Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

St. Johns County Council on Aging



Our Classes

Basic Sign Language on Wednesdays in June at River House

$25

with Regina McCary Zoske

Calendar Jun 4, 2025 at 1 pm, runs for 4 weeks

This is an introductory course that requires no previous knowledge of Signing. You will learn how to connect with a person that is Deaf. You will engage in fun activities while learning the alphabet along with basic vocabulary. The goal here is to have a rudimentary knowledge of the language to allow you to lovingly connect with a Deaf person who you may encounter in your everyday life.

Regina has been an instructor of Sign for high school and college level for over ten years as well as COA classes. 

Class sessions are Wednesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 1 to 2 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Advanced Tai Chi - COA Center at UF Health Nocatee

$25

with Dennis Shiels

Calendar Jun 4, 2025 at 1:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Instructor Dennis Shiels will guide you through a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches. Sometimes described as meditation in motion, Tai Chi promotes serenity and connects the mind and body.  This 1 hour class is for people who have previuosly taken Tai Chi.  Open to all adults 18+ for 4 Wednesdays in June at 1:30.

Will run

Tap Dancing Level 3 on Wednesdays in June at River House

$3750

with Judy Woodruff

Calendar Jun 4, 2025 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, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Collage Workshop on Wednesdays in June at River House

$50

with Jenny Keyser

Calendar Jun 4, 2025 at 2 pm, runs for 4 weeks

“Collage has been one of the most relevant forms of art making. It’s resonant because it is made of the stuff that we see every day. It’s familiar. It reflects our reality.” -Elliott Hundley.

In this class we will learn about the history of collage along with a variety of mixed-media techniques.

Supply List:

  • Mark making tools that you find around the house
  • Paint brushes
  • Scissors - if desired, but tearing is great too!
  • Mod Podge or gel medium
  • A brayer, an old spatula, credit card or hotel key for smoothing glued collage pieces
  • Paper plates or other paint palette
  • Plastic Cup for water
  • Paper to be used as a substrate such as watercolor paper or card stock or cardboard…and/or Art Wood Panels (if you would like to use a lot of items/texture)
  • Various types of paper/fabric that can be used as collage
  • Paints (watercolor, ink, high-flow acrylic or gouache)
  • A pencil and eraser

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 2 to 4 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Chair Yoga on Thursdays in June at River House

$1875

with Rebecca Dawson

Calendar Jun 5, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 3 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 5, 12, 26 (no class session on June 19) from 9:00 - 10:00 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Drawing 1 on Thursdays in June at River House

$2825

with David Ouellette

Calendar Jun 5, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 3 weeks

This course is structured to develop basic drawing techniques by concentrating on the elements of descriptive drawing through observation. 

Students will develop the qualities of line and volume with a full range of values. The course will also cover linear perspective and compositional design.

Materials needed:

  • 18" x 24" drawing paper pad (not sketching paper)
  • 16" x 20" (approx.) drawing board
  • #2 and #4 graphic pencils
  • white plastic eraser
  • kneaded eraser
  • masking tape

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, June 5, 12, 26 (no class session on June 19) from 9 - 10:30 at the 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

$1875

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Jun 5, 2025 at 9:30 am, runs for 3 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 5, 12, 26 (no class session on June 19) 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

$1250

with Sharon Infante

Calendar Jun 5, 2025 at 10:30 am, runs for 2 weeks

Tai Chi Easy™ for Health and Vitality is a simplified method of Tai Chi. If you have tried other tai chi forms and couldn’t stick with it give this one a try. It is readily accessible and adaptable for anyone, even those who are dealing with chronic pain and other conditions. Developed by Dr. Roger Jahnke, O.M.D., Tai Chi Easy™ incorporates elements of both Tai Chi and Qigong. This method is easy to learn. There is no need to spend years learning the 108 traditional movements of long form Tai Chi to reap the benefits of the practice.

Key Principles: Do the practices as best you can. Have fun. Practice in your personal comfort zone. Modify and adapt for your body’s needs. Practice the “Three Intentful Corrections” of body, breath, & mind: Posture & Movement Breath Mindful awareness, Meditation and Massage.

Dress comfortably and wear sneakers or any rubber sole shoe 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 5, 12 (no class sessions on June 19 & 26) from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run





Forgot password?
Staff Log In