Ocean Senior Scoop: Your weekly guide for Ocean County seniors

This week’s Scoop has a little bit of everything. We’ve got helpful programs if you need them, a few fun nights out (music bingo, anyone?), and even a parade with a brigade of basset hounds 🐶 — because why not?

Libraries are especially busy this week, and there are plenty of easy ways to get out, learn something new, or just enjoy the spring weather. Let’s take a look at what’s happening.

🤝 Helpful Happenings (resources + support)
📚 Beyond the Books (Ocean County Library picks)
🧶 More Library Events (games, crafts & classes)
🚗 Out & About (sales, history & a night out)
🎺 Doo Dah Parade (yes, with basset hounds)

Up first…

A little shopping, a little history, a little music (and bingo)… here’s what’s happening around Ocean County.

📍 First United Methodist Church of Toms River, 129 Chestnut St.
🗓️ Friday, April 17 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
🗓️ Saturday, April 18 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

This is a shop-til-you-drop kind of sale — with everything from clothes, shoes, and toys to kitchen items, housewares, linens, bedding, candles, glassware, and more.

👉 Saturday bonus: $5 bag sale (fill a bag, one price)
👉 Free admission + free parking
👉 Handicapped accessible
👉 Cash only (no returns)

There’s also a Casual Café on site with snacks and lunch available for purchase.

👉 Proceeds benefit charitable giving.

📍 Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site, Barnegat
🗓️ Saturday, April 18 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

History comes to life at this regional meeting of the League of Historical Societies of NJ, held on the historic grounds of Cedar Bridge Tavern.

The program includes a business meeting, lunch, and a featured presentation by Robert Cobb of Barnegat, focusing on Ocean County’s Revolutionary War history and the role of privateers in America’s fight for independence.

You’ll hear how Letters of Marque—authorized in April 1776—helped shape the region’s maritime history.

📞 Hosted by Ocean County Parks & Recreation: 732-506-9090

👉 Part of the broader Ocean County “America 250” celebration lineup, with events continuing throughout the year.

📍 Mathis House, 600 Main St., Toms River
🗓️ Wednesday, April 22 | 6:30 p.m.

Bingo… but make it musical (and add tea ☕).

For $20 per person, you’ll play multiple rounds of bingo where songs replace numbers — featuring hits from different genres and decades.

👉 Includes:

You can also upgrade your experience with tea sandwiches or charcuterie boards (à la carte).

📞 Reservations: 732-818-7580 or RESY

👉 A fun, low-key night out — especially if you know your music.

Ocean County Libraries are busy this week — with helpful programs, creative gatherings, wellness classes, and a few good reasons to stop by your local branch.

🍎 Fulfill NJ Drop-In Help
📍 Little Egg Harbor Branch
🗓️ Thursday, April 16 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
A representative from Fulfill NJ: FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties will be on hand for this drop-in session to answer questions, hand out applications, and explain available food assistance programs.

❤️ Caregiving Help from AARP NJ
📍 Upper Shores Branch – Upper Shores Meeting Room
🗓️ Friday, April 17 | 2–3 p.m.
This AARP NJ session offers help for anyone caring for a loved one now or preparing to do so in the future. Learn how to assess current and future needs, organize resources, create a caregiving plan, care for yourself along the way, and connect with other caregivers for support and advice.

📚 Talking Books, Braille, and Reading Support
📍 Lacey Branch – Lacey Meeting Room
🗓️ Monday, April 20 | 10:30–11:30 a.m.
In honor of National Libraries Week, learn about the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC) and the services it provides for people with visual impairments, reading disabilities, or physical limitations that make reading standard books difficult. The session will also introduce BARD, the Braille and Audio Reading Download service from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled at the Library of Congress.

🔋 The Recharge
📍 Manchester Branch – Manchester Meeting Room
🗓️ Monday, April 20 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
This monthly support group from Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, in partnership with the library, is designed for caregivers and loved ones experiencing memory loss. A licensed clinical social worker leads the group, focusing on empowerment, positivity, and support. While caregivers recharge, loved ones can take part in social activities led by a certified dementia practitioner.

💬 Support Group for Caregivers
📍 Stafford Branch – Stafford Meeting Room
🗓️ Monday, April 20 | 12–2 p.m.
Presented in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, this support group offers encouragement, information, and a place to connect with others who understand the demands of caregiving. New members are welcome.

⚪ Before You Leave: Funeral Planning 101
📍 Manchester Branch – Manchester Meeting Room
🗓️ Tuesday, April 21 | 2–3 p.m.
This workshop from the nonprofit Funeral Consumer Alliance of New Jersey takes a practical look at end-of-life planning, with tips aimed at reducing stress and saving money. Topics include planning ahead without paying ahead, choosing a funeral home, organ and full-body donation, green burial, and ways to make informed, thoughtful decisions. Presented by Laurie Powsner, LCSW.

