There are a lot of fun things to do this month. Here are some great ideas.
THE PLAYERS COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER
The following programs will be held at COA’s THE PLAYERS Community Senior Center, 175 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach. Most activities are weekly. If you have any questions, call the center at 904-209-3659. For more information, go to coasjc.org/ponte-vedra-center. Note the center will be closed Dec. 24-26 for the Christmas holiday.
- Lunch — Tuesdays: Noon to 1 p.m. Registration is required a week in advance and the required fee is $5 per meal due upon arrival.
- Lunch — Thursdays: Noon to 1 p.m. Registration is required a week in advance and the required fee is $5 per meal due upon arrival.
- Duplicate Bridge: Noon to 3 p.m. Fridays, starting Dec. 5. Required fee is $2 per person, per Friday. You must have a partner and experience to play.
- Hisshin Sumi-e Painting Class: Traditional East Asian brush painting. This class meets 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 11. Fee: $3 per person.
- Chair Exercise — Tuesdays: 9:30 to 10 a.m.
- Chair Exercise — Thursdays: 9:30 to 10 a.m.
- Tai Chi (Beginner): 10-11 a.m. Thursdays
- Canasta — Thursdays: 10 a.m. to noon
- Bingo — Tuesdays: 1-2 p.m. Fee is $1 per card
- Bingo — Thursdays: 1-2 p.m. Fee is $1 per card
- Let’s Play Board Games: 10 a.m. to noon Wednesdays. Rummikub, Scrabble, Yahtzee, cards and more! Enjoy socializing and making new friends while participating in some friendly competition.
- Wii Bowling: 10-11 a.m. Thursdays
- Computer Room: Available Tuesdays through Fridays during open hours; general assistance available
- Christmas Photos: The Christmas tree is up and will make the perfect backdrop for a complimentary 4-by-6-inch photo of you! Volunteer Scott Adkins is the photographer. Come dressed for the season and bring your best smile from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 4.
- Medicare’s GUIDE Program: Learn about Medicare’s new groundbreaking approach to dementia care with Anette Picard from Concierge Care and Angela Young with Mobile Medical. The program aims to improve quality of life for the patient and offers much-needed support for the caregiver. 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 4.
- Bus Trip – Jacksonville Symphony: Registration was required for this bus trip to the Jacksonville Symphony’s “Holiday Pops” concert. It’s one of several “Coffee Series Concerts” offered by the Jacksonville Symphony. Everyone will travel by bus to enjoy coffee and cookies at the concert hall before the hour-long performance. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Fee: $40
- Holiday Traditions with Toastmasters: Take a trip down memory lane, sharing what made Christmas so special in your family. Karen and Chris from the Ponte Vedra Beach Toastmasters Club will help lead the conversations as everyone shares and learns how traditions vary through the generations! Enjoy holiday cookies, hot chocolate, and warm cider from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 9.
- Wellness & Longevity: What better gift to give yourself than a guide to healthy aging after 60? Naara Ferguson with Senior Helpers will offer valuable information on not only how to live well but also some veteran benefits. 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 11
- A Christmas Story Reading: George Richardson continues the holiday spirit with an excerpt from Charles Dickens’ famous holiday classic! Pianist Ivan Smith will provide sounds of the season. 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 16
- Bus Trip – River House: Registration was required for this annual bus trip down to the COA’s own River House to enjoy their “Winter Extravaganza.” There will be art displays and dance performances by many of River House’s class participants. Upon returning to the senior center, everyone will enjoy a pizza party lunch! 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. Fee required.
- White Elephant Gift Exchange: Bring a wrapped, untagged gift (up to $20 value) to participate in this fun gift exchange. Gifts may be “regifts,” new, or humorous. 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 18.
- Tea & Honey Sales: In need of a last-minute Christmas gift? What better way to say, “Merry Christmas!” than with June and Dennis Hill’s delicious local honey and loose-leaf teas! On sale at the senior center from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18.
- Monthly Craft: Participants will make Christmas ornaments with Jane from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, just in time to hang on the tree before Santa arrives!
- Christmas by Guitar and Birthday Celebrations: Relax to some holiday music with members Wayne (and possibly Maggie!) Sewade. December birthdays will also be celebrated. 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 23
- Heating Tips: Ty Glynn with Beaches Energy is back with heating tips to help keep you warm this winter. 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 30
COA’S RIVER HOUSE
The following programs will be held at COA’s River House, 179 Marine St., St. Augustine. If you have questions, call 904-209-3655 (Monday-Thursday) or email tharris@coasjc.org. For more information, go to www.coasjc.coursestorm.com or www.coasjc.org/river-house.
