There are always a lot of interesting things happening at the Council on Aging senior centers in St. Johns County and also at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library. Here’s a look.
THE PLAYERS COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER
175 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach
Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday
Phone: 904-209-3659
Lunch — Tuesdays: From noon to 1 p.m. Registration required a week in advance and fee required — $5 per meal.
Lunch — Thursdays: From noon to 1 p.m. Registration required a week in advance and fee required — $5 per meal.
Chair exercise: 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
Mexican Train Dominoes: 10 a.m. Tuesdays
Ask the Nurse: 10 a.m. Tuesdays
Canasta: 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
Bingo: 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays (Note: fee required)
Open Painting: 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays
Social Bridge: 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays
Let’s Play Board Games: 10 a.m. Wednesdays
Nintendo Wii Bowling: 10 a.m. Thursdays
Megan Wall of S.J.C. Legal Aid: 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27
Mahjong: 10 a.m. Fridays
Duplicate Bridge: Noon to 3 p.m. Fridays
COA CENTER AT UF HEALTH NOCATEE
351 Town Plaza Ave., Suite 205, Ponte Vedra
To register for any program, email pbrunell@stjohnscoa.com or call 904-814-9407.
TUESDAYS
Stretch, Strengthen, Move & Groove (No Floor): Free and easily adapted to your fitness level. Can be done standing or sitting. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m.
Caregiver Support Group: All caregivers are welcome. The group meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. every Tuesday. There is a trained facilitator present at every meeting to guide the group.
Open Card Play: Bring your deck of cards and join others in playing the card game of your choice. No instructor will be present. This is a self-directed group. 1-4 p.m. every Tuesday.
Widows Meetup: Social group meeting the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Some meetings may take place outside the COA. A one-time registration to join the group is suggested to receive meeting updates.
Rain Garden Design & Plantings: Designing a rain garden in your home landscape is an excellent way to capture and filter runoff and is beautiful and environmentally friendly. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 18.
Stress Relief through Meditation: Participants will be guided through their unique energy-clearing session. Free weekly classes beginning Feb. 18 from 3 to 3:45 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS
Open Art: Bring your art or craft project to work on while socializing with friends. Meets every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Mah Jongg Meet-up: Open play for experienced players. 1-4 p.m. Feb. 5, 12, 26; and 3-6 p.m. Feb. 19.
iPhone/iPad Class, The iOS Operating System: Attend to learn useful ways to take advantage of the newest upgrade. 10-11 a.m. Feb. 19. To register, go to https://coasjc.coursestorm.com/category/coa-center-at-nocatee
Genealogy Group: The group meets the third Wednesday of each month. February’s topic will be “Sharing Your Memories & Research of One Parent or Grandparent.” 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb 19.
Exploitation of the Elderly & Disabled: Presented by Megan Wall, managing attorney of St. Johns County Legal Aid. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 26.
Caregiver Needs Assessment: Make an appointment with a qualified dementia care specialist who will set up a time to discuss your situation, one on one; develop an individualized education and needs assessment; support and guide; and empower you to find solutions for those needs. Call to schedule a free appointment on Tuesday or Wednesday, 904-814-9407 or email pbrunell@stjohnscoa.com.
RIVER HOUSE
179 Marine St., St. Augustine
Please note: River House will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17. For questions, call 904-209-3655 (Monday-Thursday) or email tharris@coasjc.org.
Classes That Require Registration
Registration is required for the following programs, and space is limited. To review course details and to register, go to https://coasjc.coursestorm.com/category/river-house.
Flexibility and Mobility: Monday, Feb. 24, from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
iPhone & iPad Tips! Monday, Feb. 24, from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
101 Ways to Transition to a Plant-Based Diet: Monday, Feb. 24, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Balancing Your Blood Sugar and Preventing Diabetes: Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m.
Fishing: 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27.
Flexibility and Mobility: Thursday, Feb. 20, noon to 1 p.m.
Open Programs
Open programs are usually free and, where noted, may require registration. Go to www.coasjc.org/river-house for more information:
AARP Tax Help: Free tax return preparation to anyone who needs it with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers. Appointments available between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Feb. 24. Reserve a spot by calling 904-209-3655.
Container Gardening — Think Outside the Pot with Design in Mind: 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24. There will be a visual presentation and hands-on demonstration as participants venture into the world of beautiful and interesting concepts for container gardening. If you want to make your own container garden, bring a small container, soil and plants. Presented by St. Johns County Master Gardener Karen Doyle. Pre-registration is required at 904-209-3655.
Mahjong Open Play: Bring your mahjong game to play. 1-3 p.m. Mondays
Happy Hookers: A social group dedicated to crochet, knit, etc. 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays.
