News

Council on Aging Announces Groundbreaking Ceremony for Shelter and Shade Project

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL, January 14, 2025 – St. Johns County Council on Aging (COA) today announced that a groundbreaking ceremony for their Shelter and Shade capital improvement project will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at COA headquarters at 180 Marine Street in St. Augustine, Florida. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.

The $1.28 million phase one of COA’s Shelter and Shade project will raise the elevation of the building entrance at 180 Marine Street and construct a covered portico and other improvements to provide shelter from the elements and ease of access for senior participants. The facility is home to COA’s Coastal Community Senior Center, the Sunshine Center, COA’s therapeutic adult daycare center, and COA administrative offices.

In November 2024, COA announced receipt of a grant of $545,000 from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida that provided the balance of funds necessary to begin construction of phase one of the project.

“We are very excited to break ground on this project to create more ease, more comfort, and improved quality of life for seniors in our community,” COA Executive Director Becky Yanni said. “We cannot thank Delores Barr Weaver and all of our donors enough for their generosity in making these improvements possible. We look forward to honoring our donors and partners in this project at the ceremony.”

St. Augustine’s A. D. Davis Construction will oversee the improvements, designed by Open City Architecture and Marquis, Latimer + Halback, Inc.  In 2009, A. D. Davis Construction built River House, COA’s lifelong learning center and events venue located at 179 Marine Street, directly across from COA headquarters.

Phase two of the Shelter and Shade project will refinish and screen the outdoor deck for Sunshine Center adult daycare participants, so they may sit outside in the shade year-round and enjoy nature therapy in COA’s garden. Landscaping and additional outdoor seating will also be installed, so that participants walking to and from the center may sit, rest comfortably, and relax.

To contribute to phase two of the project, please contact COA Development Manager Amy Robinson at (904) 209-3700 or arobinson@coasjc.org. Donations may also be made online at www.coasjc.org/donate.

For more information on the comprehensive programs and services COA provides for older adults and caregivers in St. Johns County, please visit www.coasjc.org, or call (904) 209-3700.

Council on Aging joins Subaru of America, Inc. and Meals on Wheels America in Sharing the Love through the 2024 Subaru Share the Love® Event – November 21, 2024 to January 2, 2025

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL, November 21, 2024 – St. Johns County Council on Aging (COA) is excited to announce our participation in the 2024 Subaru Share the Love® Event. As part of a national partnership with Meals on Wheels America, Subaru of America, Inc. and its retailers will donate a minimum of $300 to a charity, such as Meals on Wheels, for every new vehicle leased or sold from November 21, 2024, to January 2, 2025.

“This annual event allows us to help more homebound elders in our community receive the Meals on Wheels they need,” said COA Executive Director Becky Yanni. “We are excited to get the word out to members of our community about this opportunity to help local seniors in a meaningful way.”

Since the Subaru Share the Love Event began in 2008, Subaru and its participating retailers have donated more than 4.6 million meals and helped provide friendly visits to seniors being served by local Meals on Wheels programs across the country.

For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/sharethelove.

St. Johns County Council on Aging is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving older adults and caregivers in St. Johns County, Florida, for 50 years. For more information, visit their website at www.coasjc.org.

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL, November 14, 2024 – River House Events and Council on Aging proudly announce Cindy Walker has been named Events Manager for River House Events, joined by Janel Graham as Assistant Events Manager. Both professionals bring extensive experience and a shared dedication to enhancing the event experience at River House, COA’s premier waterfront venue in St. Augustine, Florida, celebrated for its stunning views and community-focused mission.

River House Events, nestled along the Matanzas River in historic St. Augustine, offers an exquisite venue for weddings, corporate gatherings, and social events. Owned and operated by St. Johns County Council on Aging (COA), River House serves as both an event space and a community hub. Its elegant architecture, expansive riverfront patio, and breathtaking views of the St. Augustine lighthouse make it a sought-after destination for memorable celebrations.

Cindy Walker has been involved with COA since 2017, serving in various roles including Development and Events Coordinator and Events Assistant. Now stepping into her new role as Events Manager, Cindy is thrilled to lead the team at River House, which she describes as “a place that feels like home.”

