordan playing two roles. Double the Jordan, double the drama.

Streaming on HBO Max | Rent on Prime Video, Apple TV
DiCaprio! Penn! Del Toro! Teyana Taylor! This genre-smashing farce-slash-thriller-slash-parenting saga is everything, everywhere, all at once.

Buy on Apple TV
Stellan Skarsgård stuns in this soul-searching drama about family, fame, and finally showing up. Deep, dreamy, and definitely award-worthy.

In theaters only
A high-stakes ping-pong flick with Timothée Chalamet swinging for gold. Think Rocky, but with a paddle. Game. Set. Obsession.

Streaming on Netflix
Del Toro reimagines Mary Shelley’s monster tale with Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi. No bolts, no clichés — just emotion, shadows, and father-son tension.

In theaters only
Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley star in this Shakespearean heartbreak from Chloé Zhao. A historical maybe-true, maybe-not tearjerker.

Streaming on Peacock
Yorgos Lanthimos does it again — weird, wild, and unsettling. Emma Stone gets kidnapped. Jesse Plemons gets unhinged. You get glued to the screen.

Streaming on Netflix
Joel Edgerton broods in this slow-burning Idaho frontier tale. Quiet, poetic, and beautifully rugged.

Streaming on Apple TV | Buy on Prime Video, Apple TV
Brad Pitt races again! Old friends, fast cars, and sleek shots from the Top Gun: Maverick guy. Buckle up.

Rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV
Ethan Hawke as Lorenz Hart, post-breakup with Rodgers. One night in 1943. One big Broadway heartbreak.

Rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV
Mary Bronstein turned parenting burnout into an Oscar-nominated fever dream. Rose Byrne delivers big feels.

Rent or buy on Apple TV, Prime Video | Also in theaters
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson channel a Milwaukee Neil Diamond tribute act. Based on a real doc. Big hair, big dreams, and big emotion.

🎥 Popcorn’s optional. Opinions aren’t. Got a favorite? Hit reply and let us know your picks.
We'll be over here cueing up Sinners with the lights off and volume up.

As winter digs in, FirstEnergy wants to keep you safe, warm, and in control of your power bill. A few smart habits can go a long way during extreme cold — and help prevent power strain when everyone’s cranking up the heat.

Here are 12 quick tips to help you ride out the next cold snap like a pro:

🧣 Safety First:

🔋 Be Prepared:

🪟 Seal & Save:

🔧 Need more help?
Explore energy-saving tools: firstenergycorp.com/saveenergy
Need bill assistance or budget billing? Visit: firstenergycorp.com/billassist

⚡ Power Out?

On her first day in office, Gov. Mikie Sherrill made good on a big promise — signing two executive orders aimed at tackling high electric bills across New Jersey.

Executive Order No. 1:
✅ Freezes upcoming rate hikes for NJ families
✅ Uses state funds to offset June’s electric bill increases
✅ Gives the Board of Public Utilities power to pause or modify utility decisions
✅ Calls for a full review of utility business models to prioritize ratepayer savings

Executive Order No. 2:
✅ Plans to massively expand in-state energy generation, including solar, battery storage, and long-term nuclear
✅ Goal: more local power = lower bills

🗣️ “These rate hikes are unacceptable... I will not stop fighting to make New Jersey more affordable,” said Sherrill.

Beef’s still what’s for dinner — but in 2026, it’s getting a few fun (and flavorful) upgrades. According to the folks behind Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner, here’s how beef is trending this year — and why your weeknight meals are about to get a little more exciting:

🌍 Global Cravings, Local Plates
Spice things up with Mini Korean Beef Patties (Wanja Jeon) — think egg-battered, pan-fried beef bites dipped in Korean BBQ sauce and spicy mayo. It’s bold, it’s fun, and it might just steal the spotlight from your usual meatballs.

⚡ Quick & Tasty Wins
The air fryer is your MVP. Case in point: Beef Brisket Taquitos — just tuck some leftover brisket, cheese, and salsa into tortillas, crisp them up, and boom: dinner, handled.

👵 Comfort Food Comeback
Feeling nostalgic? So is everyone else. Beef Stroganoff and Shepherd’s Pot Roast Pie are making a comeback in kitchens across the country. These throwback dishes channel grandma’s cooking with all the cozy feels.

Hungry for more ideas? Check out recipes and inspiration at BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

P.S. Got a retro beef recipe of your own? Send it in — we’d love to feature it!

In addition to all the events we highlight here each week, your local senior center is a goldmine of fun! Think: chair yoga, tech classes, card games, movie nights, line dancing, art workshops, and yes — often free coffee. ☕💃

Pop in, say hi, and check the bulletin board — you might just find your new favorite hobby (or bingo rival). Locate your closest senior center here.

This week we’re lighting 75 candles for Hal Yates of Toms River — Happy Birthday, Hal! 🥳 You’re sharing your week with some true icons:

🧠 Alan Alda (aka Hawkeye from MASH*) is turning 90,
🕵️‍♂️ Tom Selleck hits 81 (mustache still magnificent),
💬 Oprah Winfrey turns 72 and remains unstoppable,
🎸 Phil Collins is 75 (cue “In the Air Tonight” drum solo), and
🎭 Vanessa Redgrave is still stealing scenes at 89.

Know someone celebrating soon? Send us your shoutouts — we love a local legend! Just hit reply to this email!

⁉️Questions, comments or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Just reply to this email.

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

⛄Stay warm and see you next week!

The Ocean Senior Scoop team

📝 Friendly Disclaimer:
We do our best to keep things accurate, upbeat, and useful — but this newsletter is just for fun and information. It’s not medical, legal, or financial advice, and while we double-check our event listings and news briefs, things change! Always call ahead and bundle up accordingly!