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St. Johns County Council on Aging



River House

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

$37.50

with Donna Frantz

Calendar Sep 1, 2026 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, September 1, 8, 15, 22 from 9 to 10:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084). No class session on Tuesday, September 29. 

 For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Spanish for Beginners on Tuesdays in September at River House

$37.50

with Maria Martinez

Calendar Sep 1, 2026 at 10 am, runs for 5 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, September 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 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 September at River House

$25

with Abigail Dyer

Calendar Sep 1, 2026 at 10:15 am, runs for 5 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, September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Intermediate Spanish on Tuesdays in September at River House

$37.50

with Maria Martinez

Calendar Sep 1, 2026 at 11:45 am, runs for 5 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, September 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 11:45 to 1:15 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Line Dance on Tuesdays in September at River House

$25

with Ann Murdock

Calendar Sep 1, 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, September 1, 8, 15, and 22 (No class on Tuesday, September 29) from 1 to 2 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084). 

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Mah Jongg for Beginners on Tuesdays in September at River House

$50

with Marcia Farrell

Calendar Sep 1, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 5 weeks

Mah Jongg is an ancient Chinese game played by four people using tiles bearing various symbols. If you are familiar with the card game Gin Rummy, you have a head start in understanding Mah Jongg. Mah Jongg is an exciting and mind challenging game that helps stimulate your thought process.

Marcia has been playing Mah Jongg for over 20 years. She taught Mah Jongg at the Riverview Club and to the people in her development, as well as other developments. She also taught Mah Jongg at the COA in 2009. She loves the game and plays several times a week. 

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 1:00 - 3:00 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084) 

For ages 18 and up.

 

Full Course

Sound Vibrational Frequency (Sound Bath) on Tuesdays (and one Thursday) in September at River House

$25

with Sharon Infante

Calendar Sep 1, 2026 at 2:30 pm, runs for 5 weeks

Since everything has a vibrational frequency, including ourselves, it makes sense that sound frequencies impact how we feel. That’s why particular songs and types of music often bring about specific types of emotions. Vibrational sound healing therapy (sound bath) can retune your body, mind and spirit, while encouraging relaxation, healing and wellness. These sessions use therapeutic crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, "wind gong", and  tuning forks and other sound vibration tools. The combination of tones and vibrations that produce a state of tranquility and act as a massage for the nervous system create a state of vibrational balance and harmony.

Participants are encouraged to be in a resting position. Best if on the floor with a yoga mat or a portable reclining chair but sitting up also works. Many enjoy having a light sheet or blanket to place over them.

Simply rest with eyes closed and listen as the practitioner plays a variety of instruments and you “bathe” in the soothing sounds and vibrations. Sound frequencies slow down the brain waves to a deeply restorative state which activates the body’s system of self-healing. Crystal bowls are tuned to chakras as well as the tuning forks. The gong, harp, bowls and tuning forks helps release tension in the body and stimulates the glandular and nervous system. Vocal chanting sometimes is added which further releases stagnant energy of the organs and as in singing lifts our spirit. As in humming and sound frequency, nitric oxide is release and enhances our cellular state within.

Sharon has been on her journey since 2000, trained in Woodstock, NY with Master trainers of Sound and Frequency. She is a Qigong Practitioner, Senior Trainer of IIQTC Tai Chi Easy Leader, certified in various Tai Chi Health forms, Master Reiki and energy healer, and completed studies in MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, September 1, 15, 22, and 29 and Thursday, September 10 (no class session on Tuesday, September 8) from 2:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Watercolor 1 on Wednesdays in September at River House

$50

with David Ouellette

Calendar Sep 2, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 5 weeks

In this course we will be using fruts and vegetables as our subject matter. 

This course is designed to teach the student the techniques of transparent watercolor using both the ”wet” and “dry” methods. Student will learn the unique characteristics of the watercolor medium, its possibilities and limitations, as well as the special papers, pigments and brushes used in the execution of art works. There will be regular critiques and demonstrations.

Mr. Ouellette received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts in Painting from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He taught at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and showed in many galleries and museums including the Detroit Institute of Art. He moved to St. Augustine in 1981 where he continued his career as an artist and professor of Fine Art at the Florida School of the Arts in his twenty-six year tenure. He was also a professor of Fine Arts, Painting and Design and Art History at SJRCC St. Augustine campus. He is currently teaching Art History and Studio classes at Flagler College Continuing Education.

Watercolor Materials and Supplies                

Brushes:

  • 3/4" or 1" flat
  • #8 and #10 rounds
  • Rigger brush

 Paper:

  • Arches 22" x 30", 140 lb. cold press, one sheet or an Arches w/c block. 

           With the larger sheets, you can cut or tear them in half for easier             transportation to class.

Paints:

Box sets of tube watercolors which should include most of these:   

  • Ultramarine Blue
  • Cerulean Blue
  • Cobalt Blue
  • Yellow Ochre
  • Alizarin Crimson
  • Cadmium Red Light
  • Cadmium Yellow Light
  • New Gamboge
  • Burnt Umber
  • Burnt Sienna

Other materials:

  • Plastic palette with wells for paint and flat mixing areas
  • Painting board, approx. 16"x20"
  • Masking tape, biege
  • Materials box
  • Non-breakable container for water
  • Roll of paper towels
  • Portfolio
  • Hair dryer, if you have one

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 9 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course




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