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St. Johns County Council on Aging



River House

Chess as a Mechanism of Happiness on Wednesday, March 11 at River House

Free

with Estelle Thibodeau

Calendar Mar 11, 2026 at 12 pm, runs for 1 week

This presentation will give a historical perspective, that is fun and engaging, on the history of chess as well as some amazing facts that can be applied to our lives to enrich and encourage. This presentation ranges from Queen Isabell of Spain to Benjamin Franklin, to Alice in wonderland and more.

Estelle Thibodeau has a chess club in St. Augustine, called The Cheesy Chess Club and is an ordained minister active in the art of contemplation and choice. Make your move to the COA's River House for this fascinating perspective on chess. 

This one session presentation will be on Wednesday, March 11 from noon to 1 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

STA Strong BHOF (Osteoporosis) on Wednesday, March 11 at River House

Free

with Nicole Tristram

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

STA Strong BHOF (Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation) Education Group: This group meets bimonthly to learn about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis. 

This program will meet on Wednesday, March 11 from 1:30 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run

Journal Projects: Using Napkins in Your Journals on Monday, March 16 at River House

$1250

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Mar 16, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Decoupage napkins to pages, tags, journal cards, master boards for an extra decorative touch.

Supplies Specific to this Class

  • Glue stick
  • Mod Podge
  • Brushes
  • Assortment of printed napkins

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 supplies

  • Fabric,
  • Textured papers, 
  • Brayer
  • Gel press
  • Ink sprays 
  • Found objects or memorabilia 

Class session will be held on Monday, March 16 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Healthy Living Course on Monday, March 16 at River House

$10

with Sharon Infante

Calendar Mar 16, 2026 at 2 pm, runs for 1 week

March focus will be Gut-Microbiome-Brain Permeability & Detox

“Health is Wealth” So where and how do I start?

In this class we will focus on Health Promotion and Not Disease Treatment. How to begin making healthier food and lifestyle choices which we know it can be a challenge for us. We hear to eat this, not that. Move this way not that way. This is bad for you. You must do this and go there. Old habits die hard. So where do you begin?

We will explore:

  • Nutrition & Health that is “practical” and obtainable
  • Focus on healthy food options, review food groups and beverages
  • Learn Steps to shape your personal plan
  • Explore activities to enhance your lifestyle

You will be provided with:

  • A sample day food plan
  • How to do somatic shaking
  • A list of suggested resources
  • How to create better sleep habits
  • Recipes

Each month will focus on a different area of wellness. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

  • Creating a personal wellness plan and implementing daily-life changes
  • Detox and the role of water
  • Liver health and seasonal spring detox
  • Environment and lifestyle influences
  • Understanding inflammation
  • The “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” food lists
  • Keys to longevity

This one day class will meet on Monday, March 16 from 2 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

The Musical World of Henry Mancini on Thursdays in March at River House

Free

with Thomas Hischak

Calendar Mar 19, 2026 at 10 am, runs for 2 weeks

This class looks at the life, career, and songs of Henry Mancini (1924-1994), one of Hollywood’s most revered composers. For five decades, a Mancini score conjured up romance, comedy, tragedy, or adventure, as witnessed in such popular movies as The Pink Panther, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Days of Wine and Roses, and Charade: as well as with lesser-known gems such as Hatari!, The Great Race, Darling Lili, and Two for the Road. It is a remarkable range of memorable scores.

The class is part-lecture, part-listening to Mancini’s film music.

Thomas Hischak is a retired Professor of Performing Arts from the State University of New York College at Cortland. He is the author of over thirty books on theatre, film, and popular music.

Class sessions will be on Thursdays, March 19 & 26 (no sessions on March 5 & 12) from 10 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Journal Projects: Using Book Pages on Monday, March 23 at River House

$1250

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Mar 23, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Book pages add a charm to various elements in your journal to give it vintage feel. See all the ways you can bring back the old days while creating beautiful ephemera.

Supplies specific to this class:

  • Pages from old books,
  • Glue,
  • Scissors,
  • Distress ink (Vintage Photo),
  • Dauber or cosmetic sponge.

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 Supplies

  • Fabric,
  • Textured papers, 
  • Brayer
  • Gel press
  • Ink sprays 
  • Found objects or memorabilia 

Class session will be held on Monday, March 23 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Journal Projects: Hidden Paper Clips on Monday, March 30 at River House

$1250

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Mar 30, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Using paper clips to attach a special note or floating pocket is especially nice when the paper clip is hidden.

Supplies specific to this class:

  • light weight 8 1/2 by 11 decorative paper,
  • 2 inch paper clips.
  • Decorative elements used to bring interest and charm to the clip like pieces of lace, trim, stickers, etc.

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 Supplies

  • Fabric,
  • Textured papers, 
  • Brayer
  • Gel press
  • Ink sprays 
  • Found objects or memorabilia 

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

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Fishing on Tuesday, March 31 at River House

$1250

with Donna Frantz

Calendar Mar 31, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Get ready for a morning of excitement and adventure.

Want to go fishing and get help learning? Grab your friends and join us for a morning filled with laughs, learning, and of course, fishing! Don't worry about lugging your gear around because all the equipment you need will be provided. Soak up the sun, cast your line, and reel in some unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, this is your chance to enjoy a morning of fun by the water. Don't let this opportunity slip away – book your spot now for a morning to remember.

Participants younger than 65 may be required to have a fishing license. Some Florida Resident licenses are free. See the website for clarification: https://sjctax.us/saltwater-fishing-license/  Adults must carry proof of age and residency.

The group is limited to 10 total. Don't miss out on this fun fishing event/activity!

This class will meet, light rain or shine and will be mainly outdoors, so bring your water and your sunscreen. I'd also suggest wearing a hat.

Class session is on Tuesday, March 31 from 9 to 11 at River House (179 Marine Street)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run





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