Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

St. Johns County Council on Aging



Our Classes

Jamming to the Classics - Guitar & Ukulele on Wednesdays in August at River House

$3750

with Dennis Fermin

Calendar Aug 5, 2026 at 11:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

Join us as we play your favorite popular Classics, in a fun group setting. Emphasis on keeping smooth chord changes and learning a few new chords and strum patterns along the way.

Requirements

  • Ability to play basic chords reasonably well
  • Guitar or Ukulele
  • Music stand suggested
  • Pen or pencil

Dennis Fermin has been playing guitar for over 30 years and joyfully helping others learn to play along the way. As a graduate from Musician's Institute of California, he has the skills and the patience to teach on many different topics and styles of music. Currently you can hear him perform locally as Fermin Spanish Guitar.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, August 5, 12, 19, 26 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run

Tap Dancing Level 3 on Wednesdays in August at River House

$3750

with Judy Woodruff

Calendar Aug 5, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks

For the experienced tap dancer with a good command of tap technique and vocabulary this intermediate level class emphasizes choreography. Practice includes a variety of time steps, more syncopated rhythms, developing speed with clarity, and performance quality. Choreography includes new work and some dances from the Matanzas Tap performance repertory.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, August 5, 12, 19, 26 from 1:30 to 3:00 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Book Club on Wednesday, August 5 at River House

Free

with Peter Gaspar

Calendar Aug 5, 2026 at 2 pm, runs for 1 week

All are welcome but because of the popularity of this group pre-registration to attend is required.

The River House Book Club meets once a month to discuss a pre-chosen book. The chosen book for August's meeting is Washington Black by Esi Edugyan.

The facilitator for this group is Peter Gaspar.

This group will meet on Wednesday, August 5 from 2 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Chair Yoga on Thursdays in August at River House

$1875

with Rebecca Dawson

Calendar Aug 6, 2026 at 9 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 Thursdays, August 6, 20, 27 from 9:00 - 10:00 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084). No classs on Thursday, August 13.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Belly Dance Basics and Beyond on Thursdays in August at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Aug 6, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

Welcome to Level 2 Belly Dance, the next step in your dance journey with Gina! This class is specifically designed for students who have successfully completed Gina's Level 1 Belly Dance class and are ready to build on their foundational skills. Please check class requirements for additional requirements.

In Level 2, we will shift our focus towards learning to perform choreography, integrating the movements and techniques you have mastered into beautiful, fluid routines.

What You'll Learn:

  • Choreography Integration: Learn to combine various bellydance movements into seamless choreography.
  • Performance Techniques: Discover how to enhance your dance with expressive gestures, emotional engagement, and stage presence.
  • Group Dynamics: Practice dancing in synchrony with a group, honing your ability to perform in unison with others.

Class Structure:

  • Warm-Up: Gentle stretching and conditioning to prepare your body for dance.
  • Technique Review: Quick recap of key movements from Level 1 to ensure a strong foundation.
  • Choreography Breakdown: Step-by-step instruction on new dance routines, with a focus on mastering each section before moving on.
  • Drills and Repetition: Practice sequences to build muscle memory and precision.
  • Performance Practice: Opportunities to perform the learned choreography, with constructive feedback from Gina.

Requirements:

  • Completion of Gina's Level 1 Belly Dance class or equivalent experience.
  • Comfortable dance attire and a willingness to explore and express through movement.

Barefoot or dance shoes. No sneakers. Comfortable clothing such as yoga wear or something you can move freely in. A coin belt or hip scarf is fun to wear if you have one.

Gina Marie is Director of Blue Lotus World Dance and is a certified SharQui Belly Dance Fitness Instructor.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, August 6, 13, 20, 27 from 9:30 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Tai Chi and Qigong on Thursdays in August at River House

$1875

with Sharon Infante

Calendar Aug 6, 2026 at 10:30 am, runs for 3 weeks

If you have tried other Tai Chi forms and found them difficult to maintain, consider giving this class a try. The forms taught here are carefully selected and can be easily adapted for all levels, including individuals experiencing chronic pain or other physical conditions. We use the Tai Chi Easy Method, Fall Prevention practices, and Parkinson’s protocols to support safe, accessible participation and learning. Classes include breathwork, meditation, self-massage, and gentle movement. Forms covered: Review of Tai Chi Easy, followed by Tai Chi for Health, and progressing to Tai Chi for Energy.

Please dress comfortably, wear sneakers or rubber-soled shoes, and bring a water bottle.

Sharon Infante is Medical Qigong Practitioner (MQP), an IIQTC and UHT certified in Tai Chi, Qigong, Daoyin Yoga, meditation and Sound Frequency. She has been teaching for more than 20 years. She enjoys bringing Tai Chi Gong and Sound Healing Meditation to communities, hospitals, schools, health festivals so that they may benefit from the combined benefits of the body, mind, spirit connection.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, August 6, 13, 20 (no class sessions on August 27) from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Belly Dance Basics Level 1 on Thursdays in August at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Aug 6, 2026 at 10:45 am, runs for 4 weeks

Welcome to the Level One Bellydance class, designed for participants of all ages and skill levels! This class focuses on low-impact movements that promote improved flexibility while ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience in bellydance, this class is perfect for you.

Throughout the session you'll learn foundational bellydance movements such as hip drops, shimmies, and graceful arm patterns. These movements are taught at a comfortable pace, allowing you to master each step while also improving your overall flexibility and core strength.

At its core this class is about enjoying the art of bellydance, embracing the music, and expressing yourself through movement. It's a welcoming environment where participants can come together to learn, dance, and have a great time.

Join us for a delightful journey into the world of bellydance, where every step brings you closer to improved flexibility, increased confidence, and a whole lot of fun!

Barefoot or dance shoes. No sneakers. Comfortable clothing such as yoga wear or something you can move freely in. A coin belt or hip scarf is fun to wear if you have one.

Gina Marie is certified in Sharqui Bellydance Fitness has been teaching for more than two decades. She will guide you through gentle warm-up exercises to prepare your body for the movements ahead. As you progress through the class, you'll also have the opportunity to practice combinations and sequences that blend seamlessly into a fluid dance routine.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, August 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10:45 to 11:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Subtraction Method Using Colored Pencils on Thursday, August 6 at River House

$1875

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Aug 6, 2026 at 12 pm, runs for 1 week

This method is designed to use erasers to subtract out highlights on a blackened surface Color is then added to enhance the picture. The substrate used is Grafix Matte .005 Dura-Lar Drafting Film (Note: It is important that it be matted on both sides) 

This is a 3 hour workshop so students are welcome to bring a snack and a drink. There are no concessions at River House.

*Supplies Needed:

  • Black Prismacolor Pencil

Other suggested Prismacolor pencils to enhance the color:  

  • Cool Grey 20% (#1060), 50% (#1063),
  • Burnt Ochre 943,
  • Terra Cotta 944,
  • Peach 939,
  • Yellow Orange 1002,
  • Dark Green 908,
  • White
  • Feel free to use additional colors or exchange any color for other ones.
  • Turpenoid brand odorless solvent
  • Spray bottle to spray on solvent
  • Foam core poster board
  • Painter's tape
  • 1 inch flat soft paint brush
  • Paper towels
  • Optional: light pad

A variety of erasers: 

  • Tombow mono Zero Eraser
  • Kneaded eraser
  • White eraser
  • Mr. Clean magic eraser
  • *Battery erasers should not be used they will remove the matte coating preventing addition coloring.

This is a one day class held on Thursday, August 6 from Noon to 3 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084) 

For ages 18 and up.

Will run





Forgot password?
Staff Log In