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Nassau County Council on Aging
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Congregate Dining

Every weekday, a place to belong.

A free, chef-prepared lunch every weekday at both Senior Life Centers — and a morning of exercise, music, games and good conversation before it. Welcome to Just Friends in Fernandina Beach and Westie Besties in Hilliard.

Call to join usFind your center
A volunteer and a Just Friends participant decorating marshmallow treats together at a craft table
What to Expect

Good food. Good company.

Congregate dining is about more than a hot, chef-prepared meal. Every weekday, older adults gather at our Senior Life Centers in Fernandina Beach and Hilliard for good food, activities, and time with friends.

Mornings might include an exercise class, live music, bingo, card games, crafts, or a visiting speaker. Then everyone gathers for a nutritious, freshly prepared lunch — with plenty of conversation and companionship along the way.

The program is open to any Nassau County resident age 60 or older, completely free of charge. There is no membership required, no fee for the meal, and no cost to participate in activities.

If you're planning your first visit, please call ahead to the Senior Life Center you'd like to visit. This gives our kitchen time to prepare a meal for you and allows our team to be ready to welcome you and show you around.

A Day Here

Feed the body, nourish the mind.

Fernandina Beach

Just Friends

at the Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center

  • 9:00First activity — exercise, music or a guest speaker
  • 10:00Second activity — bingo, games or a craft
  • 11:30Lunch, served daily

Activities change month to month — see the current calendar below.

Hilliard

Westie Besties

at the Westside Senior Life Center

  • 8:30Coffee and a word search to start the morning
  • 9:00Activity — exercise, balance class or music
  • 10:00Bingo
  • 11:00Lunch, served daily

Activities change month to month — see the current calendar below.

Activities & Events

A little something for everyone.

There's always something to do, learn, or enjoy. Activities and services include sing-alongs and live guitar, Medicare counseling, sign language, arts and crafts, trivia, pancake breakfasts, flu shot clinics, and more.

Exercise

  • Fitness classes
  • Drumming
  • A Matter of Balance
  • Morning stretch

Games

  • Bingo
  • Rummikub
  • Trivia
  • Board games
  • Word challenges

Music

  • Sing-alongs
  • Live guitar
  • Elvis hour
  • Visiting musicians

Learning

  • SHINE Medicare counseling
  • Sign language
  • Armchair travel
  • Food and nutrition talks

Arts and crafts

  • Beading
  • Painting and drawing
  • Seasonal crafts

Special events

  • Pancake breakfasts
  • Flu shot clinics
  • Holiday luncheons
  • Guest speakers
Where to Find Us

Two places to gather.

First-time visitors are welcome. A quick call ahead helps our team prepare for your visit and make sure there's a meal waiting for you.

Need a Lift?

Transportation is available through JTA.

If driving isn't an option, you can still get here. Seniors in Nassau County who aren't able to use regular bus routes may qualify for shared rides through the Jacksonville Transportation Authority — picked up at your door and dropped off at ours. Call either center and we'll help you sort it out.

Come Join Us

Pull up a chair.

A hot meal, a morning worth showing up for, and a table of people glad you came. It costs nothing to join us — just call the center nearest you before your first visit, so the kitchen knows to cook for one more.

One note on joining us: guests should be able to eat independently, manage their own personal care, and take part safely in a group setting. If that is not the right fit today, our Adult Day HealthCare program offers a supported alternative, and Meals on Wheels brings a meal to the door.