Ocean Senior Scoop: What’s Happening This Week

Welcome back, Ocean County!
From George Washington in Brick to a big book sale on LBI — plus free tax help, chair yoga, tech workshops, and heart-health screenings — here’s everything happening this week, all in one place.

In This Week’s Ocean Senior Scoop:

Up first…

If your property taxes have been climbing faster than your grocery bill, listen up.

New Jersey’s Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) Program reimburses eligible seniors and disabled residents for property tax increases on their primary home (or mobile home site fees).

Even better? The 2025 application is now a combined form covering:
✔ Senior Freeze
✔ ANCHOR
✔ Stay NJ

One application. Multiple programs. Fewer headaches.

Eligibility is based on age, income and residency for 2024 & 2025.
🗓 Deadline: Nov. 2, 2026

George Washington Comes to Brick

📍 Brick Branch – 301 Chambers Bridge Rd
🗓 Wednesday, Feb. 25
🕡 6:30 PM

Celebrate Presidents’ Day with a live portrayal of George Washington by Dr. Jeff Schenker, adjunct history professor at Ocean County College and 2025 Virginia E. Haines Award recipient. He’ll cover Washington’s early life, Revolutionary War leadership, presidency and more — bringing the Father of Our Country to life.

🎟 Free program. Registration required.
Register: tinyurl.com/BrickWashington
📞 732-477-4513

Historical Valentine’s Day at Jackson

📍 Jackson Branch – 2 Jackson Dr.
🗓 Wednesday, Feb. 25
🕑 2 PM

“Valentine’s Day: Tea, Flowers, Fans, and Chocolate” dives into the 19th-century origins of romantic traditions. Learn how tea parties became flirt fests, how flowers and fans carried secret messages, and how the first chocolate Valentine boxes were born.

Victorian romance meets Ocean County charm.

🎟 Free program. Registration required.
Register: tinyurl.com/ValentineJackson

Brick Library Jazz Spotlight

📍 Brick Branch – 301 Chambers Bridge Rd
🗓 Saturday, Feb. 28
🕝 2:30 PM

In honor of Black History Month, presenter Rick Feingold explores the life and legacy of Miles Davis — from Kind of Blue (the best-selling jazz album of all time) to Birth of the Cool, Porgy and Bess, and Sketches of Spain.

Expect music, history, and a look at the complicated genius behind the legend.

Presented through the generosity of the Brick Friends of the Library.

🎟 Free program. Registration required.
Register: tinyurl.com/MilesBrick

Stock Up for Beach-Read Season Early

📍 Long Beach Island Branch – 217 S. Central Ave., Surf City
🗓 Friday, Feb. 27 & Saturday, Feb. 28
🕘 9 AM–3 PM

The Friends of the Island Library are hosting a two-day “Big Book Sale” with titles for all ages — and budget-friendly prices. Proceeds support expanded programming and projects at the LBI Branch.

Good deals. Good cause. Good excuse to browse.

📍 Lacey Branch – Forked River
🗓 Closed Feb. 14–23

The branch is closed for carpet/tiling upgrades.

• Holds will transfer to the Waretown Branch (opens 10 AM Mon–Sat)
• Book drop remains open
• Due dates for Chromebooks, hotspots & Launchpads will be adjusted
• Digital services remain available 24/7 at theoceancountylibrary.org

Nearby branches are open for in-person services.

If you’ve been saying, “They don’t make Vegas like they used to,” good news — they just did.

Circus Circus Las Vegas has opened a brand-new old-school bingo hall and expanded coin-operated slots — and it’s now the only Strip property offering both bingo and coin-operated machines.

We’re talking:
• Paper cards
• Real ink daubers
• Cheap eats
• Live gameplay
• Cash prizes from $50 to $1,500

Five bingo sessions run Thursdays–Sundays starting at 3 p.m., with 14 games per session. Full session packages are $30.

Translation? It’s giving 1978 Vegas… but with updated carpet.

If you miss affordable, classic, slightly nostalgic Las Vegas — this might be your moment.

Overseas Adventure Travel just announced its 2027 Immersions Collection — and this one’s designed for travelers who want meaningful experiences… without disappearing for three weeks.

These are:
• 9- to 10-day itineraries
• Small groups
• Slower pacing
• More hands-on experiences

Highlights include:

🇯🇴 Jordan – Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea + desert overnights
🇰🇪 Kenya – Amboseli & Masai Mara safari lodges
🇯🇵 Japan – Bullet trains, sushi-making & sumo wrestlers
🇮🇹 Italy – High-speed rail, gondolas, cooking classes

It’s cultural depth + active exploration + fewer hotel changes.

