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St. Johns County Council on Aging



Our Classes

Book Club on Wednesday, June 3 at River House

Free

with Peter Gaspar

Calendar Jun 3, 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 June's meeting is The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.

The facilitator for this group is Peter Gaspar.

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

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Chair Yoga on Thursdays in June at River House

$25

with Rebecca Dawson

Calendar Jun 4, 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, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 9:00 - 10:00 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

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

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Jun 4, 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, June 4, 11, 18, 25 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 June at River House

$25

with Sharon Infante

Calendar Jun 4, 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, June 4, 11, 18, 25 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 June at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Jun 4, 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, June 4, 11, 18, 25 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 June at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Jun 4, 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, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 11 - 1 at the River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

For ages 18 and up

Will run

Zambra Mora Dance – Level 1 Foundations (Beginner) on Thursdays in June at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Jun 4, 2026 at 12 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Step into the evocative world of Zambra Mora, a soulful fusion of Spanish Romani expression and deep Arabic influence. This Level One foundations class is designed for absolute beginners and curious dancers who want to explore the earthy, emotional, and rhythmic heart of this historic style. 

In this class, students will learn:

  • Fundamental posture and movement vocabulary
  • Slow, serpentine movements that emphasize breath, groundedness, and expression intention
  • Fast rhythmic accents drawn from traditional Zambra phrasing
  • Hipwork, arm pathways, and traveling steps that build confidence and fluidity
  • Cultural context and lineage, honoring the dance’s roots while building a modern, accessible foundation

The pace is welcoming and supportive, with plenty of breakdowns, repetition, and guided practice. No prior dance experience is required — just curiosity and a willingness to explore a dance form that is both fiery and deeply poetic.

By the end of the series, students will feel grounded in the essential shapes, rhythms, and emotional textures of Zambra Mora, ready to continue into more layered technique and choreography.

Barefoot or dance shoes preferred, wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely in.

With years of teaching and performance experience, Gina brings her expertise, warmth, and energy to every class. Whether you’re new to Zambra Mora or looking to expand your repertoire, this class offers a fun, supportive environment to grow your skills and enjoy the beauty of dance.  

Class sessions will be on Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from Noon to 1 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Think Differently on Thursdays in June at River House

$25

with Kate Werner

Calendar Jun 4, 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, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 12:30 to 1:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run





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