Upcoming Council on Aging events and activities

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The Grand Tasting Event

Sunday, Feb. 17 from 2 to 5 p.m.

The Grand Tasting event of the St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival will be held at the River House. The event, which will benefit Council on Aging, will feature a taste sampling of more than 100 authentic Spanish wines along with hors d'oeuvres and Spanish music by guitarist Dennis Fermin. 

The Grand Tasting event is a part of the St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival, which celebrates the 500th birthday of Pedro Menéndez (St. Augustine’s founder) and Spanish wines. 

“If anyone wants to immerse themselves in Spanish wine, then the St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival is the way to do it,” said Joseph Boles, president of the St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival Board of Directors. “Remember, our founder, Pedro Menéndez, arrived on our shores with 800 casks of wine, one for each person.” 

The St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival began in 2012 to connect St. Augustine to the city’s Spanish history through a series of events that feature Spanish wine, cuisine and culture while also raising money for local charities. Since the festival began, more the $325,000 has been donated to local charities. 

Tickets to the Grand Tasting are $75 per person and are available to purchase at www.SpanishWineFestival.com or by calling (904) 460-8763. The River House is located at 179 Marine Street in St. Augustine.

Forward Leadership Class

Wednesdays, March 6 through April 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Attend Forward Leadership class and find out how Supervisor of Elections Vicky Oakes decides how many ballots to print and what happens to them once voters cast their vote. Designed to equip active adults, age 50 and over, with insights and first-hand knowledge to enhance positive change in the community through advocacy and volunteerism, this six-week program takes attendees behind the scenes of education, healthcare, tourism, history and government in St. Johns County. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the movers and shakers who make where they live “tick” and ask them personally about issues that concern them. Among other leaders, there will be the opportunity to ask St. Augustine Mayor Shaver what her visions are for St. Augustine, discuss with Tax Collector Dennis Hollingsworth his perspective on county growth and ask questions to St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar about innovative ways the department is solving crimes. 

For more information on how to apply, call Sue Richerson, program manager, St. Johns County Council on Aging at (904) 209-3631.

River House Book Club

Second Tuesday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m.

 Joining a book club is a great way to be consistent in reading, delve deeper into books and make some great friends. Meeting at the River House, this group is complimentary and made possible by the St. Johns County public library book mobile. 

March 12: Basket Case by Carl Hiaasen

Dinner and a Movie at the River House

Third Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m.

In addition to dinner, guests will receive a soft drink and popcorn. Beer and wine are available at an additional cost. Advanced payment and registration are required. Call (904) 209-3655 to reserve a seat. The cost is $15 for River House members and $20 for non-members.  

Senior Singles Group

First Tuesday of each month

Join local seniors for food and fun conversation on the first Tuesday of each month at various restaurants. Call (904) 209-3655 for reservations.

March 5: Back 40 at 11:30 a.m. Located at 6101 A1A S. in St. Augustine.

April 2: Columbia Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. Located at 98 St. George Street in St. Augustine.

Grief Support Group 

Third Tuesday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. 

For those that are grieving over the loss of a loved one, this support group welcomes those to join the monthly bereavement group where attendees can share thoughts, memories and issues about these special people. This complimentary support group is led by Rhona (Ronnie) Botnick, a bereavement counselor with over 25 years of experience.  Call (904) 209-3655 to join this support group. It is held at the River House. 

French Classes (Levels 1 & 2)

Wednesdays

Discover France and the French Language with this interactive 6-week course that will help attendees learn basic French language skills and understand French culture through role-playing, storytelling and a situational real-life learning environment. This language and culture class will be taught by a native French instructor, Denise Baudinet, who has traveled worldwide and strengthened her interest in expanding multicultural communications and understanding. Call (904) 209-3655 to register or for more information about this six-week session. The cost is $30 for River House members and $35 for non-members. The River House is located at 179 Marine Street.

Spanish Classes (Levels 1, 2, & 3)

Thursdays 

Join this group at the River House on Thursdays for this six-week session to learn the language of Spanish. Participants will also enjoy learning about Spanish culture in this fun and interactive class. The cost is $30 members and $35 non-members. Call (904) 209-3655 to register and to find out more information about dates and times. 

Pen and Ink Art

Mondays March 4 through April 1 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Join this group at the River House for a five-week fun and informative art class. Students with basic skills and knowledge in the composition of ink drawings will be completing their own masterpieces by the end of the course. Bring a preferred type of ink pen (ink brush, ballpoint, or nips) and paper. Instructor Suzanne Peters has studied various forms of art all over the world and she is excited to share her passion. The cost for the class is $30 for River House members and $35 for non-members. Call (904) 209-3655 for a reservation. 

