Here’s a sample of the many local programs enjoyed by local seniors.
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, in February. If you have any questions, call the center at 904-209-3659. For more information, go to www.coasjc.org/ponte-vedra-center.
Lunch — Tuesdays: From 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: From noon to 1 p.m. Registration is required a week in advance and the required fee is $5 per meal due upon arrival.
Chair Exercise — Tuesdays: From 9:30 to 10 a.m.
Chair Exercise — Thursdays: From 9:30 to 10 a.m.
Canasta — Tuesdays: From 10 a.m. to noon
Canasta — Thursdays: From 10 a.m. to noon
Mexican Train Dominoes: From 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Bingo — Tuesdays: From 1 to 2 p.m. Fee is $1 per card
Bingo — Thursdays: From 1 to 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
Valentine’s Day/Birthday Party: What better way to start the Valentine’s weekend than music by professional vocalist James Cargill? James brings the American standard songbook back with his smooth vocals. Love is in the air at THE PLAYERS Senior Center on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 11 to noon. Wear red! February birthdays will also be celebrated.
Aging Gracefully: Inspirational speaker Dr. Ernie Panza has been inspiring audiences for decades. He has been an avid health enthusiast and stays fit by visiting the gym nearly every day since high school. Dr. Panza is a life-and-fitness coach record holder who, at age 79, completed 618 pull-ups in one hour. Come hear his story and get inspired on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. to noon.
St. Johns County Legal Aid: “Exploitation of the Elderly and Disabled” will be presented by Megan Wall, managing attorney for St. Johns County Legal Aid. Thursday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to noon
Medication Education: Brooklyn Santiago, sales director for Starling at Ponte Vedra will have a nurse on-hand to answer your general medication questions. Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to noon
Monthly Craft: It’s got to be flowers in February! Thursday, Feb. 26 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Trivia with a Twist: Medicare Sales Representative Nelson Correa is here to have some fun while answering any questions you may have regarding CarePlus Health Plans. Trivia and karaoke will be combined for an hour of fun and laughs. Thursday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to noon
COA’S RIVER HOUSE
The following programs will be held at COA’s River House, 179 Marine St., St. Augustine, in February. There are no class sessions at River House on Monday, Feb. 16. For more information, call 904-209-3655 (Monday through Thursday), email tharris@coasjc.org or go to 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:
Assembling Signature Papers for Handmade Journals: Monday, Feb. 23, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Bringing Back Your Brain and Restoring Brain Health: Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Watercolor Doodles: Thursday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. 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.
Help with Medicare Questions: Monday, Feb. 9. Reserve a spot with a SHINE volunteer by calling 904-209-3655.
AARP Tax Help: Free tax return preparation to anyone who needs it with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers. Appointments available Mondays starting Feb. 2 between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Reserve a spot by calling 904-209-3655.
Mahjong Open Play: Bring your Mahjong game and come play. Mondays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Happy Hookers: Come join this social group as they crochet, knit, etc. Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
One-on-One Tech Help: One-on-one help for your smart phone, tablet or laptop questions on Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 904-209-3655 to reserve a one-hour spot.
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: Join us for 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.
How Can You Avoid the Need for a Guardianship? With Megan Wall of S.J.C. Legal Aid on Friday, Feb. 13, from 10 to 11 a.m.
PONTE VEDRA BRANCH LIBRARY
There are a lot of great programs planned for February at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd. Phone: 904-827-6950. For the complete schedule of events, go to https://sjcpls.org/branches/ponte-vedra-beach-branch. Here are some highlights.
Tech Help with David
Feb. 19; 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! Please 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.
Bingo for Books
Feb. 12; 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Play bingo for a chance to win books and puzzles donated by the Friends of the Ponte Vedra Beach Library. Please RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
Women’s Singing Circle
Feb. 17; 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
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. Please RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
Wills and Advanced Directives
Feb. 18; 11 a.m. to noon
Advance directives and wills aren’t just paperwork; they can potentially be peace-of-mind documents. They can help to voice your wishes and may also prevent or shorten court intervention. This is a great way to empower yourself with knowledge. Please RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
Charitable Giving and Your Financial Strategy
Feb. 25; 11 a.m. to noon
Giving back looks different for everyone. This seminar helps investors find the appropriate charitable-giving path for their unique financial strategy and life stage. Adults are invited to join a financial adviser each month at the Ponte Vedra Beach Library to learn tricks and tips to boost your financial wellness. Please RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
Memory Cafe
Feb. 23; 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
The Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library is partnering with the St. Johns County Dementia Care and Cure Initiative (DCCI) Task Force to host a monthly Memory Cafe at the library. Plan to join this welcoming social gathering where people experiencing cognitive challenges and their caregivers come together for friendship, fun and acceptance. Please RSVP (904-827-6950 or sjcpls.org).
Ponte Vedra Writers Group at the Ocean Grove Condo Media Room
Feb. 28; 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Calling all writers, future novelists and curious minds! Join this monthly program with engaging guest speaker Dan Sharp presenting “How to Write Fight Scenes.” 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!
