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St. Johns County Council on Aging



Educational

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

$25

with Fred Hathorn

Calendar Oct 2, 2025 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, October 2, 16, 23, 30 (no class session on Oct. 9) from 1:45 - 2:45 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Know Before You Go Fishing Clinic Series on Tuesdays in October at River House

$3750

with Donna Frantz

Calendar Oct 7, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 4 weeks

New to fishing or just new to fishing in Florida? 

This series you will learn:

  • Know before you go - this will give you the basics
  • Florida Rules and Regulations
  • Learn what to keep and what to throw back
  • Knot tying
  • Bait selection
  • When/where to fish
  • What to have in your tackle box
  • Proper fish handling

During this series you will learn how to fish from the beach, along the shore of the Intracoastal, or from a pier and how to catch a variety of interesting species. 

Come get schooled up and have fun! Attend all scheduled class sessions in the month for a chance to win a Rod and Reel Combo!

Class sessions will be held Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 9 to 10:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

There is a separate Fishing class on Sept. 30 from 9 to 11 that you might want to register for in order to put what you have learned in this class to use. Donna Frantz teaches that class as well.

 For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Spanish for Beginners on Tuesdays in October at River House

$3750

with Maria Martinez

Calendar Oct 7, 2025 at 9:15 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, October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 9:15 - 10:45 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Intermediate Spanish on Tuesdays in October at River House

$3750

with Maria Martinez

Calendar Oct 7, 2025 at 11 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, October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 11 to 12:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

The Herbal Pharmacy: Herbs and Your Health onThursdays in October at River House

$25

with James Carucci

Calendar Oct 9, 2025 at 2:30 pm, runs for 3 weeks

In this course, we will focus upon the therapeutic actions of herbs and how they can be used in the treatment and prevention of common conditions. Each week we will focus on specific herbal actions, herbs with those therapeutic effects, and the ways in which those herbs can be used from teas to tinctures to tonics. You will be presented with a variety of herbs and will have the opportunity to put together simple and delicious remedies that suit your needs. You get to take something home every week! Enjoy!

Class sessions will meet on Thursdays, October 9, 23, 30 (no class session on Oct. 2 & 16 ) from 2:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 & up.

Will run

Bringing Back Your Brain and Restoring Brain Health on Tuesday, October 21 at River House

$10

with Lynn Ringhaver

Calendar Oct 21, 2025 at 1:30 pm, runs for 1 week

This class will offer:

  • Strategies for Building your nutrient reserves in your Brain.
  • How to protect your Brain and immune system from Brain Betrayers.
  • Brain cell foods that fuel your Brain and restore neurological health, preventing Burn Out, Brain Fog, and Dementia.

Lynn Ringhaver RN., BSN., L.Ac. was an Intensive care nurse for 15 years before moving into Integrative Medicine. She was in private practice for over 20 years including: Shiatsu, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition. Certified in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction with Jon Kabat-Zinn. Certified in Qi Gong with Master Robert Peng. Emotional Freedom Technique training with Dawson Church PhD.

This one session class is on Tuesday, October 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 & up.

Will run

St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Presentation on Wednesday, October 22 at River House

Free

with Ryan Kane

Calendar Oct 22, 2025 at 2 pm, runs for 1 week

Ever wondered what amenities are available to St. Johns County residents? Did you know that there are nearly 50 public parks in the county? Also, there are community centers as well as youth and adult activities. Ryan Kane, from the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department, will be at River House to discuss the various amenities available to you.

Pre-registration required at coasjc.coursestorm.com or call 904 209 3655 Monday to Thursday 9 to 4.

Ryan Kane joined St. Johns County Parks and Recreation in 2021 after having served over 20 years in municipal parks and recreation administration. Prior to joining St. Johns County, Ryan served as Director of Recreation for the Town of Concord, MA, and Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation for South Windsor, CT. He holds a bachelor's degree in Sports Management and a Master of Business Administration, both from Southern New Hampshire University.

This program will be held on Wednesday, October 22 from 2 to 3 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run





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