👋Hey, Ocean friends!

Summer may be eyeing the exit, but Ocean County isn’t packing up the folding chairs just yet. This week brings farmers markets, fireworks, live music, library surprises, a day trip worth the drive—and enough peach pizza to keep the grill working overtime.

🗞️ Prime Time News: Stay NJ changes, a promising melanoma vaccine and Costco’s Medicare plans
📅 Local Events: Fireworks, farmers markets, outdoor movies, Elvis and one last summer concert
🧑‍🍳 In the Kitchen: Four globally inspired ways to fire up the grill
📚 Beyond the Books: Carousel history, murder mysteries, Mah Jongg, music and more
🚗 Day Trippin’: Take a trip around the world at the New Jersey Folk Festival
📺 TV Time: Mary Oliver, midlife laughs and two chilling mysteries
🎂 Celebrity Birthdays: Barbara Eden, Gene Simmons, Jennifer Coolidge—and Ocean County’s own Steve H.

Up first…

Ocean County is directing $448,987 in Older Americans Act and County funding toward programs serving local seniors. The Ocean County Board of Commissioners approved the allocation Aug. 19. Funding includes:

🍽️ $194,203 for home-delivered meals
🚐 Transportation, housekeeping, respite care and social programs
🔨 $22,213 for home repairs
🥗 $45,000 for congregate nutrition programs
⚖️ $20,000 for legal services
🆘 $20,000 for assistive technology, including emergency-response systems and lockboxes
🏃 $10,356 for evidence-based physical-activity programs

Money will also help address urgent needs such as food insecurity, past-due rent, temporary housing and accessibility modifications that allow seniors to remain safely in their homes.

Ocean County now has more than 200,000 senior residents, according to Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to the Office of Senior Services.

“By focusing on funding priority areas, such as transportation, food insecurity, social isolation and home accessibility, the Office of Senior Services, and Ocean County as a whole, remains committed to improving the quality of life and safety of our aging population,” Arace said.

In other words: more meals delivered, more rides available and more help where Ocean County seniors need it most.

Here are the stories making headlines this week—and what they could mean for you.

Personalized melanoma vaccine succeeds in Phase 3 trial. Moderna and Merck say their individualized mRNA treatment, given with Keytruda after melanoma surgery, significantly delayed the cancer’s return and spread compared with Keytruda alone. The treatment is not yet FDA-approved, and detailed Phase 3 results have not been released. Read more from Moderna.

Stay NJ payments have been reduced and rescheduled. New Jersey says the remaining 2024 Stay NJ benefit will be divided between payments in August and November. A state budget change means recipients will receive a lower total benefit during calendar year 2026 than originally anticipated. Seniors can check their individual benefit amounts online. Check your Stay NJ benefit.

A proposed bill would protect Social Security from student-loan garnishment. Federal legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders would prevent the government from withholding Social Security and disability benefits to collect defaulted federal student-loan debt. Learn more.

Costco is preparing to enter the Medicare business. The warehouse giant is partnering with nonprofit insurer SCAN to develop co-branded Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. The limited rollout remains subject to federal approval, and the participating states have not been fully announced. Bulk paper towels, rotisserie chicken—and possibly a health plan. Read more from Kiplinger.

There’s plenty happening around Ocean County this week—get all the times and details at Ocean County Tourism.

📻 Party like television hasn’t been invented yet. When Radio Entertained People recreates classic 1940s and ’50s radio skits, including Abbott & Costello and The War of the Worlds. Trivia begins at 6:30 p.m.; showtime is 7 p.m. at the Ocean County Library, Toms River. Free.

🎪 Watch people ignore gravity. Cirque-Tacular brings aerial feats, acrobatics and other “please don’t try this at home” entertainment to Casino Pier in Seaside Heights. Free shows begin at 7 and 8 p.m.

🍅 Fill your tote with Jersey’s finest. The Barnegat Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. outside Town Hall, 900 West Bay Ave. Expect fresh produce, local vendors and plenty of dinner inspiration.

🎪 Take another spin under the big top. Cirque-Tacular returns to Casino Pier with free performances at 7 and 8 p.m.

🥕 Start Friday Jersey Fresh. The Tuckerton Farmers Market opens at 9 a.m. with locally grown produce, prepared foods and handmade goods.

🌽 Shop close enough to smell the salt air. The Seaside Park Farmers Market runs from 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

🎬 Ohana means nobody watches the movie alone. Beachwood screens Lilo & Stitch at 7:30 p.m. during Movies in the Park. Bring a chair, blanket and snacks.

🔥 Bring a chair and let the weekend simmer. Long Beach Township’s Firepit Friday offers live music from 7–9 p.m. at the 68th Street beach.

🎨 Buy something that didn’t come with assembly instructions. Arts & Crafts by the Sea fills the Seaside Heights Boardwalk with handmade finds from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Rain date is Sunday.

🚒 Come for the fire trucks, stay for lunch. Toms River Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 hosts a family-friendly Block Party with music, food, games, raffles and local breweries. It runs from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Washington Street between Main and Robbins streets.

🎸 Take downtown out for the night. Downtown Night Out brings food and family fun to Toms River from 5–10 p.m.