“River House is not only an amazing events venue with breathtaking views, but it’s also a place that supports older adults in our community,” Walker explained. “I’m excited to enhance the guest experience with exceptional customer service and unforgettable events.”

Janel Graham, who joined COA in 2022 as Development and Events Coordinator, also brings valuable experience in the wedding planning and hospitality industries. Her skills and dedication to creating unforgettable moments make her an excellent addition to the River House team.

“This venue is not just a beautiful location for events, but also a cornerstone of our senior programming,” said Becky Yanni, COA Executive Director. “Cindy and Janel’s efforts help ensure that River House continues to provide a welcoming space for events, while also offering a unique location to support senior programming and lifelong learning.”

River House is located at 179 Marine Street in St. Augustine, and offers weddings, as well as corporate event hosting, military discounts, and short-term booking opportunities. For more information, visit www.RiverHouseEvents.com or follow @RiverHouseEvents on Facebook and Instagram.

St. Johns County Council on Aging is supported by a grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds.

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL, November 5, 2024 – St. Johns County Council on Aging (COA) today announced their receipt of a grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida that will greatly improve quality of life for seniors in St. Johns County, Florida. The grant of $545,000 has provided the balance of funds necessary to construct phase one of COA’s Shelter and Shade project at their senior center facilities at 180 Marine Street in St. Augustine, Florida. The grant also enables matching grant opportunities to support completion of phase two of the project.

The Shelter and Shade project phase one will raise the elevation of the building entrance and construct a covered portico and other improvements to provide shelter from the elements and ease of access for participants.

“We cannot thank Delores Barr Weaver enough for her generosity and support for our mission,” COA Executive Director Becky Yanni said. “We are so excited to be able to create more protection, more comfort, and more joy for the seniors in our community.”

St. Augustine’s A. D. Davis Construction will oversee the improvements, designed by Open City Architecture and Marquis, Latimer + Halback, Inc.  In 2009, A. D. Davis Construction built River House, COA’s lifelong learning center and events venue at 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine.

Phase two of the Shelter and Shade project will refinish and screen the outdoor deck for Sunshine Center adult daycare participants, so they may sit outside year-round in the shade and enjoy nature therapy in COA’s garden.

COA’s 180 Marine Street facility houses the Coastal Community Senior Center, one of six senior centers COA operates throughout the county, and the Sunshine Center, COA’s adult daycare center licensed by AHCA #9081. There participants are able to enjoy the company of friends, engaging activities, nutritious lunches, and, in the case of the Sunshine Center, skilled nursing care in a secured environment for those dealing with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other brain disorders. The Sunshine Center also provides crucial respite time for caregivers, and caregiver support and education through COA’s Community Care-Giving program. COA offers transportation to and from the centers for participants through their Paratransit bus service. Paratransit buses are equipped to accommodate assistive devices such as wheelchairs and walkers, and transport participants door-to-door from their homes to COA centers safely.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Delores Barr Weaver in making this much-needed improvement a reality,” said COA Development Manager Amy Robinson. “We thank The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida for facilitating and helping make this possible.”

With the support of this grant, COA asks members of the community and local businesses to join in the effort to complete phase two of the project. To contribute to the project, please contact COA’s Amy Robinson at (904) 209-3700. Donations may also be made online at www.coasjc.org/donate.

For more information on the comprehensive programs and services COA provides for older adults and caregivers in St. Johns County, please visit their website at www.coasjc.org, or call (904) 209-3700.

About the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds

Delores Barr Weaver has an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy in Northeast Florida since moving to Jacksonville as co-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1993. Since her historic gift of $50 million in 2012 establishing the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund, she has partnered with The Community Foundation on her philanthropy through numerous, multi-million dollar gifts, including the Foundation’s largest-ever gift of $61 million in 2023. She has established permanent endowments for more than four dozen nonprofits, including 20 that receive ongoing annual support through the Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund, est. 2015. Today, her grantmaking exceeds $220 million, with support for more than 300 organizations in Northeast Florida and beyond.

St. Johns County Council on Aging (COA) has announced that all COA senior centers and facilities, including River House and COA administrative offices, will be closed on Friday, October 11, 2024, in continued response to Hurricane Milton.

For more information and for updates, please revisit this page or call 904-209-3700 during operating hours.

