Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

St. Johns County Council on Aging



Our Classes

Cooking with Herbs: Bold Summer Flavors for a Happy Gut on Thursday, July 23 at River House

$11

with James Carucci

Calendar Jul 23, 2026 at 2 pm, runs for 1 week

In this interactive cooking demonstration, we will explore the modern culinary trend of "fibermaxxing" to support digestion, heart health, and blood sugar stability. High fiber doesn’t mean low taste! This class will showcase how to utilize high-fiber, prebiotic-rich summer produce and herbs to create elegant, vibrant dishes that are light and refreshing for hot weather.

James is a Professor of Biological Sciences at St. Johns River State College in St. Augustine, personal chef and is a Master Herbalist with over 20 years of experience.

Class sessions will be held on Thursday, July 23 from 2 - 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.) 

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Art of Building Handmade Books from Scratch - Pockets, Tuck Spots and Hidden Places on Monday, July 27 at River House

$1250

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Jul 27, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Discover the centuries-old craft of bookbinding in this hands-on course designed for beginners and creative enthusiasts alike. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of constructing handmade books — from folding and sewing signatures (bookbinding process of stitching multiple folded groups of paper (signatures) together using binder thread to create the internal text block of a book) to attaching covers and finishing edges. The course is made up of individual sessions, each exploring a different and creative aspect of designing and personalizing your book. No prior experience needed — just a love of paper, texture, paints and making things by hand.

Pockets, Tuck spots and Hidden Places- These are added to your books to extend places to hide notes, tags, journal cards or memorabilia. By using special origami type folding, cutouts and glue you are only limited by your imagination as to where and how to include them with your book design.

Supplies specific to this class:

  • Decorative paper, cardstock, book pages
  • Magazine images that correspond to your book design
  • White Elmer’s glue
  • Decorative suggestions- stickers, paper clusters, silk flowers, stamps/ink, bling, etc.

General Supplies needed:

  • Journals- blank sketch/watercolor books, or you can hand make a book or alter a book.
  • Pens, markers, pencils, rulers, brushes Paints (acrylics, watercolors, inks, metallics)
  • Colored pencils
  • Collage materials: (magazine clippings, newspapers, paper scraps)
  • Glue or adhesives 
  • Stamps and stencils
  • Washi or decorative tapes
  • Gesso: white or clear
  • Sponges
  • Palette knives

Optional supplies

  • Fabric,
  • Textured papers, 
  • Brayer
  • Gel press
  • Ink sprays 
  • Found objects or memorabilia 

Class session will be held on Monday, July 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Gel Press Printing on Mondays in August at River House

$3750

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Aug 3, 2026 at 1:30 am, runs for 3 weeks

Gel Press Printing- This printing technique can be used to create your own background images for your book pages. Gel press printing is a true artform in itself letting the artist make designs to be used in collage, and one off prints. With the addition of markers, stencils and even leaves and flowers you can make unbelievable prints. Let your creativity flow with this one-of-a-kind medium!

Supplies needed: 

  • Copy paper (minimum 24lb)
  • Envelopes, paper scraps, playing cards, etc. what ever you have.
  • Acrylic paints – (hobby paints are good for beginners) heavier tube paints are better.
  • Gel Press printing plate 5x7 or larger (Do not get the Speedball Press it’s only for ink)
  • Breyer
  • Acrylic Markers
  • Permanent black marker wide tip
  • Stencils  Flowers and plants
  • Black and white magazine images to do transfers.
  • Optional: Other papers can also be used besides copy paper. Rice paper, deli paper, tissue paper,

Class sessions will meet on Mondays, August 3, 24, 31 (no class sessions August 10 & 17) from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Great Hollywood Composers on Mondays in August at River House

$3750

with Thomas Hischak

Calendar Aug 3, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 5 weeks

Even before the advent of sound, many Hollywood movies had musical scores. This course looks at the development of the movie soundtrack and at the notable composers who created memorable musical scores. We will cover the early pioneers as well as composers working today, watching film clips illustrating outstanding Hollywood soundtracks. Among the great composers to be discussed are Alfred Newman, Max Steiner, Bernard Herrmann, John Barry, John Williams, and Rachel Portman. We will be listening to and discussing such famous film soundtracks as Gone with the Wind, North By Northwest, The Ten Commandments, Goldfinger, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

This is not a music theory class but more a music appreciation one.

Thomas Hischak is a retired Professor of Performing Arts from the State University of New York College at Cortland. He is the author of over thirty books on theatre, film, and popular music.

Class sessions will be on Mondays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 9:30 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Chair Yoga on Mondays in August at River House

$25

with Rebecca Dawson

Calendar Aug 3, 2026 at 11 am, runs for 4 weeks

Discover a yoga practice that has therapeutic benefits for seniors who may not be able to stand for long periods of time or may be uncomfortable seated on the floor.

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, August 3, 10, 24, 31 from 11:00 - noon at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084). No class on Monday, August 17.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Embody Ageless Vitality on Mondays in August at River House

$25

with Sharon Infante

Calendar Aug 3, 2026 at 12 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Begin to explore and embody practices that release stress, trauma, and unresolved emotional patterns that may be holding you back from living your best life. You will learn and participate in gentle stretching, mindful movement, and breathwork meditation designed to ease tension in the fascia, muscles, and connective tissues—especially in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. These movement routines are rooted in ancient somatic and energetic practices that support physical healing and emotional well-being, promoting a deep sense of inner freedom, balance, and joy.

Please wear comfortable clothing, sneakers or rubber-soled shoes, and bring a water bottle.

Be prepared to sit, stand, gently shake, stretch, and reach in slow, accessible ways.

Sharon has been on her journey since 2000, trained in Woodstock, NY with Master trainers of Sound and Frequency. She is a Qigong Practitioner, Senior Trainer of IIQTC Tai Chi Easy Leader, certified in various Tai Chi Health forms, Master Reiki and energy healer, and completed studies in MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, August 3, 10, 17, 31 (no class session on August 24) from Noon to 1:00 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Zumba Gold (Lower Impact) on Mondays in August at River House

$25

with Angela Engel

Calendar Aug 3, 2026 at 12:15 pm, runs for 5 weeks

This is a lower intensity version of a regular Zumba class.

Zumba Gold introduces easy-to-follow dance moves that focus on balance, range of motion and coordination. Class sessions will focus on cardiovascular, muscular conditionins, balance and flexibilty.

Supplies needed:

  • Water,
  • Towel
  • Comfortable clothes that you can move in
  • Sneakers
  • Light hand weights (optional)

Angela has been doing Zumba for 12 years and teaching for 10.

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 12:15 to 1:15 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Ballet on Mondays in August at River House

$3750

with Judy Woodruff

Calendar Aug 3, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 5 weeks

This ballet class is designed for seniors but emphasizes classical technique rather than exercise for its own sake. Approximately the first 20-30 minutes of class will be devoted to floor work that develops range of joint motion, strength, stretch and muscular sequencing necessary for ballet technique. That will be followed by about 30 minutes each at the barre and center. These exercises are selected to improve balance, posture, upper body range of motion and enhance the ability to transfer weight with confidence and grace. Some prior dance experience is recommended. The ability to work lying or sitting on the floor, get up from the floor, and the ability to stand and move unaided are required.

Ballet shoes are recommended.

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 1:30 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

 





Forgot password?
Staff Log In