One-on-One Tech Help: One-on-one help for your smart phone, tablet, or laptop questions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 18 and 25. Call 904-209-3655 to reserve a one-hour spot.
W.A.V.E. (Women Against Violent Encounters): This self-defense class for women focuses on situational awareness, verbal commands, assertiveness and physical techniques. Presented by local law enforcement, 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18. (This is for women only)
Widow to Widow: A support group for widows by widows, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays
Open Game Play: Bring your deck of cards or your board game and socialize over a friendly game of your choosing. There are games available at River House. Every Thursday from 12:15 to 3:15 p.m.
Exploitation of the Elderly and Disabled: with Megan Wall of S.J.C. Legal Aid at 10-11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH BRANCH LIBRARY
The Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library has announced the following programs. For a complete schedule, go to sjcpls.org/branches/ponte-vedra-beach-branch.
Sit and Stitch
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 19
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this is the perfect gathering for you! Bring your work in progress, share tips and tricks and enjoy the company of fellow crafters. This is not an instructor-led activity, but ideas and assistance can be shared among participants.
Senior Continuum of Care Lunch-N-Learn
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 20
This is an engaging panel discussion focused on critical issues surrounding estate planning, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, as well as local resources and support groups through the Council on Aging. The expert panelists will share valuable insights on how to navigate the complexities of estate planning in the context of cognitive decline, offer practical strategies for caregivers and those living with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, discuss the future of research for cognitive diseases and offer local resources to help families. This informative session aims to empower participants to make informed decisions for a secure and dignified future. Stay for a complimentary lunch to talk with panelists afterwards. RSVP required (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
Ponte Vedra Writers Group
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 22
Calling all writers, future novelists and curious minds! Join this monthly program with engaging guest speaker Kevin Pettway discussing “Humor in Writing: How to create funny murders, monsters and romances, and why you should try.” Brought to you by a partnership between the Ponte Vedra Writers Group, Florida Writers Association and the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Public Library.
Women’s Singing Circle
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24
Join Ms. Jane, a singer and former music teacher, for a fun, informal evening of singing with other women who love to sing. She will lead participants in learning some rounds, partner songs and chants by ear, so no music-reading ability is necessary. All talent levels are welcome. For ages 16-plus. RSVP to 904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org.
Chef Warren presents “Irish Cuisine — It’s Not an Oxymoron”
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 5
People rarely put the words “Irish” and “cuisine” in the same sentence. Move beyond corned beef and cabbage and learn how this creative and healthy cuisine can be part of your diet beyond St. Patrick’s Day. Chef Warren will end the presentation with a cooking demonstration, preparing an entrée to share with the audience that anyone can replicate in their own home. Ages 14+ Please RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
Free Tech Help with David
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 6 and 20. Walk-in
Are you feeling frustrated by technology, such as how to use your laptop or your phone? Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library’s tech volunteer David Ross is here to help. Please bring your device and your questions. David can help you one-on-one with your tech, including iPhone and Android cell phones or tablets, PC and Mac laptops, and Nook and Kindle readers.
Empower Your Landscape with Native Plants
10 a.m. to noon March 8
Join a guest speaker from Native Plant Consulting to learn how you can use the power of native plants to support pollinators and other wildlife, reduce water usage and avoid using pesticides. You’ll learn how to begin a rewarding path to incorporate native plants in your landscape in a manageable way. This program will begin with an informative lecture, followed by a guided walk to identify plants in Bird Island Park. Ages 18+ Please RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
St. Paddy’s Day Performance from the Mumford Academy of Irish Dance
3-4 p.m. March 8
Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with a performance from the Mumford Academy of Irish Dance. Come for the dancing, learn a bit about Irish culture and leave with a jig to show to your family and friends. All ages welcome with adult supervision. Please RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
Adult Coloring Club at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 11, 1-3 p.m. March 25
Find fun, laughter and creativity as everyone spends time coloring together. Supplies will be provided. Feel free to bring a snack.
Dr. Gerson Yessin Music Series Presents the Duque Collective
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 11
Immerse yourself in an evening of soulful rhythms and brilliance. Enjoy a mix of classic jazz standards as well as a few original compositions from the members of the band comprised of University of North Florida students.
Sit and Stitch
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 19
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this is the perfect gathering for you. Bring your work in progress, share tips and tricks and enjoy the company of fellow crafters. This is not an instructor-led activity, but ideas and assistance can be shared among participants.
Ponte Vedra Writers Group
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 22
Calling all writers, future novelists and curious minds! Join this monthly program with engaging guest speaker Jamie Engle discussing “Rockstar Branding for Writers.” Brought to you by a partnership between the Ponte Vedra Writers Group, Florida Writers Association and the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Public Library. Come for the writing inspiration, stay for the literary magic and comradery.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
