Senior centers, library offer programs, activities

Local senior centers and the library offer programs throughout the year. Here are some of items of interest being offered this month.

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. Note: This list is not exhaustive. 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.

• 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.

• Hisshin Sumi-e Painting Class: Traditional East Asian brush painting. This class meets on the second Thursday of every month (Sept. 11) from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fee required is $3 per person.

• Open Painting: Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No fee is required; Bring your own supplies.

• Canasta — Tuesdays: Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon

• Canasta — Thursdays: Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon

• Mexican Train Dominoes: Tuesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

• Free Blood Pressure Check with Diane DeCarlo: Thursday, Sept. 25, from 10 to 11 a.m. 

• 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: Rummikub, Scrabble, Yahtzee, Cards, and more! Enjoy socializing and making new friends while participating in some friendly competition; Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon

• Wii Bowling: Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m.

• Computer Room: Available Tuesdays through Fridays during open hours; general assistance available

• Crafts with Carmen: Hosted by Windsor at San Pablo, Carmen is back with a fun craft project! Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 11 a.m. to noon

• Birthday Party and Summer Sendoff with “Randy Elvis”: Elvis is back in the house! This month the center is celebrating September birthdays with ice cream sundaes. Thursday, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon

• Game Day with Gia: The center welcomes Gia D’Anna, marketing specialist for Millennium Physician Group, who will provide information about the practice and also some fun and games! Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to noon

• St. Johns County Legal Aid: “Spouse in Nursing Home? Do You Have to Go Broke?” will be presented by Megan Wall, managing attorney for St. Johns County Legal Aid. Take advantage of this important free lecture and bring questions on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 11 a.m. to noon.

• Medicare 101: Representing all major carriers, Independent Insurance Agent Christopher Hoff is back to answer your Medicare questions. With 20-plus years of experience, Hoff is local to Northeast Florida and is here to support you! Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to noon

RIVER HOUSE

The following programs will be held at COA’s River House, 179 Marine St., St. Augustine. Note: This list is not exhaustive. For anyone with questions, call 904-209-3655 (Monday-Thursday) or email tharris@coasjc.org. For more information, go to coasjc.org/river-house, or for registration, coasjc.coursestorm.com.

Classes That Require Registration

Registration is required for the following programs, and space is limited. To review course details and to register, go to coasjc.coursestorm.com/category/river-house.

• Creating a Home to Retire In — Safely: 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29

• Jewelry Wire Wrapping Class: Three weeks starting Monday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon

• Fishing: 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30

• Neurographic Art Meditative Class: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 16, 23, 30

• Bringing Back Your Brain and Restoring Brain Health: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23

Open Programs

Open programs are usually free and, where noted, may require registration. Go to coasjc.org/river-house for more information.

• Help with Medicare Questions: Monday, Sept. 15. Reserve a spot with a SHINE volunteer by calling 904-209-3655.

• Mahjong Open Play: Bring your Mahjong game. Mondays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

• Happy Hookers: Join this social group as they crochet, knit, etc. Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Remembering with Love: A time and place for remembering those we lost with love through grief support on Tuesdays from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m.

• Widow to Widow: A support group for widows by widows, Wednesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

• 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. 

• Spouse in a Nursing Home? Do You Have to Go Broke? Presentation by Megan Wall of S.J.C. Legal Aid, 10-11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26

PONTE VEDRA BEACH BRANCH LIBRARY

Here are some September programs being offered at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. View the complete schedule at sjcpls.org/branches/ponte-vedra-beach-branch.

Free Tech Help with David

Sept. 18, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 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.

Art with Kasha: Oil Pastels

Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to noon, and 2-4 p.m.

Unleash your creativity and explore the beauty of oil pastels in this hands-on workshop! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, you’ll learn basic techniques from artist Kasha Fahy. No prior art experience is needed — just a willingness to try something new! All supplies are provided, and participants will leave with a finished piece of artwork. RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).

Reel Reads: Books to Film

Sept. 23, 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Reel Reads: Books to Film focuses on movies celebrating stories that made the leap from page to screen. Each session features a movie adapted from a book. Whether you're revisiting a favorite or discovering a new classic, it’s the perfect way to enjoy great literature — through film. 

Ponte Vedra Writers Group

Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Calling all writers, future novelists and curious minds! Join this monthly program with engaging guest speaker, Eric "Doc" Honour, discussing “Navigating KDP.” 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!

Game Night!

Sept. 29, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Various board games, LEGOs, cards and puzzles will be provided for participants to enjoy during this drop-in program. Bring your friends and family and enjoy an evening of laughter, strategy and good company. Children are welcome to participate with adult supervision. RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org). 

Women’s Singing Circle

Sept. 30, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Ms. Jane, a singer and former music teacher, will lead this 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! Experience the power of making beautiful music together in a safe, welcoming space! Ages 16 and older. RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).

— Compiled by Shaun Ryan