Tech Tuesdays for iPhone & iPad

Every Tuesday from March 5 to April 23 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Join this group at the River House for Tech Tuesday sessions that focus exclusively on iPhones and iPads with instructor Kai Long. Attendees will need to bring their iPhone or iPad with them. The cost for this seven-week course is $50 for members and $60 for non-members. For reservations, call (904) 209-3655. 

March 5: iPhone/iPad Basics

March 12: iPhone/iPad Camera & Photo App

March 19: iPhone/iPad Editing Photos & Videos

March 26: Using Maps & GPS

April 2: Using Contact Folder

April 9: Using Safari (Search Internet/Bookmarks/Reader View)

April 23: Using Siri & Ways to Save Battery Life

 Watercolor Painting

Thursdays March 7-28 from 10 a.m. to noon

Attendees should bring a picture of something they would like to paint (photo, landscape, animal) and join this group at the River House for this fun and informative art class. Instructor Jaime Bernstein has over 20 years of teaching experience to guide attendees in creating their own masterpiece. The cost for the class is $25 for River House Members and $30 for Non-Members. Call (904) 209-3655 for a reservation

Suggested supplies can be found at Michaels Craft Supply Store:

Folk Artsy Sponges

Watercolor Paper (9x12 or 8x10)

White Plastic Paint Palette

Twelve Pack of Tubed Watercolors

Variety Pack of Watercolor Brushes

Fan Brush (size 6 or 8)

Set of 12 Watercolor Pencils

Meditation with Grace

Wednesdays April 3-24 from 11 a.m. to noon

Join this group at the River House for a peaceful meditation class for beginners. This class will teach attendees effortless techniques that will help them with visualization practices, proper uses of breath, listening techniques and various ways to relieve stress and anxiety. Instructor Grace Mazzola is excited to introduce everyone to the beautiful and useful art of meditation. The cost is $20 for River House Members and $25 for Non-Members. Call (904) 209-3655 for a reservation. 

Jewelry Beading Class

Mondays April 8-29 at 1 to 3 p.m.

This class is great for those wanting to get in tune with their creative sides. Join instructor Shirley Nacey at the River House to make bracelets and necklaces with unique and intriguing beads to enhance style or make a gift for a friend. The cost is $40 for River House members and $50 for non-members. Call (904) 209-3655 for a reservation. 

Flow Yoga Class 

Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m.

Yoga keeps bodies more fit and the mind calmer and more relaxed. It is also beneficial in the prevention and control of common health and emotional problems linked with aging. It helps people in becoming more in touch with themselves and their bodies, enabling them to accept who they are and the state they are in which creates a positive approach in life. The cost per class is $4 for River House Activity members and $5 for non-members.  Call (904) 209-3655 for reservations and information. 

Scrabble Club

Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Newcomers are always welcome.  There is no charge to River House activity members and $4 to non-members. Call (904) 209-3655 for more information. The River House is located at 179 Marine Street.

Gypsy Skirt Dancing 

Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m.

Many cultures around the world including India, Egypt, Spain, Africa, Mexico and the Caribbean dance with big skirts. This fun, festive class celebrates diversity and the gypsy in us all. Moves are basic, but it’s still a great workout. Plus, other fun props (fans, umbrellas, etc.) will be added to the gypsy repertoire. Loaner skirts will be available in each class. The cost for each session is $4 members and $5 non-members. Call (904) 209-3655 for your reservations. This class will be held at the River House. 

Legally Speaking Lecture Series

Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. 

Join Attorney Megan Wall from St. Johns County Legal Aid as she discusses various legal topics for seniors. These free and open to the public lectures will be held at River House. 

March 1: Should You Ever Put Someone Else’s Name on Your Deed?

April 5: Do you Need a Will?

May 3: Is Probate a Dirty Word?

Aug. 2: How to Avoid Being a Victim of Predatory Lending?”

Sept. 6: Rights of a Debtor

Oct. 4: Spouse in a Nursing Home…Do You Have to Go Broke?

Nov. 1: Do You Need a Living Will and How Can You Avoid the Need for a Guardianship?”

Dec. 6: How to Handle Your Kids on Legal Issues

Volunteers Needed at St. Johns County Council on Aging

St. Augustine: Volunteer are needed to help answer phones, etc. three hours a week at Council on Aging Transportation Department. Call (904) 209-3686 or email aleach@stjohnscoa.com

Ponte Vedra: Coffee Bar/kitchen volunteer needed 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays or Thursdays. Call (904) 209-3686 or email aleach@stjohnscoa.com

Ponte Vedra: Dining room volunteers are needed Tuesdays or Thursdays at THE PLAYERS Community Senior Center. Call (904) 209-3686 or email aleach@stjohnscoa.com