🔥 Help for High Gas Bills
📍 Manchester Branch – Manchester Meeting Room
🗓️ Wednesday, April 22 | 10–11 a.m.
If rising energy costs have been a headache, this session from New Jersey Natural Gas is worth a look. Learn about grants, payment assistance programs, income eligibility, and how to apply. The program also covers energy-saving tips and state and federal resources that can make utility bills a little less stressful.

Programs for green thumbs, downsizers, and anyone looking to make life a little lighter.

🌱 Gardening Tips + Open House Night
📍 Tuckerton Branch, 380 Bay Ave.
🗓️ Wednesday, April 22 | 7–8:30 p.m.
The annual open house for the Tuckerton Library Association comes with a presentation from Rutgers Master Gardener Debra Cowles, who will explain optimal soil conditions and the best native plants to grow in our area. Attendees will also learn about the Rutgers Master Gardener program and the free resources available to local residents. Refreshments will be served courtesy of the Tuckerton Library Association. Registration is required.

🧹 De-cluttering and Depersonalizing: Living with Less Can Be Good
📍 Long Beach Island Branch, 217 S. Central Ave., Surf City
🗓️ Saturday, April 25 | 1 p.m.
If you’re contemplating a move, downsizing, or just trying to clear the clutter, this program with Mike Ivankovich offers more than 100 tips to help lighten your load. Sponsored by the Friends of the Island Library. Registration is required.

🌎 How to Compost Workshop
📍 Manchester Branch – Manchester Meeting Room
🗓️ Thursday, April 16 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Just in time for Earth Day, this hands-on workshop from the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management and Master Composter volunteers will teach attendees how to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost. The session includes a short recycling video, a live worm bin demonstration, and practical tips for reducing waste and improving soil health. Every attendee will receive a free compost bin and a sample of compost produced at Ocean County facilities.

A few more ways to spend some time at the library this week — games, crafts, movement, and a little social time built in.

🀄 Mah Jongg
📍 Stafford Branch – Stafford Meeting Room
🗓️ Friday, April 17 | 12:30–4 p.m.
Bring your current-year gaming card and game set, then drop in for an afternoon of Mah Jongg.

🧘 Chair Yoga for Adults
📍 Brick Branch – Brick Meeting Room
🗓️ Saturday, April 18 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Certified yoga instructor Linda Higley leads this relaxing chair yoga session. A waiver must be signed before the program begins. Registration is required.

🀄 Mahjongg Mondays
📍 Upper Shores Branch – Upper Shores Meeting Room
🗓️ Monday, April 20 | 12–3 p.m.
Come play Mah Jongg at the library and settle in for a friendly afternoon game.

🧶 Knitting at the Library
📍 Little Egg Harbor Branch – Little Egg Harbor Meeting Room
🗓️ Monday, April 20 | 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Bring your knitting or crochet project, relax, chat with fellow yarn enthusiasts, and swap patterns while you work.

🧵 Waretown Woolies Knitting Club
📍 Waretown Branch – Waretown Meeting Room
🗓️ Monday, April 20 | 1–3 p.m.
A cozy meetup for knitting, crochet, and fiber arts fans to work on current projects, share ideas, support one another, and learn new techniques.

🧶 Knitting & Fiber Arts Group
📍 Island Heights Branch
🗓️ Monday, April 20 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Bring your current fiber arts project and spend the evening sharing tips and tricks with others who love knitting, crochet, embroidery, macramé, and more. All skill levels are welcome.

🧘 Chair Yoga with Linda Higley: Afternoon Series
📍 Lacey Branch – Lacey Meeting Room
🗓️ Wednesday, April 22 | 2–3 p.m.
Certified yoga instructor Linda Higley leads this relaxing afternoon chair yoga session. A waiver must be signed before the program begins. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lacey Library. Registration is required.

A little food, a little shopping, and a little literary inspiration.

🍰 Bittersweet: The Five Tastes of Dessert and Beyond
💻 Virtual Program via Ocean County Library
🗓️ Thursday, April 23 | 7 p.m.
Author Thalia Ho, creator of the award-winning blog Butter and Brioche and author of Wild Sweetness, will discuss her newest book, Bittersweet: The Five Tastes of Dessert and Beyond. She’ll explore how bitter, sweet, sour, salty, and umami can transform desserts into something memorable. The cookbook features more than 100 dessert recipes, along with beautiful photography and reflections on taste and creativity. Registration is required.

🛍️ Brick Friends Fundraiser: Books, Bling, Bags, and Bake Sale
📍 Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Rd.
🗓️ Saturday, April 25 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Just in time for Mother’s Day, this cash-only fundraiser offers books for kids and adults, costume jewelry, purses and bags, plus baked goods including cookies, pies, cakes, cupcakes, and other treats. Donations of books, costume jewelry, and bags are currently being accepted. Proceeds support the Friends of the Brick Library and help fund branch programs and projects.