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.
- Fishing: 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9
- Bringing Back Your Brain and Restoring Brain Health: 1:20 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9
- Cooking with Herbs: Herbal Holiday Cookies: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4
- Cooking with Herbs: Infused Oils and Compound Butters: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11
Open Programs
Open programs are usually free and, where noted, may require registration. Go to www.coasjc.org/river-house for more information.
- Holiday Garden Designs: How to create living holiday containers and holiday decorations from plants and cuttings right from the Northeast Florida greenery in your backyard. Presented by St. Johns County Master Gardener Karen Doyle from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8. Pre-registration required at coasjc.coursestorm.com or call 904-209-3655.
- Mahjong Open Play: Bring your mahjong game and come play. 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8
- Happy Hookers: Members of this social group crochet, knit, etc. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9
- 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. Tuesday, Dec. 9. Call 904-209-3655 to reserve a one-hour spot.
- Remembering with Love: A time and place for remembering those we lost, from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9
- Winter Extravaganza: On Wednesday, Dec. 17, art from the various art classes will be on display from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and the various dance and music classes will have a showcase from 10 to 11 a.m.
- Widow to Widow: A support group for widows by widows from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10
- SADC (Deaf) Group meeting: 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 11. There are often workshops, guest speakers, games, light exercise and social time.
- 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. 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. Thursdays, Dec. 4 and 11
PONTE VEDRA BEACH BRANCH LIBRARY
- Check Meowt: Cat Adoption Event: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 4. The Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library has partnered with St. Johns County Animal Control to help find “furever” homes for some of our feline friends! Come meet your future furry family member at this event!
- Guest Speaker: Learn About Right Whales: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Did you know that the world’s most endangered whale visits Northeast Florida every year to give birth and nurse their young? Searching out warmer waters for their newborn calves, female right whales visit our coastline from January to March, remaining close enough to shore to be seen without binoculars. By early spring, the calf has gained enough weight to tolerate the cold waters off Canada, and his mother is longing for the copepods she feeds on, so they turn around and go home. Learn about this rare and precious visitor, the conservation and research efforts happening here and throughout the world and how you can be involved! This talk is best suited for older children and adults. RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
- Color, Craft & Connect: 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 9, 23. Do you enjoy crocheting, knitting, embroidery or other craft? Bring your project or come to be inspired by other crafters! Coloring supplies will be provided.
- Coffee-n-Crime with the St Johns Sheriff's Office: 10:30 to noon Dec. 9. Learn to protect yourself and loved ones from ID theft, scams and fraud. Don't miss the chance to gain insights from experts and ask questions. Enjoy light snacks while mingling after the discussion. RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
- DIY Ornament Workshop: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Dec. 10. Get into the holiday spirit with this DIY Ornament Workshop! Crafters of all ages are invited to create one-of-a-kind ornaments using a variety of fun and festive materials. Whether you’re making a keepsake for your tree or a handmade gift, this program is the perfect way to celebrate the season with creativity and family-friendly fun. All supplies will be provided while they last. Adult participation is required for youth attending. RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
- Free Tech Help with David: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 11. 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! Bring your device and your questions. Ross 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.
- Christmas in Killarney: An Irish Dance Celebration: 2-3 p.m. Dec. 13. Celebrate the holiday season with the Mumford Academy of Irish Dance as they bring the warmth and spirit of Ireland to the library! This festive, family-friendly program will feature lively reels, light jigs and seasonal favorites inspired by the charm of a Christmas in Killarney. Enjoy dazzling performances from our dancers, clap along to the music, and experience the magic of Irish tradition mixed with holiday cheer. All ages welcome with adult supervision. RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
- Women’s Singing Circle: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 16. Join Ms. Jane, a singer and former music teacher, for a fun, informal evening of singing with other women. 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! Experience the power of making beautiful music together in a safe, welcoming space! Ages 16-plus. RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
- Ponte Vedra Writers Group: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Calling all writers, future novelists and curious minds! Join this monthly program for the annual open mic. 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!
View the complete schedule at sjcpls.org/branches/ponte-vedra-beach-branch.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
