CLICK AND GO! NEW TABLE OF CONTENTS
Simply click on the listed item in BLUE,
and be taken directly to the resource you need
(when link is available.)
| |
VOLUNTEER & BENEFIT COA - MARCH 25 & 26! | |
|
Volunteer for the St. Augustine Lion's Seafood Festival, March 25 & 26, and COA will benefit from your volunteer hours! Enjoy the festival and help local seniors!
To sign up to volunteer, visit this link: https://staugustinelionsfoundation.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=70288.
Make sure to fill in "COA" under the group you are volunteering from, and fill in
"Amy Robinson" as the Team Leader's name.
| |
VETERANS & FAMILIES BENEFIT EVENT 3/16 | |
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at FLAGLER HOSPITAL | |
|
Are you looking for a rewarding way to give of your time and talents to benefit the community? Flagler Health + Auxiliary has openings for volunteers in many areas of the hospital. Clerical and patient area positions are available. A 4-hour commitment, 1 day each week is all that is asked.
To learn more and to get started, please click here. Once you have filled out an application, you will be contacted to schedule a brief interview to determine your interests and available openings.
For more information, please contact Rita Hubbs, Volunteer Specialist, at 904-819-4411 or rita.hubbs@flaglerhealth.org.
| |
FREE TAX PREP & MEDICARE HELP AVAILABLE | |
WINN DIXIE TO BENEFIT COA IN MARCH! | |
|
Spring Flowers! COA's Meals on Wheels program has been selected to receive $1 from every Bloomin' 4 Good bouquet sold during the month of March at the Winn-Dixie on Anastasia Island located at 3905 A1A South,
St. Augustine FL 32080!
Please help fight senior hunger and support Meals on Wheels when
you purchase flowers in March!
| |
|
COA is powered by volunteers! Whoever you are, you have skills and abilities that can make a BIG difference to elders in our community! Come make a difference with us! COA is in need of the following volunteers to help us serve our mission:
Administrative Help in Nocatee - Volunteer needed to assist with clerical work and data entry. This individual should be experienced with computers and data entry. Time of day is flexible on either Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. This is an ongoing opportunity in the Nocatee location.
Cleaning Projects - Do you have OCD about cleaning? Or just appreciate attention to detail? If so, we have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! Looking for one person, or a team, to clean scuff marks from 200+ white, outdoor folding chairs at River House. Cleaning materials will be provided and day(s) and time(s) are flexible.
Sunshine Center is in need of a volunteer to work 1:1 with one participant. We are looking for the volunteer to be available 1 or 2 days a week from 10:00 - 4:00. This can be any day(s) you choose.
Sunshine Center - Looking for a creative person to help with crafts in the Sunshine Center. Wednesday or Thursday in the afternoon, about 2:00 pm is preferred, however mornings can be accommodated if needed. Supplies will be provided just bring your creative imagination.
Community Care-Giving - Looking for a volunteer with good computer skills to assist the Community Care-Giving program. This opportunity is for light office work and data entry. This can be any weekday from about 10 am - 4:00 pm.
Coastal Community Center Assistant - The Coastal Community Center in St. Augustine is also looking for a volunteer who is willing to cross train and act as a substitute when/as needed. This individual would help at the Front Desk, signing people in for the day and also help out at the Coffee Bar. This would be on an "as needed' basis.
For more information or to schedule your interview, please contact COA’s Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@coasjc.org or 904-209-3692.
| |
SPRING FLING IN HASTINGS! 3/22 | |
|
Join us for a Spring Fling open house on Wednesday, March 22, at 10:30 am at COA's Hastings Senior Center! The SJC Master Gardeners will be present for a dedication of our beautiful new mural, painted by artist Pat Wicklund, a member of the St. Augustine Art Association and a volunteer with the St. Johns County Master Gardeners. Don't miss it!
The Hastings Senior Center is located at the AI Wilke Community Center, 6150 S. Main Street in Hastings, FL. Our thriving community of seniors enjoy fun, fitness, activities, friendship, and nutritious lunches at the center. For more information, please visit www.coasjc.org/hastings-center or call COA's Lorain Vinson at 904-209-3694.
We hope to see you there!
| |
|
Participants at COA's Coastal Community Center recently had fun celebrating the birthday of children's book author, Dr. Seuss. Come have fun with us! For more information on the Coastal Community Center, please visit www.coasjc.org/coastal-community-center
or call 904-209-3700. For information on all of COA's senior centers and lifelong learning centers, please visit www.coasjc.org/centers.
| |
COA ON THE RADIO - TUNE IN EACH WEEK! | |
FREE PRO-BONO THERAPY CLINIC | |
|
NEW: The University of St. Augustine is offering a free Pro Bono Occupational Therapy Clinic from now through March 29 for adults experiencing difficulty with movement, difficulty taking care of themselves, have problems with balance and are at risk for falls, and/or those who feel isolated. See attached flyer for more details.