🕺 Elvis has entered Barnegat. Elvis: In Person performs at 6:30 p.m. at 427 East Bay Ave. Bring a lawn chair—and perhaps your best hip swivel.

🎶 Give Sunday a soundtrack. Gypsy Moon performs from noon–2 p.m. at the 68th Street beach in Long Beach Township.

🥬 Grab the good tomatoes before summer escapes. The Surf City Farmers Market runs from 8 a.m.–noon.

🖼️ Browse boats, beaches and other frame-worthy views. The Manasquan River Group of Artists displays original artwork and prints from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at North Hall Gallery, Point Pleasant Beach.

🚘 Polish the chrome and bring a toy. The Donny Cranmer Memorial Classic Car Show and Toy Drive begins at 5 p.m. at Manahawkin Lake Park. Admission is $10 or a donated toy, with proceeds benefiting the Stafford PBA Toy Drive.

🎵 Spend Monday night by the lake. Manahawkin’s Summer Concert Series runs from 6:30–8:30 p.m., with a pop-up market beginning at 5 p.m.

🌽 September starts Jersey Fresh. The Waretown Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

🎨 Make room on the wall. The Manasquan River Group of Artists show continues from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at North Hall Gallery in Point Pleasant Beach.

🎤 Motown, fireworks and one last summer Tuesday. Dr. K’s Motown performs at 7 p.m. at Shelter Cove Beach, Toms River. Fireworks follow the show.

Get all the event details at Ocean County Tourism.

Pork plays nicely with sweet, smoky, spicy and savory flavors, making it an easy starting point for a globally inspired dinner. These four recipes travel from an all-American burger to Greece and Vietnam—without requiring a passport or a packed suitcase.

🍔 Upgrade burger night. The Brown Sugar Pork Burger with Bacon-Onion Jam combines a sweet-and-savory pork patty with a rich, smoky topping. Napkins strongly recommended.

🍑 Put peaches on your pizza. Grilled Prosciutto and Peach Pizza brings together salty prosciutto, juicy summer fruit and smoky flavor from the grill. Sometimes the best grilling ideas begin with “Hear me out.”

🌿 Take your taste buds to Vietnam. Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Pork Chops pair bright lemongrass with savory, caramelized pork for a weeknight dinner that tastes anything but ordinary.

🇬🇷 Skewer your way to Greece. Pork Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki combine seasoned grilled pork with cool, creamy cucumber sauce. Add pita and a simple salad, then pretend the patio overlooks the Aegean.

Find more pork-grilling tips and recipe inspiration from the National Pork Board.

Who says Ocean County libraries are just for books? This week, they’re rolling out carousel horses, murder mysteries, show tunes and a seat at the family dinner table.

🎠 Take the Moreland Carousel for a spin through history. The Seaside Heights Historical Society traces the carousel’s journey from 1910 to its longtime home at the Shore—and shares the stories behind its hand-carved animals and Wurlitzer band organ. Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Upper Shores Branch, Lavallette.

🔎 Check into a luxury hotel—and immediately start looking for the killer. Bestselling author Lucy Foley discusses Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel, her new Miss Marple mystery filled with champagne, grudges, a blizzard and one very inconvenient body. Thursday, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. online.

🎶 Travel all 50 states without repacking your suitcase. Vivid Stage celebrates America’s 250th with A Musical State of Mind, a cabaret featuring songs including “New York, New York,” “Oklahoma” and “Moonlight in Vermont.” Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Jackson Branch.

🌮 Pull up a chair at Jenny Martinez’s mesa. The social media favorite shares stories and family recipes from her debut cookbook, My Mexican Mesa, Y Listo! Expect tacos, tamales, homemade salsa, churros and enough temptation to make dinner plans immediately. Thursday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. online.

🀄 Bring your tiles—and your poker face. Weekly Mah Jongg meets Thursday, Aug. 27, from 1–4 p.m. at the Berkeley Branch. Players must bring a set and current card.

🧶 Turn that lonely ball of yarn into something useful. Hooked on Yarn welcomes knitters and crocheters Thursday, Aug. 27, from 2–4 p.m. at the Manchester Branch. Bring your current project and supplies.

🪡 Stitch, chat and compare yarn stashes. The Stitch It Club welcomes knitters, crocheters, sewers and embroiderers of every skill level Thursday, Aug. 27, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Lacey Branch.

🧘 Take a seat—and call it exercise. Instructor Belle Burns leads a gentle, beginner-friendly Chair Yoga class Thursday, Aug. 27, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Jackson Branch. Chairs are provided; registration and a signed waiver are required.

🧵 Fiber artists, this table has your name on it. Bring your materials and work alongside other crafters Friday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch.

🌱 Bring your droopy plant—and your questions. Rutgers Master Gardeners can diagnose garden problems and answer questions about pests, wildlife and horticulture Friday, Aug. 28, from 1–3 p.m. at the Point Pleasant Beach Branch. Drop in anytime.

🎷 Celebrate America with a little ragtime swagger. Fred Lehotay and the Ragtimers perform patriotic favorites and Roaring Twenties melodies Friday, Aug. 28, from 3–4 p.m. at the Toms River Branch.

