This class focuses on building real-world strength through functional movement patterns using dumbbells. You'll work through full-body exercises designed to improve muscular strength, stability, mobility, and coordination. Target every muscle group and mimic natural motion—helping you move better in everyday life, prevent injury, and boost overall daily performance.  

All fitness levels welcome. Modifications and progressions are offered for beginners and advanced clients alike.

Perfect for anyone wanting a stronger, more functional body without the need for machines or heavy equipment.  Build strong, stable, and efficient movement patterns that carry over into your daily activities, sport, or active lifestyle—one dumbbell at a time!

Equipment needed: 

• Dumbbells (anywhere from 2-15 pounds),
• yoga mat,
• sneakers,
• towel,
• water bottle

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 from 2:45 to 3:45 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Pre-enrollment is required so please register here. Enrollment is limited for this program. 

Learn successful plant choices and design ideas for planting in pots. Also, learn how to start your own plants from cuttings! Doesn't everyone love FREE plants! There will be an informative and interactive presentation along with a live design/planting demonstration. Then everyone will have the opportunity to do their own, hands-on container of cuttings to take home. If you want to make your own container garden please bring a small container, soil and plants, and Karen can show you how best to plant it.

Presented by St. Johns County Master Gardener Karen Doyle.

This one session class will meet on Monday, January 12 from 9:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Journal Cover Design.

Join our inspiring hands-on class designed to help you craft and personalize your very own art journal! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop offers a perfect space to explore your creativity, experiment with different techniques, and develop your unique artistic voice.

Page Techniques: Practice diverse methods like watercolor washes, mixed media layering, doodling, stamping, and collaging to bring your pages to life.

Creative Exploration: Use prompts and exercises to unlock ideas, encourage spontaneous art-making, and let your pages evolve naturally.

Personalization: Learn how to incorporate your own memorabilia, quotes, and themes that resonate with your personal story or interests.

Maintaining Your Journal: Tips for staying motivated, documenting your everyday moments, and making journaling a fun and ongoing creative project to continue exploring long after the session.

Who Should Join: Anyone interested in art, self-expression, or simply exploring new ways to create! No prior experience needed—just an open mind and a love for making art.

Basic Supplies to bring each week:

• Journal-A Commercial or handmade journal with heavy paper for mixed media projects 
• Glue – Mod Podge or PVA (white school glue), Fabric tac glue, and Glue stick 
• Scissors 
• Pencil 
• Eraser  
• Ruler
• Acrylic paints- Metallic and primary colors 
• Graphite Pencil 
• Color Markers 
• Gel Pens (White, Gold, Silver,) 
• Color Wheel 

Additional supplies may be needed depending on the type of project offered each week. You will want to adapt these projects to your own style and colors. Art prompts are offered at each class to help encourage working with different materials. Note: Whenever you can, try using or adapting what you have on hand. 

Contact Lia Monaco at lizart23@gmail.com for any of the upcoming projects and supply lists. Let me know the dates you will be attending.

Class session will be held on Monday, January 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

“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, January 12 from 2 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

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, January 13, 20, 27 (no class session on Jan. 6) from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Students will learn the basic concepts of working with acrylic fast drying paints with the objective of completing three 16 x 20 paintings and framing one. The first class consists of prepping three canvases and subject matter selection while listening to lectures on the topic of art history, prep, supplies, care of brushes, and digital and old school transposing of references. In the remaining class sessions students will receive hands on instruction on pallet paint layout, supplies, taping techniques, history & symbolism, foreground and background, variations of canvases, mixing colors, brush strokes, shading, different size and framing challenges, and in-class plein air instruction and principles. Students are required to bring their inner child creativity so we can paint.

Suggested Class supplies

• One inch disposable paint brush (needed first class)
• Pencil (needed first class)
• Rubber Eraser (needed first class)
• 3 pack of Artist Canvas 
• 16x20 (stretched or pannel) (needed first class)
• White Gesso Primer 8 oz (needed first class) 
• styrofoam egg carton  
• Grumbach Acrylic Paint Set Pack of 6, 3 oz tubes "primary"  
• 12 to 14 piece professional Artist Paint Brush Set   
• 1/2 inch green painters tape   
• Optional table or stand easel
• Additional Grumbach Acrylic Paint:  Yellow, Ochre, Bunt Sienna, Raw Umber
• Old Picture Frame 16x20

Heather Harley Davidson is an award winning multi medium artist and builder. A local of St. Augustine for 45 years, her distinct impressionism style is known by locals who delight in her use of color and depiction of historical St. Augustine. She is an active member in the St. Augustine Art Association and participates in their annual Plein Air events. She attended the University of North Florida where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology Building Construction Management. Heather's art interests motivated her studies to focus on architecture principles and art history, complemented by traveling around the world on pilgrimages to view the masters. She has taught private art classes over the years and at her mother's former Historic Grounds Book Store in Green Cove Springs.

Class sessions will meet on Tuesdays, January 13, 20, 27 (no class session on Jan. 6) from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.   St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

You may hear the name of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings throughout the Sunshine State. But did you know the Pulitzer Prize winning author spent time in St. Johns County? Known for her depictions of rural Central Florida, Rawlings lived in St. Augustine, on and off, from 1939 to her death in 1953. This talk will cover sites and stories associated with her life on the First Coast.

Born and raised in Central Florida, Casey Wooster is a cultural heritage professional passionate about telling her home state's stories. A graduate of the University of Florida, she has worked for nonprofits, museums, and libraries throughout the southeast. For the past three years, she has served as a trustee for the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society, spreading awareness of Rawlings and her work. Like Rawlings, Casey shares a love for the Scrub and is an avid hiker. Currently, she calls St. Augustine home.

This 1 session program will be on Wednesday, January 14 from Noon to 1 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine).

For ages 18 and up.

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, January 14 from 1:30 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.