Sunshine Bus and Paratransit Transportation To Resume Modified Services on Friday, October 11, 2024

Sunshine Bus public transportation will resume regular services starting Friday, October 11, 2024, with the exception of the Flagler Estates area, which will not have service on Friday, October 11^th. The Hastings Circulator will be limited to running through the Buzz Mart on Friday.

Paratransit transportation services will resume for life-sustaining trips including dialysis on Friday, October 11th.

For questions, please call customer service at (904) 209-3716 during operating hours beginning Friday, October 11th. For information and updates on Sunshine Bus and Paratransit transportation services, visit https://sunshinebus.net/alerts-updates/.

Council on Aging Storm Closures – Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10, 2024

All Council on Aging senior centers and facilities, including River House, COA administrative offices, and COA transportation headquarters, will be closed on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, and Thursday, October 10, 2024, due to expected hurricane storm conditions.

Sunshine Bus and Paratransit transportation services will also be closed on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, and Thursday, October 10, 2024.

For more information and for updates, please revisit this page (http://www.coasjc.org/news) or call 904-209-3700 during operating hours.

For information and updates on Sunshine Bus and Paratransit transportation services, please visit https://sunshinebus.net/alerts-updates/ or call (904) 209-3716 during operating hours.

ALERT: COA’s Trout Creek Senior Center in Orangeburg will be closed today, Friday, September 27, 2024, due to a power outage. For more information on the center, please visit www.coasjc.org/trout-creek-center or call (904) 209-3700.

All COA senior centers and facilities, including River House, COA administrative offices, and COA transportation headquarters, will be closed on Thursday, September 26, 2024, due to expected storm conditions.

Sunshine Bus and Paratransit transportation services will also be closed on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

For more information and for updates, please continue to visit www.coasjc.org/news, or call 904-209-3700.

For information and updates on Sunshine Bus and Paratransit transportation services, please visit https://sunshinebus.net/alerts-updates/ or call (904) 209-3716 during operating hours.

Eat Well – Do Good! Columbia Restaurant’s Community Harvest Program to Benefit Council on Aging in September 2024

Throughout September, members of the public can support Council on Aging’s work just by dining at the Columbia Restaurant in downtown St. Augustine, Florida, or at any of the locations of the 1905 Family of Restaurants.  Through their month-long Community Harvest program, now in its 27th year, the company donates 5 percent of all diners’ checks to charities selected by the guests.

Simply dine at the Columbia Restaurant and choose Council on Aging from a ballot provided with the check. The restaurant calculates the 5 percent and provides the charity with gift certificates that may be used at any of their associated restaurants for up to 12 months. There is no additional cost to the guest.

The Columbia Restaurant is located at 98 St. George Street in downtown St. Augustine. To view their menu and for reservations, visit www.columbiarestaurant.com/historic-district-st-augustine.

Now in its 27th year, the company’s month-long Community Harvest program has provided $4 million to Florida nonprofit organizations.

The original Columbia Restaurant was founded in Tampa’s Historic Ybor City in 1905 by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., and is Florida’s oldest restaurant. All 1905 Family of Restaurants in Florida are participating in the Community Harvest program, including Columbia Restaurants in Ybor City Tampa, Sarasota, St. Augustine, Clearwater Beach, Celebration, downtown Tampa, and Tampa International Airport. Also participating are Ulele, Goody Goody, and Casa Santo Stefano restaurants in Tampa, as well as Cha Cha Coconuts restaurant in Sarasota.

 “As we look ahead to the Columbia’s 120th anniversary in 2025, I’m reminded that great restaurants are more than just places to eat; they’re part of the fabric of the community,” said 4th generation caretaker and president Richard Gonzmart. “I started this program to help many of the worthy non-profits so important to the people who live near our restaurants across Florida. The simple concept is to ‘Eat Well And Do Good.’ It’s a delicious way to help these organizations.”

“We are so thankful to the Columbia Restaurant for their continued support for our mission,” said COA executive director Becky Yanni. “Our generous partners in the community make it possible for us to be there for seniors and those who care for them.”

St. Johns County Council on Aging invites St. Johns County residents who are aged 55 and older to complete this survey to assist us in discovering the programs and services you need/desire to improve your wellness and quality of life. To complete the online survey, please click here.

We value your input. Thank you for your participation!