Appointments required. To make an appointment and for more info, please email ProBono.staug@usa.edu.
| |
COA's IMEP - WHAT DOCTORS SAY! | |
|
Did you know there is something you can do about memory loss? And the best time to start is NOW!
Take action today with the IMEP™ Integrative Memory Enhancement Program, now offering an additional class at Anastasia Baptist Church in St. Augustine on Thursdays from 10am to 12pm. This groundbreaking, research-based program is designed to promote brain health and minimize the progression of memory loss or dementia in a fun, relaxed classroom setting.
“We are all very conscious of the importance of keeping our bodies in shape,” IMEP's Catherine Tupper explains. “It is just as important that we keep our brains fit, especially as we age.”
To try a free class and get started, please contact Catherine Tupper at 904-729-9535 or via email at ctupper@stjohnscoa.com.
For more information on the IMEP program, visit www.imeprogram.com.
Reserve your place in class today and maintain your memory and brain fitness!
| |
IMEP AT HOME: STRENGTHEN YOUR MEMORY | |
NUTRITION TRIVIA CHALLENGE | |
|
Instructions: Did you know March is National Nutrition Month? Test your nutritional knowledge with the following nutrition trivia quiz.
1. True or false: There is a diet that is specifically designed to lower high blood pressure.
2. According to every health professional, decreasing your intake of this particular item will have a significant impact on blood pressure and, therefore, improve your overall health. A) Potassium B) Iron C) Sodium
3. Older adults need more nutrients to stay healthy and active. These three vitamins are the most recommended for seniors: calcium, vitamin D, and what? A) Magnesium B) B12 C) Vitamin E
4. Potassium is a great addition to an adult’s diet unless that person has chronic kidney disease or other kidney issues. Which one of these foods is the lowest in potassium? A) Applesauce B) Potatoes C) Cantaloupes
5. True or false: Nuts and dairy products do not contain potassium.
Answers:
1. True. The DASH diet – Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension – is rich in fruits and vegetables and is low in fat and sodium.
2. C) Sodium. Besides cardiovascular disease, hypertension can cause other serious health issues, such as damage to kidneys and other internal organs.
3 .B) B12. Our bodies do not produce or store B12, so be sure to take this supplement to help maintain your brain and nervous system health. If you take calcium supplements, choose one that contains vitamin D.
4. A) Applesauce. The following also contain very little potassium: peas, watermelon, cucumbers, eggplants, and blueberries.
5. False. Be sure to read nutrition labels when you shop, to help monitor your potassium, sodium, and sugar intake.
| |
IMEP™ Integrative Memory Enhancement classes are held at COA's Ponte Vedra Memory Care Center in Ponte Vedra Beach; Anastasia Baptist Church in St. Augustine; and Fruit Cove Baptist Church in Fruit Cove. For more information, please visit www.imeprogram.com. To register or to try a free class, please call IMEP's Catherine Tupper at 904-729-9535. | |
ADULT DAY CARE AVAILABLE - SUNSHINE CENTER | |
|
Adult Day Care is available in St. Augustine at COA’s Sunshine Center, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm! Designed as a therapeutic activity center for adults with special needs such as Alzheimer's Disease, dementia, and other disorders, the Sunshine Center offers skilled nursing care and specialized activities for adults requiring guidance and personal assistance. The center also provides crucial respite time for caregivers. Participants enjoy cognitively stimulating activities, supportive services, companionship, and healthy lunches in a safe and secured environment.
Engaging lifelong learning activities are offered centered around a theme of the day, for example:
- History Lessons
- Virtual Field Trips
- Getting to Know You Discussion
- Trivia & Thinking Games
- Dinner & A Movie
- Outdoor Activities (weather permitting)
- Art Classes
- Move to Music
- Sing-a-Long Songs
- Game Time with Friends
To register, contact COA's Paulette Kozlowski at (904) 209-3690 or via email at pkozlowski@coasjc.org. For more information on the Sunshine Center, please visit www.coasjc.org/adult-day-care.
The Sunshine Center is licensed by AHCA #9081.
| |
PLEASE HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE! | |
|
Will you please help us make a difference for local seniors? Please join us in our important mission today! As a nonprofit organization, we rely upon the support of kind donors to be there for local seniors when they need us, not just during the holidays, but all year long.
To give today, simply click here. Donations may also be mailed to COA at 180 Marine St., St. Augustine, FL 32084.
Together we have been serving local seniors and caregivers for 50 years.
