News

Council on Aging joins Subaru of America, Inc. and Meals on Wheels America in Sharing the Love with the 2023 Subaru Share the Love® Event.

St. Johns County Council on Aging (COA) is excited to announce its participation in the 2023 Subaru Share the Love® Event. This holiday season, you can share the love and support our aging neighbors in St. Johns County! From November 16, 2023, through January 2, 2024, with every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased, Subaru and its retailers are donating a minimum of $300 to participating charities designated by the purchaser or lessee, one of which is Meals on Wheels.* The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each.

Your participation in the 2023 Subaru Share the Love® Event will help deliver nutritious meals and welcome visits to St. Johns County’s seniors!

“This annual event allows us to help more homebound elders 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.”

Through the Subaru Share the Love® Event beginning in 2008, Subaru and its retailers have helped the Meals on Wheels network provide more than 4.3 million meals and friendly visits to seniors in need. For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/sharethelove.

Council on Aging is partnering once again with local Subaru dealer, Subaru of Jacksonville, in spreading the word about the program. Subaru of Jacksonville is located at 10800 Atlantic Blvd. in Jacksonville, FL. To contact them, call (904) 544-6516 or visit www.subaruofjacksonville.com.

*Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 16, 2023, through January 2, 2024, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc. Pre-approved Hometown Charities may be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. For every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased during the campaign period, participating retailers will donate a minimum of $50 in total to their registered Hometown Charities. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 12, 2024. See your local Subaru retailer for details or visit subaru.com/share.

COA’s Paulette Kozlowski Publishes New Book, Guidance Through the Care-Giving Journey – Into the World of Dementia

October 19, 2023 – St. Augustine, FL – Council on Aging (COA) is excited to announce that COA’s Paulette Kozlowski, RN, CRRN, CDP, QDCS, ADC, has published a new book, Guidance Through the Care-Giving Journey – Into the World of Dementia.  The book invites readers to step into the extraordinary world of dementia in order to both improve their understanding of the experience of those in their care and improve their caregiving journey. The book is available for purchase at Amazon, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes & Noble retailers. To purchase on Amazon, please click here.

“I wrote the book to help caregivers realize and feel a part of the adventure they are on – one in which they have the power to make the most of a very challenging journey,” Paulette explained. “The book emphasizes that they can retrain their brain to turn any negative thoughts into positive feelings and actions in an effort to regain peace and harmony in their lives. It also emphasizes the importance of building a good, strong support system.”

Paulette is the founder and manager of COA’s adult day care center, the Sunshine Center (FL License #9081) located in St. Augustine, Florida. For over twenty years, the center has provided therapeutic care for individuals with brain injuries and diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.   Paulette also directs COA’s Community Care-Giving program, which provides education and support to caregivers throughout St. Johns County, Florida. She has been a leading voice for over a thousand individuals who selflessly care for their loved ones, teaching caregivers how to “Retrain the Brain” to see the world through the eyes of one with dementia. Every day, she and her Community Care-Giving team empower caregivers to navigate their life-changing experiences with newfound pride, strength, and clarity.

“Since there are so many things to learn, and so many changes that occur, I wanted to write a guide book that complimented the classes I give and the videos I have made and shared with caregivers,” she explained. “I also wrote this book for paid caregivers, volunteers, as well as the family and friends of caregivers who may want to help, but aren’t sure if they know how, or are hesitant to try.”

A registered nurse, Paulette received her undergraduate degree in Biology and Psychology from Bowling Green State University, her nursing degree from Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital School of Nursing, and advanced nursing education at Ursuline College in Ohio.

Guidance Through the Care-Giving Journey – Into the World of Dementia is available for purchase at Amazon, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes & Noble retailers.

For more information on COA’s extensive programs and services for adults and caregivers in St. Johns County, browse their website at www.coasjc.org or call (904) 209-3700.

Community Harvest Program to Benefit Council on Aging in September

Throughout September, members of the public can support Council on Aging’s work just by dining at the Columbia Restaurant in downtown St. Augustine, oratany of the locations of the 1905 Family of Restaurants.  Through their month-long Community Harvest program, now in its 26th 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.

