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St. Johns County Council on Aging



Our Classes

Tai Chi and Qigong on Thursdays in May at River House

$25

with Sharon Infante

Calendar May 7, 2026 at 10:30 am, runs for 4 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, May 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Bellydance Basics Level 1 on Thursdays in May at River House

$1250

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar May 7, 2026 at 10:45 am, runs for 2 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, May 7, 14 (no class sessions on May 21 & 28) from 10:45 to 11:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Watercolor Doodles on Thursdays in May at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar May 7, 2026 at 11 am, runs for 4 weeks

Watercolor/doodle class is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to learn about, and experiment with, two fascinating art forms: watercolor painting and doodling. Through a combination of hands-on instruction, group discussions, and individual feedback, students will develop their own unique style and gain the skills and confidence needed to express themselves creatively. 

 Supplies needed:

  • Watercolor paints - tube or pan paint sets
  • Extra-Fine black line markers (i.e. Sharpie black)
  • Small set of color markers (dual tips)
  • 140lb watercolor paper (hot or cold press -ok)
  • Mechanical pencil
  • White gel pen
  • Gold gel pen
  • Eraser
  • Paper towels
  • 2 Water containers
  • Paint brushes - 4, 6, 8 rounds; 1 inch flat brush; rigger brush
  • Color wheel

Class sessions take place on Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28 from 11 - 1 at the River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

Classes are for adults age 18 and up

Will run

Think Differently on Thursdays in May at River House

$25

with Kate Werner

Calendar May 7, 2026 at 12:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Unhappy with the way things are going?

Know you need to break out of a routine?

This class will help you learn how to change the chatter in your head. A change in your mindset can lead to big changes in your life if you are open to thinking differently.

Kate retired from teaching in 2019, having taught everything from preschool to university. She has a master's degree in education and has been very active in teaching adult education courses.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28 from 12:30 to 1:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run

Colored Pencil Art on Thursdays in May at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar May 7, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks

With instructor Liz Monaco, this class is designed to teach you the popular art of Colored Pencil to create your very own works of art. You will learn color mixing, layering, and other techniques to get the results you have always wanted. 

*Supplies Needed:

  • Prisma Color Premier Colored Pencils – Set of 24
  • Open Stock Colors: Black Grape, Magenta
  • Colorless Blender
  • White Plastic Eraser, Pencil Sharpener, Ruler
  • Bristol Vellum Drawing Paper
  • Tracing paper, Graphite Transfer Paper

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Apple Devices: iPhone Basics on Thursdays in May at River House

$3750

with Fred Hathorn

Calendar May 7, 2026 at 1:45 pm, runs for 4 weeks

This course is about iPhones only.

Lesson topics will be:

  • Getting Started with the iPhone
  • iPhone Settings & Personalization
  • Essential Apps for Everyday Use
  • Productivity, Ecosystem & Everyday Skills

By the end of the course students will be able to:

  • Operate and troubleshoot their iPhone (on/off, reboot, basic fixes).
  • Adjust key settings and personalize their device.
  • Use the core apps (Phone, Messages, Mail, Safari, Photos).
  • Install new apps safely.
  • Understand iCloud and how Apple devices work together.

A brief bio on the instructor, Fred Hathorn:

  • 1966-1992  US Army officer, mostly working in information technology 
  • 1992-2006 Information technology consultant, multiple governmental clients
  • 2010-2014 Member, Saint Augustine Mac User Group (SAMUG)
  • 2014-2017 Vice-President, Saint Augustine Mac User Group (SAMUG)
  • 2017-2023 President, Saint Augustine Mac User Group (SAMUG)Education

Education:

  • 1966 BS, Mathematics, USAF Academy 
  • 1972 MS, Industrial Engineering (Computer Utilization), Stanford University 
  • 1989 DSc, Computer Science, George Washington University 

FYI, Mac computers and iPhones are both made by the Apple company.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1:45 - 3:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Tap Dancing Level 1 & 2 on Thursdays in May at River House

$25

with Judy Woodruff

Calendar May 7, 2026 at 2 pm, runs for 4 weeks

This class will accommodate the new beginner while honing the skills of the more experienced beginner. Class will focus on tap basic fundamental single and double sound steps. Short combinations will introduce/review such composite steps as the shim sham, front and back essence, waltz clog, and simple rhythm time steps.

Tap shoes are recommended for this class.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28 from 2:00 - 3:00 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Journal Projects: Making Faux Paper for Journal Pages and Covers on Monday, May 11 at River House

$1250

with Liz Monaco

Calendar May 11, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 1 week

This paper making technique is easier than the traditional way of making handmade paper. Just by using white liquid glue and napkins or tissue paper you can create amazingly strong and durable pages that resemble rice paper.

Supplies Needed Specific to this Class

  • Plain or printed napkins/tissue paper,
  • White liquid glue (Elmers),
  • Parchment paper,
  • Soft flat paint brush to apply glue,
  • Small wide mouth container with lid.

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 elements to add to your paper 

  • Seeds,
  • Flowers/greens,
  • Threads,
  • Spray inks,
  • Metallic watercolors (gold),
  • If you would like to create book cover include a 12x12 piece of muslin fabric.

Class session will be held on Monday, May 11 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run





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