Ocean Senior Scoop: Your Local Guide to Thanksgiving Prep & Holiday Cheer

👋Hey there, Ocean County!

Ready for a little pre‑Thanksgiving sparkle? This week’s Ocean Senior Scoop is stuffed like a turkey with holiday markets, twinkly lights, pie-saving bakeries, library gems, and the latest travel buzz. Whether you're shopping small, tasting big, or just sidestepping kitchen chaos, we’ve got you covered.

🎁 Holiday Markets Worth Bundling Up For
🦃 Turkey Help Hotline
🥧 Where to Score the Best Local Pies
🗓️ Events Happening Around Town
📚 Beyond the Books: Library Highlights
🎶 Holiday POPS! Returns
🧳 Wanderlust Weekly — New Trips to Tempt You

Up first…

Mark your calendars and grab your market bags — the Brick Farmers Market Thanksgiving Edition is coming to Windward Beach Park on Saturday, November 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and it's bursting with seasonal flavor!

🍁 This one-day outdoor event is packed with local favorites, perfect for stuffing your Thanksgiving table with everything from farm-fresh produce to artisan treats, pies, and unique gifts. It’s your pre-holiday shopping made joyful — right in the heart of Brick.

🎁 Some of the crowd-pleasers include:

With over 60 local vendors, you'll also find honey, handmade soaps, pickles, seafood, mushrooms, jerky, craft jewelry, eco goods, and more.

📍 Where: Windward Beach Park, Brick, NJ
🕗 When: Saturday, November 22 | 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
🛒 What: Thanksgiving-themed farmers market, 60+ vendors, rain or shine!

This is a perfect spot to support small businesses, shop local, and grab those last-minute goodies (or start your holiday shopping early). Get there early — the pies go fast!

📍 Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences, 120 Long Beach Blvd, Loveladies
📅 Saturday, Nov. 15 – Sunday, Dec. 14
🕘 Mon–Fri 9 AM–4 PM | Sat–Sun 10 AM–3 PM
🦃 Closed Thanksgiving | 🛍️ Open Black Friday 1–4 PM
💵 FREE Admission

Ready to shop small and gift big? 🎨 The Holiday Market Festival at LBI Foundation is your one-stop holiday haven for handmade, local, and totally unique finds. From cozy scarves and coastal-inspired jewelry to original artwork, pottery, home décor, and more — there’s something for everyone on your list (and maybe a little something for you, too).

It’s festive and a perfect way to support Jersey Shore artists this season. 🌟

If your Thanksgiving turkey starts acting up — still frozen, cooking too fast, cooking too slow, or suddenly looking like a science experiment — don’t panic. The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line has your back!

Every November, their team of turkey pros fields more than 100,000 calls from home cooks across the country. Whether you’re wondering how long to thaw a 20-pound bird, whether stuffing is a good idea, or how to fix gravy that tastes suspiciously like flour,… they’ve heard it all. And yes — they are very patient.

📞 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372)
🌐 Chat, email, or text online: https://www.butterball.com/contact-us
🕙 Open daily through Thanksgiving

Bonus: Their website is packed with time-tested, step-by-step recipes, cooking guides, and genius ideas for leftovers (turkey pot pie, anyone?).

No shame in skipping the kitchen chaos — especially when a local legend is ready to do the heavy lifting. If you'd rather spend the day relaxing (or just want backup for your bird), head to Hincks Turkey Farm in Manasquan — aka the Shore’s Turkey HQ for over 80 years. They’ve got it all: fresh turkeys, turkey pot pie, turkey meatloaf, turkey chili, plus a full spread of homemade sides, salads, and desserts. Basically, if it gobbles — they’ve mastered it. Consider your feast handled.

Whether your pie crust shrinks, cracks, or mysteriously tastes like Play-Doh every year… fear not! Ocean County is loaded with bakeries and farm markets turning out show-stopping, grandma-approved pies for your Thanksgiving table. Here are a few sweet spots guaranteed to save your holiday (and your sanity).

Famous for: More than 20 varieties of pies baked fresh daily, including fruit pies, seasonal blends, and no-sugar-added options. A true farm market favorite. Info

Famous for: Fresh, homemade pies like apple, blueberry, cherry crumb, coconut custard, and pumpkin — all baked on-site. Info

Famous for: Custom cakes plus seasonal pies and mini-pies that sell out quickly during the holidays. Info

Famous for: Classic American pies with generous fillings — especially apple and pumpkin — and a loyal Thanksgiving following. Info

Famous for: Italian-style fruit pies and custard pies made from long-standing family recipes. Info

Famous for: Scratch-made, gourmet-style pies and seasonal dessert specials with modern flavor twists. Info

Wheelchair? Hearing Aids? Yes. ‘Disabled’? No Way: Many older Americans shun an identity that could bring helpful accommodations, improve care and provide community. The New York Times, Nov. 15.