Over the last 25 years, this program has provided more than $3 million to nonprofit organizations throughout Florida.  Community Harvest involves each of the Columbia locations, including Ybor City in the historic district of Tampa, St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, St. Augustine, Sand Key on Clearwater Beach, Central Florida’s town of Celebration, the Columbia Cafe on the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa at the Tampa Bay History Center and the Columbia Restaurant Cafe at Tampa International Airport.

“We started this program as a way to help many of the worthy nonprofit groups that are so important to our communities,” said 4th generation family member and president Richard Gonzmart. “I can’t believe how much it has grown in 25 years. We’re excited this year to extend the ballots and gift certificates to all our restaurant concepts, which should provide a real increase in our donations to the charities.”

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 the restaurants are owned and operated by 4th and 5th generation members of the founding family, except for the Columbia Restaurant Cafe at Tampa International Airport, which is operated in partnership with HMSHost.

St. Johns County Council on Aging has announced that Sunshine Bus will resume normal service and schedule on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Service is suspended Friday, September 30, 2022, due to conditions related to tropical storm Ian.

For Sunshine Bus updates, please visit www.sunshinebus.net or call customer service at 904-209-3716.

Council on Aging Announces Hurricane-Related Closures – September 28 – 30, 2022

St. Johns County Council on Aging (COA) has announced that all COA facilities and senior centers will be closed Wednesday through Friday, September 28 – 30, 2022, in response to the expected weather impact of Hurricane Ian. This includes all COA senior centers, the Sunshine Center adult day care center, the Ponte Vedra Memory Care Center, and COA’s administrative offices.

Meals on Wheels for the remainder of the week will be delivered to scheduled recipients on Wednesday, September 28. Wednesday will be the last delivery day this week for Meals on Wheels.

Sunshine Bus and Paratransit transportation services will continue through Wednesday, weather permitting. For Sunshine Bus updates, please visit www.sunshinebus.net.

For more information on Council on Aging services, visit www.coasjc.org or call 904-209-3700.

COA Announces Cathy Brown Memorial and Celebration of Life at River House, Thursday, October 6, 2022

Council on Aging, along with her family, invite members of the public to attend a memorial and celebration of the life of Cathy Brown on Thursday, October 6, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at COA’s River House. River House is located at 179 Marine Street in St. Augustine, Florida.  In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that donations be made to Council on Aging, or a charity of your choice.  If you would like to send a message of condolence or share a memory of Cathy with her family, please call 904-977-5288 where you can record a message for them.

Cathy Brown served as Executive Director of Council on Aging for fourteen years from 1999 to 2013. Her impact on the mission of Council on Aging and the community of St. Johns County cannot be overstated. Her creative spirit, out-of-the box thinking, and boundless energy created a synergy that transformed the small agency into a force for change and good. Cathy’s vision resulted in a thriving agency with five senior centers, including the beautiful River House on the Matanzas River, a nationally recognized public transportation system known as the Sunshine Bus, the Sunshine Center, an adult day care center, and IMEP™, COA’s innovative memory disorder early intervention program.

Cathy’s passion for excellence, her commitment to good, and her gift of motivation inspired all… staff, volunteers, participants, and board members… from the first day she walked into COA until the day she retired in 2013 and beyond. Her presence and her joy are ever-present.

“Cathy was an incredible visionary and tireless advocate for seniors and caregivers in St. Johns County,” said Becky Yanni, executive director of COA. “COA meant so much to Cathy – and Cathy means so much to COA. Her legacy will live on improving the lives of our community’s elders and caregivers in perpetuity.”

For more information on COA’s programs and services for seniors and caregivers in St. Johns County, visit their website at www.coasjc.org.

Columbia Restaurant’s Community Harvest to Benefit Council on Aging and Local Charities

St. Augustine, FL, September 1, 2022 – Eat well and do good in support of local nonprofits including Council on Aging during the entire month of September during the 25th Annual Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest program. All of the 1905 Family of Restaurants are participating this year, including the Columbia Restaurant location at 98 St. George Street in downtown St. Augustine.