✈️ The 12 Travel Tips Every Retiree Needs to Know
Traveling in retirement is a dream for many people. Here are 12 practical tips to help make that dream a reality.
Kiplinger, April 9

💵 What Is the Social Security COLA for 2027?
One group is projecting a cost-of-living adjustment of 2.8% based on the most recent economic data.
U.S. News & World Report, April 10

🌷 We Thought Our Retirement Budget Was Set, But These 6 “Spring Surprises” Are Costing Us a Fortune
Spring is here, but so are the bills. From HVAC tune-ups to surging travel costs, here are six hidden expenses retirees must plan for in 2026.
Kiplinger, April 7

🩺 New Technologies Make Lung Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment Quicker and Safer
Many aberrations picked up on lung cancer screens are harmless and benign, but a dangerous few are not.
HealthDay News, April 6

Fresh picks for your couch this week—some buzzy, some a little offbeat, all worth a look.

🍿 “Roommates” (Netflix | April 17)
A college freshman lands a dormmate with zero boundaries—and things spiral from there. Starring Sadie Sandler, with Nick Kroll and Natasha Lyonne as her parents. Expect awkward, chaotic, and very Gen Z energy.

🏃 “The Running Man” (Prime Video | April 17)
Director Edgar Wright takes another swing at the Stephen King story. It didn’t wow critics or the box office, but there’s still some bite in its take on media and modern spectacle.

🐰 “Dust Bunny” (Max | April 17)
A young girl hires her hitman neighbor (played by Mads Mikkelsen) to take down the monsters she believes destroyed her family. Strange? Yes. Surprisingly well-reviewed? Also yes.

💸 “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” (Apple TV+)
Elle Fanning stars as a young mom navigating life, money, and a not-so-traditional side hustle. Smart, messy, and very current.

🏝️ “Love Island: Beyond the Villa” (Peacock)
The villa may be over, but the drama isn’t. Fan favorites from last season take the chaos back home—and yes, it follows them.

🥩 “Beef” Season 2 (Netflix | April 16)
The hit series returns with a brand-new cast, including Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan. Same tension, fresh story.

🇬🇧 “Big Mood” Season 2 (Tubi | April 16)
A dark comedy about friendship, mental health, and the messiness in between. Picks up one year after things fell apart—and doesn’t pretend everything’s fixed.

Grilled Cheese… but make it a protein play.
Just in time for National Grilled Cheese Day, Borden Cheese has crowned its 2026 Grilled Cheese of the Year: The Protein Powerhouse. This isn’t your standard melt—it stacks two cheeses (cheddar + mozzarella) with sliced chicken breast and a tangy Greek yogurt sauce, delivering 40+ grams of protein along with all the gooey comfort you expect.

👉 Get the full recipe here: https://www.bordencheese.com/grilled-cheese-day/

📍 Ocean City
🗓️ Saturday, April 18 | Noon

Ocean City’s wonderfully goofy Doo Dah Parade is back for its 39th year — and yes, it’s happening rain or shine. The annual celebration of humor has become a signature spring tradition and kicks off the city’s stretch of special events for the season ahead.

The parade features marching bands, floats, a grand marshal, and a crowd-favorite brigade of basset hounds — because this is Ocean City, and regular parade rules clearly do not apply.

The route starts at Sixth Street, heads downtown on Asbury Avenue to 12th Street, then turns onto the Boardwalk at 12th Street and finishes at the Boardwalk at Sixth Street.

First launched in 1986 as a way to celebrate the end of tax season, the Doo Dah Parade has grown into one of Ocean City’s most beloved spring events.

🎉 Happy 78th Birthday, Steven W. of Bay Head! Wishing you a wonderful day on April 18 filled with family, friends, and plenty of reasons to celebrate—here’s to a happy, healthy year ahead!

A few other famous people celebrating this week include: On April 15, actor Michael Tucci (“Diagnosis Murder,” “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show”) turns 80, actor Emma Thompson is 67, singer Samantha Fox is 60, and guitarist Ed O'Brien of Radiohead is 58. On April 16, singer Bobby Vinton turns 91, actor Ellen Barkin is 72, singer Jimmy Osmond is 63, singer David Pirner of Soul Asylum is 62, actor Jon Cryer is 61, and actor-comedian Martin Lawrence is 61. On April 17, actor David Bradley (“Game of Thrones”) turns 84, actor Sean Bean (“Lord of the Rings”) is 67, actor Joel Murray (“Dharma and Greg,” “The Artist”) is 64, actor Leslie Bega (“The Sopranos”) is 59, actor Jennifer Garner is 54, and singer-designer Victoria Beckham of the Spice Girls is 52.

⁉️Questions, comments or news to share? Just hit reply to this email.

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See you next week 😎
— The Ocean Senior Scoop Team

Disclaimer: Things change, weather happens, and sometimes events get moved around — so it’s always a good idea to double-check before heading out. And as always…
no medical, legal, or financial advice here — just good local info and a few fun ideas 😊