Basically: less rushing, more connecting.

For many 50+ travelers, that’s the sweet spot.

If you’ve got grandkids (or just love a good Broadway-caliber show at sea), Disney Cruise Line just dropped its Summer 2027 lineup — and it’s big.

Here’s what’s sailing:

🇪🇺 Disney Wish heads to Europe
Stops include Croatia, Italy, and Norway.

🏔 Alaska returns
Disney Magic & Disney Wonder sail seven-night Alaska itineraries from Vancouver.

🏝 Bahamas & Caribbean expansion
Multiple ships sailing from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale with 3- to 10-night options.

🇸🇬 Singapore sailings continue
Disney Adventure offers short Southeast Asia itineraries.

Plus:
🦸 Marvel Day at Sea returns
🎬 Pixar Day at Sea continues

Early booking for loyalty members begins Feb. 16. Public booking opens Feb. 23.

Pro tip: If you’re thinking multigenerational trip, the earlier you book, the better the cabin options.

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

10 Tax Breaks for People Over 50
Growing older qualifies you for a variety of tax perks that aren't available to younger workers. U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 12.

Why 'Locking' Your Social Security Number Is the New Credit Freeze
Here is how to keep your Social Security number private in an age of aggressive cybercriminals. Kiplinger, Feb. 12.

The Guthrie Case Raises a Hard Question: Can You Protect Parents From Afar?
Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping highlights the challenges families face when elderly loved ones live alone. USA Today, Feb. 11.

Apple Watch's High Blood Pressure Alert Has Gaps Regarding Seniors, Study Warns
Middle-aged folks and seniors who don’t get a warning might still be at risk for undiagnosed high blood pressure. HealthDay News, Feb. 10.

Remote ready? Here’s what’s new (and nostalgic) on your couch this week:

🎬 Urchin (Hulu)
Actor Harris Dickinson steps behind the camera for a gritty London drama about an unhoused addict trying to survive. Critics are buzzing — heavy, but powerful.

❄️ Dead of Winter (HBO Max, Friday, Feb. 20)
Emma Thompson + Minnesota blizzard + armed couple in a remote cabin. Enough said. Cozy up — this thriller is icy.

🌫 Still in your Wuthering Heights era?
Pick your Heathcliff:
• The 1939 Laurence Olivier classic (HBO Max)
• The faithful 1992 Ralph Fiennes version (free on Kanopy)
• Andrea Arnold’s 2011 reimagining (free on Tubi)
• The 2009 British miniseries (BritBox)

🕵️ The Night Agent – Season 3 (Netflix, Thursday)
More counter-intelligence drama, international intrigue, and life-or-death secrets. Istanbul this time.

🥊 The Last Thing He Told Me – Season 2 (Apple TV, Friday)
Jennifer Garner returns — and so does the husband who vanished five years ago. Expect danger, twists, and yes, some action.

Big news, grandparents — the rides are coming to you (no plane ticket required).

Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition just made its world premiere at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia — and it’s basically a backstage pass to the worlds your grandkids love.

We’re talking:

🧙‍♂️ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
🦈 Jaws
🟡 Minions
🦖 Jurassic World
🐉 How to Train Your Dragon
🎮 SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™

The 18,000-square-foot exhibit features eight galleries, 20 interactive experiences, and 100 real props and artifacts. Kids (and let’s be honest… you too) can program animation, experiment with projection mapping, step inside a ride vehicle, and snap photos with iconic scenes.

It runs Feb. 14–Sept. 7, 2026 — open daily, with special evening hours Thursday–Saturday. Daytime tickets include full museum admission. Evening tickets are exhibit-only and easier on the wallet. Perfect winter or spring break day trip.

Science + movie magic + Mario = grandparent win. 🎟️✨

Ocean County Library | Feb. 19–25

From free tax help to chair yoga, heart health screenings to 70s bingo — Ocean County libraries are busy (in the best way). Here’s what’s happening branch by branch:

AARP Tax Aide Program
📍 Jackson Branch | Jackson Meeting Room
🗓 Thursday, Feb. 19 | 🕤 9:30 AM–1:30 PM

Free tax assistance by AARP volunteers. Appointments required.

Bring previous year(s) returns, photo ID, Social Security or I-TIN card, and all relevant tax documents.
📞 Call 732-440-9356 for an appointment.

Chair Yoga
📍 Upper Shores Branch
🗓 Friday, Feb. 20 | 🕤 9:30–10:30 AM
Certified instructor Regina Pietersen leads this strength-boosting session. Waiver required.
📞 732-793-3996 if you need to cancel.