Through its month-long Community Harvest program, now in its 25th year, the company donates 5 percent of all diners’ checks to charities selected by the guests. Over the last 24 years, this program has provided more than $3 million to nonprofit organizations throughout Florida.  

During the month of September, simply choose an organization from a ballot that is provided with the check.  The restaurant will calculate the 5 percent and provide the charity with gift certificates that can be used at any of the restaurants for up to 12 months.  There is no additional cost to the guest.

The St. Augustine Columbia Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. For more information and to make a reservation, visit https://www.columbiarestaurant.com/historic-district-st-augustine.

Local nonprofit Council on Aging (COA) has been serving seniors and caregivers in St. Johns County since 1973. COA offers a comprehensive range of programs and services that support older adults in maintaining their independence and enjoying their best lives at every age. Among the many programs COA offers are home-delivered Meals on Wheels, independent living services, prescription assistance, IMEP™, their Integrative Memory Enhancement Program, adult day care, caregiver support, and community senior and lifelong learning centers throughout St. Johns County.

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 of the restaurants are owned and operated by 4th and 5th generation members of the founding family, except for the Columbia Restaurant Cafe at Tampa International Airport, which is operated in partnership with HMSHost.

“We started this program as a way to help many of the worthy non-profit groups that are so important to our communities,” said 4th generation family member and president Richard Gonzmart. “I can’t believe how much it has grown in 25 years. We’re excited this year to extend the ballots and gift certificates to all our restaurant concepts, which should provide a real increase in our donations to the charities.”

The Council on Aging pays tribute to the life and legacy of Cathy Brown, who served as Executive Director from 1999 – 2013.  Cathy’s impact on the mission of Council on Aging and the community of St. Johns County cannot be overstated.  Her creative spirit, out-of- the box thinking, and boundless energy created a synergy that transformed the small agency into a force for change and good.  Cathy’s vision resulted in a thriving agency with five senior centers, including the beautiful River House on the Matanzas River, a nationally recognized public transportation system known as the Sunshine Bus, an adult day care center, the Sunshine Center, and IMEP, an innovative memory disorder early intervention program.

Cathy’s passion for excellence, her commitment to good, and her gift of motivation inspired us all… staff, volunteers, participants and board members… from the first day she walked into the COA until the day she retired in 2013 and beyond.  We feel her presence and her joy every day. 

Thank you, Cathy, for making St. Johns County a better place, not only for our seniors, but for all of us.  And rest knowing that your legacy will continue in and through the many people you have touched.

We love you. We miss you.  We will never forget you. 

Council on Aging, along with her family, invite members of the public to attend a memorial and celebration of the life of Cathy Brown on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at COA’s River House. The memorial and celebration will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m at River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, Florida.

By Karen Weeks

  When I retired, it was such a huge accomplishment. The promised freedom to do what I want, when I want, was a definite plus! However, once the retirement party was over, I quickly realized just how much of a difference my steady stream of income made in my ability to do things like shop, travel, and even eat dinner out. Read below for my article on budgeting tips for seniors who are living on a fixed income, focusing on how they can still enjoy their golden years with a little bit of financial tweaking.  – Karen Weeks

Seniors living on a fixed income need to adopt a more frugal lifestyle to ensure their funds don’t run out during their golden years. If you take a microscopic look at your finances, you can find plenty of areas where you can save money. With a sensible and creative approach to money, you can enjoy financial freedom without having to compromise too much on the lifestyle you’ve worked hard to create. Here are some practical tips on how to make it work.

Take Advantage of Your Surroundings

Sometimes, the best things in life are free. Instead of spending money on cruises and holidays, why not become a tourist in your own town? Invite friends and family to explore your area, and show them the pristine beaches, hiking trails, and other marvels on your doorstep. With such scenic surroundings, you can certainly live the holiday lifestyle. You don’t need to spend money on travel to explore. 

Downsize Your Home

Take a look at downsizing your home. If your house can generate a profit upon sale, why not sell and invest in a lock-and-go property? This way, you can also save costs on home maintenance, garden services, and other costs involved in owning a large property. To begin looking into the possibility of moving, calculate your home equity. Begin by finding your home’s current value – or at least an estimate – and then subtract your mortgage balance. If you’re not in a position to downsize, consider renting out a part of your home to tourists. 

