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St. Johns County Council on Aging



Our Classes

Gentle Yoga on Tuesdays in April at River House

$25

with Scott Farber

Calendar Apr 7, 2026 at 9:15 am, runs for 4 weeks

This dynamic yet gentle class is for all ages, accommodating beginners as well as those who want to deepen their practice. Using teaching demonstrations and detailed guidance, each class proceeds in a safe and slow way to instruct the basics of (Kripalu) yoga postures, breathwork and meditation. Plenty of modifications and variations will be given for different body types. 

Class is 60 minutes and include an opening centering, gentle warmups, postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and a long closing relaxation (yoga nidra). 

Please bring your own yoga mat, water bottle, and blanket or cushion to sit on.

Scott Farber, Ph.D., E-RYT 500/YACEP. Scott has been practicing yoga, meditation, and t'ai chi since the 1970s. A former college professor, with a doctorate in philosophy of education, he has traveled and taught all over the world. He now serves as a lead trainer in the Discovery Yoga School, offering a variety of yoga classes, workshops and teacher trainings.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 9:15 to 10:15 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Spanish for Beginners on Tuesdays in April at River House

$3750

with Maria Martinez

Calendar Apr 7, 2026 at 10 am, runs for 4 weeks

Bienvenidos, 

In this course you will learn basic Spanish. You will also learn everyday phrases, commonly used words, colloquial words used by Spanish speakers, the history and customs of different countries, as well as “Castilian-Castellano” the language brought to this beautiful town by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles and his crew. You will be surprised of how much Spanish you already know. Don’t forget your notebook (cuaderno) and pen/pencil (bolígrafo /lápiz). 

María Teresa Martínez is a native Spanish speaker, born in Havana, Cuba. Her family ancestry is from Spain. She came to the United States in 1968 and learned English as a high school student in Dover, Delaware. She has taught from early childhood to college level Spanish.  She also served as a medical and judicial interpreter for many years as the owner of a  translation and interpretation business. Since retiring to San Augustine she has enjoyed teaching Spanish classes at the River House/COA. Her courses provide an interesting mix of learning the Spanish language while enjoying tidbits about the colonial history of our city Saint Augustine and Spain. 

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run

Singing on Tuesdays in April at River House

$25

with Abigail Dyer

Calendar Apr 7, 2026 at 10:15 am, runs for 4 weeks

Group singing class is focused on the basics of classical singing technique.  You'll learn exercises to improve your breath control as well as your vocal strength, range and clarity.  You'll also have a chance to apply your new technique to the repertoire of your choice.  

Please bring two printed copies of the sheet music for a song of your choice to work on over the course of the month. Students of all levels are welcome.

Singing teacher and classical singer Abigail Dyer was born in West Orange, New Jersey. With a private voice studio in St Augustine Beach and over 20 years' experience teaching opera professionals and amateur singers alike, Abby specializes in developing healthy vocal technique in the service of expressive singing.

Abby is a graduate of Vassar College (BA) and Columbia University (MA, M.Phil., Ph.D.), and the Mannes College Wagner Theater Program.

Class sessions will be held Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Tai Chi / Qigong on Tuesdays in April at River House

$25

with Scott Farber

Calendar Apr 7, 2026 at 10:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

Qigong is the art of cultivating our vital energy or life force using gentle movements coordinated with breathing. It promotes health and vitality. Tai Chi is the epitome of qigong. It is a healing art, a moving meditation, and a slow graceful dance. It relaxes the body and focuses the mind. It improves balance and posture. We'll learn a variety of standing qigong methods as well as the famous Cheng Man-Ching (Yang style) Tai Chi form. Please wear loose comfortable clothing and, if possible, flat-bottomed shoes.

Scott Farber, Ph.D., has been practicing and teaching Tai Chi & Qigong for over forty years. He has studied the form, push hands and sword.  As an apprentice in the international School of Tai Chi Chuan, he completed fifteen years of intensive teacher training.  A former college professor, he now serves as a health and wellness consultant, teaching yoga, tai chi and meditation.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Intermediate Spanish on Tuesdays in April at River House

$3750

with Maria Martinez

Calendar Apr 7, 2026 at 11:45 am, runs for 4 weeks

Intermediate Spanish class will focus on building upon existing  vocabulary and grammar knowledge to improve communication skills and fluency. This will include expanding vocabulary, refining grammar and practicing sentence variety and fluency.

Don’t forget your notebook (cuaderno) and pen/pencil (bolígrafo /lápiz). 

María Teresa Martínez is a native Spanish speaker, born in Havana, Cuba. Her family ancestry is from Spain. She came to the United States in 1968 and learned English as a high school student in Dover, Delaware. She has taught from early childhood to college level Spanish.  She also served as a medical and judicial interpreter for many years as the owner of a  translation and interpretation business. Since retiring to San Augustine she has enjoyed teaching Spanish classes at the River House/COA. Her courses provide an interesting mix of learning the Spanish language while enjoying tidbits about the colonial history of our city Saint Augustine and Spain. 

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 11:45 to 1:15 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Zambra Mora Dance Class on Tuesdays in April at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Apr 7, 2026 at 11:45 am, runs for 4 weeks

Join Gina Marie for a lively and inspiring Zambra Mora class that blends the passion of Spanish fusion dance with expressive movement techniques. In this series of beginner friendly classes you’ll explore:  

  • Dynamic dance combinations rooted in Spanish and fusion styles  
  • Skirt work that adds flair and drama to your performance  
  • Silk fan techniques to enhance your dance through graceful props  
  • Creative expression that celebrates rhythm, artistry, and individuality

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.  

Dance shoes or barefoot in the studio.

Wear a full skirt if you have one. Gina will have a few loaners as well as practice fans.

Class sessions will be on Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 11:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Jamming to the Classics - Advanced Level on Tuesdays in April at River House

$3750

with Dennis Fermin

Calendar Apr 7, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Come join us for a fun filled group course where Ukulele, Guitar, and other small string instrument players will be playing together side by side. We will all be playing several classic pop and classic rock favorites. Focus will be on tightening up our chord changes, learning new songs, building friendships and having a great time!

Open to Guitar, Ukulele or other small stringed instruments

Requirements:

  • Ability to play open string chords reasonably well
  • Instrument
  • Music stand
  • 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 Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine St.   St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Line Dance on Tuesdays in April at River House

$25

with Ann Murdock

Calendar Apr 7, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Have fun and kick up your heels!

This fun line dance class will teach you popular line dances to various genres of music.

Beginners welcome. 

Dance has been an integral part of Ann's life. She has participated in line dance classes for many years and has provided private instruction to friends. Additionally, she has taught dances in the classes of other instructors.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1 to 2 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run





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