Thank you in advance for brightening the lives of local seniors and making their holidays bright through your generosity!
| |
COA TRAVEL CLUB 2023 EVENTS | |
TECH HELP FOR SENIORS AVAILABLE! | |
CENTER AT NOCATEE CALENDAR | |
PONTE VEDRA BEACH - CALENDAR | |
COASTAL COMMUNITY CENTER - CALENDAR | |
HASTINGS SENIOR CENTER - CALENDAR | |
TROUT CREEK SENIOR CENTER CALENDAR | |
MUSIC: RELAXING MUSIC OVER MALDIVES | |
IT'S MARCH IN FLORIDA! For information on what's in season this month in north Florida, click here. | |
RECIPE: MALDIVES FISH - VILLAGE COOKING | |
PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY | |
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH COA | |
FREE SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS THROUGH COA | |
Has your loved one been diagnosed with Dementia?
Facing problems and need someone to talk to?
Not sure what to do next?
Community-Care Giving is here to help. It’s a Free, Confidential Service for St. Johns County Florida residents and their families.
Community Care-Giving
To get started, please fill out our needs assessment form by
Once your form has been submitted, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment with a COA Certified Dementia Care Practitioner who will:
- Set up a time to discuss your situation 1:1
- Develop an individualized education and needs assessment
- Support, Guide, and Empower you to find solutions to those needs.
With SJC COA Community Care-Giving program, you do not have to face dementia alone - your community is here for you. See below for dates, times, and locations.
Get started today!
or call (904) 209-3674
| |
COA'S COASTAL TRANSPORTATION | |
Support COA while you ride in comfort to your destination in Florida with COA's Coastal Transportation Shuttle Services! We provide transportation to Florida destinations, airports and ports. Let us handle the stress, while you sit back in comfort and relax on your way! Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you are helping seniors in our community while you get where you are going.
Coastal Transportation is a separate service for private charter only, operating anywhere in North Florida. Our shuttle buses can comfortably accommodate 14-25 passengers with plenty of additional storage space for luggage or other items, and are driven by qualified and professional drivers possessing CDL licenses.
We transport many types of groups for events (including, but not limited to):
- Wedding parties
- Bachelor/Bachelorette parties
- Corporate gatherings
- Company picnics
- Concert-goers
- Family reunions
- School groups
- Birthday parties
- Sports games
- Airport shuttles
- and much more!
For more information and to schedule your trip, please contact COA's Wayne Reyes
| |
Turning 90 or up? Let's Celebrate with COA! | |
LET'S CELEBRATE: Are you or a loved one turning 90 or better in 2021? We want to hear from you! Contact us at COA and we will send you a simple questionnaire and photo request. Then, during your birthday month, we will celebrate your special milestone in these pages.
Email Carolyn Karger at ckarger@coasjc.org with your name, email address, birthday and milestone age. Let's celebrate the good times together with our COA community!
| |
NEW: Community Resource Center | |
SHOPPING ON AMAZON? YOU CAN HELP SENIORS!
| |
Shopping on Amazon? Why not help seniors while you shop at no cost to you! Simply visit the following link when you shop, and Amazon Smile will donate a percentage of your purchase total to Council on Aging and help more local seniors! Simply click this link to get started: https://amzn.to/3HNheL8
| |
|
Reach out and touch someone...
Social isolation is very difficult for everyone at this time of social distancing, but it is especially difficult for those who live alone.
"We want to encourage community members to give COA a call, even if it's just to touch base, chat and reconnect," Becky Yanni, COA's Executive Director, explained. "We are here to help."
Whether you need answers to questions or would simply like to chat, our friendly COA receptionists are available to take your calls, answer questions and direct you to the staff members and resources seniors and caregivers need Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm at 904-209-3700 or info@coasjc.org.
| |
Seniors Need Your Help Today! | |
Please Join COA's Elder Guard Today! | |
Seniors have never needed our help more than they do now. Please make sure COA is always there, no matter what the crisis. | | |
|
After months of social distancing due to COVID-19, loneliness and isolation have become serious, growing threats to seniors' health and well-being. Council on Aging has been hard at work creating additional virtual supports to help them.
Concerned members of the community are also reaching out to help by providing the additional resources necessary for COA to produce and run these programs. Wanting to make a difference, they have become founding members of COA’s Elder Guard supporters.
| |
Elder Guard members' support will help seniors and caregivers far beyond the current crisis. These new programs, which include a wide range of online and telephone options, will allow COA to continue to reach many more elders who have difficulty travelling to on-site programs.
“These Elder Guard members are offering their generous support at a critical time for seniors and caregivers,” said COA Executive Director Becky Yanni. “They are helping us create a brighter future for seniors. We are extremely grateful to have their support as we meet these new challenges.”
Please join us as a founding Elder Guard member today and help us meet the needs of St. Johns County seniors in these unprecedented times! It's as easy as clicking this link. Elder Guard donations may also be mailed to COA at 180 Marine St., St. Augustine, FL 32084.
|
| | | |