Look for Discounts

Whether its activities, transport, or museums, a multitude of discounts are available for seniors. For regular massages and haircuts, seek beauty school trainees who charge very little to practice their skills. Meanwhile, the national parks offer discount passes for seniors; hotels also offer discounts for seniors. 

Sell Household Items

Over the years you may have accumulated a few valuable items. Have your furniture, antiques, artwork, and jewelry appraised. You can potentially sell an antique item or two to generate an extra funnel of cash. 

Create a Monthly Budget

Creating a monthly budget can give you an overview of your finances and allow you to plan your expenses. Don’t forget to put some money aside for savings or unforeseen circumstances. 

Find Part-Time Work or Start a Business

Chances are, there’s potential for part-time or seasonal work in your area. One option is to become a tour guide for seniors and conduct walking tours through hiking trails, museums, local attractions, and more. Alternatively, consider offering pet services or dog walking services for seniors who are no longer mobile. This gives you the chance to make your own schedule and essentially run your own business. 

If you decide to start a business, forming an LLC can be the best option as it offers tax advantages and flexibility. You can use a formation service to help you file your paperwork and Articles of Incorporation, or you can do it yourself. Either option saves you the expense of attorney fees. Since each state has its own rules for starting a business, check how to start an LLC Florida business. It only takes five steps, and you can use a formation service if you’re nervous about missing any important legal documents.

Living Well on a Budget

You can live well on a budget if you make wise financial choices and take advantage of your surroundings, local discounts, and job opportunities. By having a plan in place and sticking to it, you can live a fun, comfortable life well into your senior years.

The St. Johns County Council on Aging works to ensure that Florida seniors can enjoy their lives. We offer resources, programs, and community events to keep seniors connected and active. Visit us online and consider joining us today!

Council on Aging Announces Island Doctors COA Champions for Elders Golf Tournament – August 29

Council on Aging (COA) invites the community to participate in the Island Doctors Champions for Elders Golf Tournament at Slammer and Squire, World Golf Village, on Monday, August 29,2022.  COA has been serving seniors and caregivers in St. Johns County for the past 49 years, and the annual golf tournament, now in its 19^th year, is our largest fundraiser of the year. Sponsors are invited to bring a team of four to enjoy a day of golf followed by a celebratory luncheon, or participate as a sponsor off the course and support the important work COA does every day for local seniors and caregivers.

COA provides an extensive array of services for area seniors including Meals on Wheels, independent living services, case management, memory enhancement programs, therapeutic adult daycare, transportation, prescription assistance, and more. The organization also offers opportunities for socialization, travel, and lifelong learning at their six community centers located throughout the county. In addition, COA offers programs to support the needs of local caregivers, providing counseling, education, support groups, and respite care.

As a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, COA relies upon donations and sponsorships to support this important work.

“The St. Johns County community is exceptional in being there for our elders and caregivers,” explained COA Executive Director, Becky Yanni.  “We rely upon the generosity and good will of local businesses and members of the community to make this possible. Our annual Champions for Elders golf tournament is crucial to our ability to serve.” 

This year, local medical group Island Doctors is the Title Sponsor of the event.

“We are very excited to be able to help Council on Aging serve more seniors and caregivers in St. Johns County,” said Roy H. Hinman, II, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Island Doctors MSO. “This event is a fantastic way to help our community’s elders.”

Caring Partner sponsorships are available with a donation of $5,500 and include a playing team foursome at the event. Participating team foursome sponsorships begin with a $2,500 donation. Non-playing event sponsorships are available starting at $250. All sponsorships include recognition at the event and online. To sign up online to participate as a sponsor and/or team, please visit https://bit.ly/IDCOA2022. For more information, please contact COA’s Sheri Brideson at coagolf@coasjc.org or 904-209-3697. The deadline to register to participate is August 15, 2022.

To learn more about COA’s extensive range of services for seniors and caregivers, browse our website at www.coasjc.org or call to speak with our receptionists at 904-209-3700.