🧶 Ewe know what to do. Bring your knitting or crochet project to Ewe Knit & Crochet Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m.–noon at the Barnegat Branch. Supplies are not provided.

🀄 Deal with Monday one tile at a time. Mahjongg Mondays meets Aug. 31, from noon–3 p.m. at the Upper Shores Branch in Lavallette.

📡 Discover the Jersey base that helped change modern communication. Historian Melissa Ziobro explores Fort Monmouth’s military history and technological breakthroughs Monday, Aug. 31, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Plumsted Branch.

❤️ Get a quick check on an important number. The Long Beach Island Health Department offers free blood-pressure screenings Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 11 a.m.–noon at the LBI Branch. Walk-ins are welcome.

🥪 Have lunch—and send summer stress packing. Hackensack Meridian Health professionals share coping skills and relaxation techniques during End of Summer Blues Tuesday, Sept. 1, from noon–2 p.m. at the Little Egg Harbor Branch. Lunch is provided, and registration is required.

📱 Finally ask the question your phone refuses to answer. Tech Help Tuesday offers one-on-one assistance with smartphones, email, computers and the library’s digital services. Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 1:30–3:30 p.m. at the Waretown Branch.

📖 Spend the morning in Paris. The Barnegat Branch’s First Wednesday Book Club discusses Ann Mah’s Jacqueline in Paris from 10–11 a.m. Contact the branch to join.

🐶 Meet the people—and one pup—behind the shelter doors. Jersey Shore Animal Center staff discuss daily shelter life and animal welfare from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. at the Brick Branch.

🀄 Learn your bams from your cracks. Beginners can play Mah Jongg from noon–4 p.m. at the Waretown Branch.

🀄 Start at square one—and commit to the tiles. Berkeley’s Intro to Mah Jongg series begins from 1–4 p.m. and continues through Oct. 14. Participants register once and must attend every session.

🛒 Get help putting grocery assistance within reach. An RWJBarnabas Health representative explains SNAP benefits and helps with online applications from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Branch.

The 51st New Jersey Folk Festival takes over Davidson’s Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Four stages of music and dance will be joined by food vendors, family activities, park and garden tours, traditional craft demonstrations and performances celebrating Chinese, Italian, Indian, Irish, Afro-Puerto Rican, Andean and African American traditions.

More than 5,000 people typically attend, so arrive early, wear comfortable shoes—and bring your curiosity.

Wondering what to watch next? Here are this week’s fresh arrivals—no channel surfing required.

🌿 Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World — PBS and the PBS App, Aug. 25. This American Masters documentary explores the private life and enduring work of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet whose writing celebrated nature, beauty and love. Oprah Winfrey, Steve Buscemi, Helena Bonham Carter and others read from her work.

😂 Leanne, Season 2 — Netflix, Aug. 27. Leanne Morgan returns as a grandmother rebuilding her life after her husband of 33 years leaves her. Kristen Johnston, Tim Daly and Celia Weston return, while Lainey Wilson, Jaime Pressly, Billy Gardell and Tyne Daly join the fun. Midlife chaos, Southern humor and Jell-O salad remain firmly on the menu.

😱 The Whisper Man — Netflix, Aug. 28. Robert De Niro, Adam Scott and Michelle Monaghan star in this psychological thriller about a widowed writer whose young son disappears. The search leads to his estranged father, a retired detective, and a decades-old serial-killer case. Maybe don’t watch this one immediately before bed.

🕵️‍♀️ The Secret Woman — Netflix, Aug. 28. A woman living quietly on a Norwegian island is confronted by a stranger who claims she is really a missing Danish wife and mother. She sets out to uncover her past—and finds more than a few reasons it may have stayed buried.

A special birthday shoutout goes to Steve H. of Seaside Heights, who turns 68 this week! We hope your birthday brings plenty of smiles, good company and an extra-large slice of cake. Happy birthday, Steve! 🎉

And Steve is in some famous company this week:

🌟 Aug. 23: Barbara Eden, the mischievous genie from I Dream of Jeannie, turns 95. Cheers and The Brady Bunch Movie actor Shelley Long is 77, and singer-actor Rick Springfield is also 77.

🤘 Aug. 25: Kiss bassist Gene Simmons is 77, musician Elvis Costello is 72, and director Tim Burton and The Young and the Restless star Christian LeBlanc are both 68. Country singer and actor Billy Ray Cyrus turns 65—and his achy breaky heart officially has Medicare.

💃 Aug. 28: The White Lotus actor Jennifer Coolidge turns 65, while country superstar Shania Twain is 61.

That’s all for this week! If you enjoyed the Scoop, please share it with a friend and invite them to subscribe—it’s free!

📣 Have news, an event, a birthday or a great Ocean County tip? Send it our way. Just hit reply to this email. We’re always looking for what local seniors should know next!

Until next week, squeeze in one more summer concert, savor the tomatoes and never underestimate the power of a comfortable folding chair.

😎 The Ocean Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: We bring the news, events and occasional bad pun—not medical, legal or financial advice. Dates and details can change, so check with organizers before heading out.