Chair Yoga for Adults
📍 Brick Branch | Brick Meeting Room
🗓 Saturday, Feb. 21 | 🕚 11 AM–12 PM
Relaxing session led by Linda Higley. Waiver required. Please register.

Excel Basics
📍 Lakewood Branch
🗓 Friday, Feb. 20 | 🕙 10–11:30 AM
Learn how to create and format spreadsheets. Mouse skills required. Registration required.

Senior Tech Workshop: Personalized Help
📍 Upper Shores Branch
🗓 Friday, Feb. 20 | 🕑 2–3 PM
Bring your device and questions. Retired IT professional Darren Tietsworth offers one-on-one help. Registration required.

Adult Gaming: Canasta
📍 Little Egg Harbor Branch
🗓 Friday, Feb. 20 | 🕑 2–4 PM
Friendly competition playing the classic card game. Please register.

Golden Grooves Karaoke
📍 Waretown Branch
🗓 Monday, Feb. 23 | 🕕 6–8 PM
Sing, laugh, connect. Light refreshments provided. Sponsored by Friends of the Waretown Branch.

Seventies Music Bingo
📍 Stafford Branch
🗓 Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 🕝 2:30–4 PM
Outta sight tunes. Far out fun. Please register.

Heart Health Bingo
📍 Long Beach Island Branch
🗓 Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 🕑 2–3 PM
Play bingo while learning heart-healthy tips. Win prizes like a pulse oximeter or blood pressure monitor. Please register.

Knitting at the Library
📍 Little Egg Harbor Branch
🗓 Monday, Feb. 23 | 🕧 12:30–2:30 PM
Bring your knit or crochet project and swap patterns.

Waretown Woolies Knitting Club
📍 Waretown Branch
🗓 Monday, Feb. 23 | 🕐 1–3 PM
Fiber friends unite — share ideas and techniques.

Beginner Crocheting Class
📍 Toms River Branch | Sparks’s Lab (Makerspace)
🗓 Monday, Feb. 23 | 🕡 6:30–7:30 PM
Learn stitches, tools and basic pattern reading. Supplies limited. Please register.

Wooden Transportation Model Craft – 1950s
📍 Island Heights Branch
🗓 Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 🕝 2:30–4 PM
Build and paint a vintage wooden model as part of OCL’s 100th anniversary celebration. Registration required.

Adult Craft & Relax: Hot Chocolate Tea Light Mugs
📍 Plumsted Branch
🗓 Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 🕝 2:30–3:30 PM
All supplies provided. Seating limited. Please register.

Creative Social Connections for Seniors
📍 Stafford Branch
🗓 Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 🕛 12–2 PM
Craft, socialize and enjoy lunch. Potential allergens. Space limited — please register.

Black History Month Celebration with NAACP & Dave Revels
📍 Toms River Branch | Mancini Hall
🗓 Saturday, Feb. 21 | 🕛 12–3 PM

Food tasting prepared by the Toms River Area NAACP and a musical performance by Dave Revels — veteran singer, producer and creator of the Motown tribute show Shadows of the 60s.

Sponsored by the Toms River Area NAACP and the Friends of the Ocean County Library – Toms River.
Please register. (Potential allergens.)

Heart Health Presentation
📍 Lacey Branch
🗓 Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 🕚 11 AM–12 PM
Learn about heart disease, risk factors and prevention. Presented by the Ocean County Health Department. Please register.

Health Fair at the Library!
📍 Manchester Branch
🗓 Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 🕚 11 AM–1 PM

Free screenings by Deborah Heart and Lung Center including:
• Blood pressure check
• Blood oxygen level
• Body mass analysis
• Sleep apnea screening

Great opportunity to “know your numbers.”

Discover Your Inner Calm: Exploring Meditation Styles
📍 Lacey Branch
🗓 Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 🕑 2–3 PM

Led by Vellus Campbell from Holisticare Hospice. Explore different meditation styles and end with a guided session. Please register.

Good news, Ocean.

The deep freeze is loosening its grip — and those giant gray snow piles in the ShopRite parking lot? Their days are numbered.

Forecasts for Feb. 18–22 show temperatures climbing out of the icebox and into much friendlier territory across New Jersey. Expect a gradual warm-up through the week, with daytime highs nudging into the 40s and possibly even low 50s by the weekend.

It’s not beach weather (let’s not get carried away), but it is melt-the-snowbank weather — and we’ll take it.😎

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See you next week!

The Ocean Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: Events can change, tickets can sell out, and Mother Nature still does whatever she wants. Always double-check details before heading out. We share the fun — you make the final call. And as always, this newsletter is for informational purposes only not medical, legal, or tax advice.