Medicare to Cover Obesity Drugs Under Trump Deal for as Little as $50. What You Need to Know: Trump's deal slashes GLP-1 drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries and others, unlocking coverage for millions with obesity and related conditions. Kiplinger, Nov. 14.

How Safe is Your Hospital? Check These Leapfrog Group Grades to Find Out: A new grading of U.S. hospitals from the patient safety organization Leapfrog Group is now available.

More Drugs to Fight High Cholesterol Are Emerging: Patients have options beyond statins, and other alternatives are on the horizon. Wall Street Journal, Nov. 8.

A busy, merry week is on deck across Ocean County — from holiday markets to Victorian tea rooms to classical concerts. Here’s what’s worth circling on your calendar.

5–7pm • TRAC: Toms River Artist Community
Relax, create, and connect with fellow heroes.
📍 40 Main St, Toms River
Info

2pm • Grunin Center for the Arts
A world-class duo performing Beethoven and Brahms. Tickets just $10.
🎟️ grunincenter.org
☎️ 732-255-0500
📍 College Drive, Toms River

9am–2pm • Lacey United Methodist Church
Crafts, vendors, baked goods, homemade soups & chili — plus pictures with Santa (10am–1pm). Info
📍 203 Lacey Road
☎️ 609-693-5222

9:30am–3pm • St. Francis Community Center
A festive market packed with handmade goods and holiday cheer.
📍 4700 Long Beach Blvd
☎️ 609-494-8861

10am–3pm • Pelican Island Clubhouse
Browse handmade décor, candles, coffee, crafts, and more — a perfect gift-hunting stop.
🎟️ eventbrite.com (search: Pelican Island Holiday Craft Fair)
📍 250 Sunset Dr North

12:30pm • OCC Planetarium
TTake the grandkids! A fun family show where Big Bird, Elmo & Hu Hu Zhu explore the sky.
🎟️ booking.ocean.edu

10am–2pm • Toms River Country Club
Shop local vendors and support Extended Arms of NJ.
📍 419 Washington Street

5–7:30pm • Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Support for grandparents and relatives raising children. Registration required.
☎️ 732-349-1247
📍 1623 Whitesville Rd

Here’s what’s happening across Ocean County’s library branches this week.

Lakewood Branch
Support local veterans by donating nonperishables, cases of water, snacks, or $10–$20 grocery gift cards. Benefits the Vetwork Bill Reeves Food Pantry.

Plumsted — Wed, Nov. 19, 1–3pm
A relaxed afternoon of yarn, conversation, and creativity. Bring your favorite project.

Berkeley — Wed, Nov. 19, 6–7pm
Learn simple chords and easy songs with music teacher Joe Brausam. Perfect for beginners. Registration encouraged.

Stafford — Wed, Nov. 19, 6:30–8pm
A welcoming, volunteer-led space for anyone affected by Huntington’s. Drop in.

Toms River — Wed, Nov. 19, 7–8:30pm
Enjoy American standards performed by guitarist Brian Betz and vibraphonist Behn Gillece. Q&A included.

LBI — Thu, Nov. 20, 10–11am
Learn self-care strategies and try a calming music-and-art activity. Registration required.

Barnegat — Thu, Nov. 20, 11am–12pm
Understand normal vs. atypical memory changes and early warning signs.

Beachwood (Mayo Park Center) — Thu, Nov. 20, 11am–12pm
A soothing crystal-bowl sound bath to help you reset and relax. Bring a mat or use a chair.

Stafford — Thu, Nov. 20, 1–3pm
Learn the basics or bring a project. Beginners: size 9 needles or I-hook + light yarn.

Manchester — Thu, Nov. 20, 2–3pm
Play cards, solve easy crosswords, and meet new friends. Drop in.

Jackson — Mon, Nov. 24, 10:30am–12pm
Make a soft, no-sew turkey pillow for Thanksgiving. All materials provided.

Toms River — Tue, Nov. 25, 11am–12:30pm
Support for caregivers, plus supervised activities for loved ones. Call 732-505-2273.

Stafford — Tue, Nov. 25, 12–2pm
Crafting, coloring, conversation, and lunch. Register to attend.

Waretown — Tue, Nov. 25, 1:30–3:30pm
One-on-one help with smartphones, email, computers, or OCL digital tools.

Toms River — Tue, Nov. 25, 6:30–8pm
Relax under the atrium stars with curated vinyl selections.

Stafford — Wed, Nov. 26, 12–2pm
Learn how to balance the challenges of caregiving. Registration required.

A super-sized new ShopRite is coming to Manahawkin! 🛒 The massive supermarket taking over the former Kmart in Manahawkin Commons is just about finished — and it could open as soon as next month. The new store at 733 Route 72 West will officially replace the current ShopRite in Stafford Square Mall. In fact, signs at the existing store already list a target opening date: Dec. 10. Bigger aisles, more parking, and a bright new space? Yes, please. 🍎🥦🛍️

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s beloved Holiday POPS! concert is back on Saturday, December 13, with two performances (3pm & 6pm) at Richardson Auditorium.

This year’s festive lineup features GRAMMY®-winning baritone and NJ native John Brancy, acclaimed mezzo-soprano Kara Dugan, and the always-wonderful Princeton High School Choir. John Devlin returns to conduct.

Expect a joyful mix of classics by Handel, Mendelssohn, Coleridge-Taylor, and Elgar, plus holiday favorites like “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and “Sleigh Ride.” And yes—there’s a carol sing-along!

Tickets: $30–$110
Youth (3–17): 50% off with adult purchase
Groups (10+): 20% discount
🎟️ princetonsymphony.org • ☎️ 609-497-0020

Perfect for kicking off the season with big, beautiful sound.

Your couch is calling—and this week’s watchlist answers with frontier grit, assassin chills, and a cowboy who’s ready to spill all the tea.

🚂 Train Dreams – Netflix, Fri (Nov 21)
Joel Edgerton stars in this slow-burning frontier stunner about a logger watching the world change. Adapted from Denis Johnson’s novella, it’s lyrical, haunting, and gorgeous.

🌹 The Roses – Streaming This Week
Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch go full scorched earth in this deliciously dark comedy remake of The War of the Roses. Marriage meltdown never looked this good.

🔍 A Man on the Inside – Netflix, Thu
Ted Danson is back as Charles, the widowed sleuth. This season: college hijinks, cryptic clues, and campus crushes—with real-life wife Mary Steenburgen joining the fun.

🎭 Vanguard – Viaplay, Tue
Craving another media-empire drama after Succession? Dive into this Swedish power struggle full of boardroom backstabbing and family fireworks.

🔫 The Assassin – AMC+, Thu
Keeley Hawes as a retired killer trying to stay low-key in Greece—until her son shows up with baggage. Moody, stylish, and mother-son messy.

🤠 High Horse: The Black Cowboy – Peacock, Thu
Jordan Peele rides into docuseries territory with this eye-opening 3-part look at the real history of Black cowboys in America. Essential viewing.

Ken Burns’ The American Revolution – PBS, Nov 16–21
Burns brings his signature depth to a six-part epic on the birth of a nation. Airing nightly or stream anytime with PBS Passport.

🗓️ Episode Schedule:

Dreaming of where to go next? We’ve got some ideas!

If you’re craving a holiday outing that feels downright magical, A Longwood Christmas returns Nov. 21–Jan. 11, transforming Longwood Gardens into a glittering world of jewel tones, twinkling lights, and holiday artistry.

Inside the Conservatory, you’ll find towering trees in sapphire blues, ruby reds, emerald greens, and metallic golds. The showstopper? A 12-foot jewel-encrusted Fraser fir rising from a giant jewelry box—yes, really—complete with gemstone ornaments and shimmering garlands. Outdoors, more than 500,000 lights illuminate the Gardens, plus the fan-favorite Wildlife Tree, the Meadow Tunnel, the Garden Railway, and festive fountain shows.

Looking to dine? Enjoy the lavish Taste of Christmas buffet (Dec. 21–24 & 26–30), or savor a prix-fixe jewel-themed meal at the 1906 Restaurant.
🎟️ Timed tickets required; adults $45; longwoodgardens.org

Meet Celebrity Xcel, the newest ship in Celebrity’s Edge-Series — and it’s a beauty. Designed using input from real guests, Xcel debuts with seven brand-new spaces, including The Bazaar, a three-story food-and-entertainment hub, plus a sunny outdoor “Vitamin D Deck” perfect for lounging. Xcel sails 7-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas, Mexico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and more. Europe is on deck for summer 2026. Info

Foodies, rejoice — the brand-new Oceania Allura has officially launched, and she may be the most delicious ship at sea. With 12 dining venues, a new crêperie serving waffles & gelato, and dishes inspired by Jacques Pépin, Allura is built for travelers who savor every bite. Rooms are extra spacious (290+ sq. ft!), making it perfect for longer, relaxing itineraries. Sailings range from 7 to 34 days, visiting 90+ ports. Info

Long-range planners, get excited. Princess just rolled out 43 new itineraries visiting 31 ports across the Caribbean and a lineup of unforgettable Panama Canal crossings.

A standout for all ages: Celebration Key, a Bahamas private-island escape with calm lagoons, dining, family zones, and peaceful adult areas. The Panama Canal itineraries include 21 destinations and seven UNESCO sites — a bucket-list dream for many. Info

⁉️Questions, comments or news to share? Email us at [email protected]

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🦃See you next week!

P.S. Just in case no one told you, this Thanksgiving you deserve the biggest slice of pie, the comfiest seat on the couch, and at least one leftover sandwich.

Happy Thanksgiving, Ocean County.
We’re thankful for YOU. 💛

The Better With Age New Jersey team