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St. Johns County Council on Aging



River House

Sound Vibrational Frequency (Sound Bath) on Tuesdays in April at River House

$25

with Sharon Infante

Calendar Apr 7, 2026 at 2:30 pm, runs for 4 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, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 2:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Learn to Play Pétanque on Wednesdays in April at River House

$25

with Michael Ramsey-Smith

Calendar Apr 8, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Learn to play the traditional French game of Pétanque. You will find the outdoor game of pétanque (pronounced pétonk) being played in almost every town and village in southern France. All it takes to play the game is a set of two or more metal boules (balls), each ball weighing about 1.5 pounds; a small colorful target ball made of wood (called a cochonnet); and a players’ ring approximately 28 inches in diameter. The game is usually played on an outdoor gravel, sandy or grass surface. 

There are dozens of pétanque clubs throughout the United States. In the United States, the sport is governed by the Pétanque Federation of America. State and regional tournaments take place on a regular basis throughout the U.S. The sport is very popular with retired folks who sometimes play it well into their eighties. It is a wonderful activity for stimulating the physical and mental processing skills of people of all ages. The game is very easy to learn, but it takes practice and patience to become a skilled player.

The Pétanque classes will take place on a patch of gravel and grass behind the car park on the South West side of the COA building at 180 Marine St., but registration for the class is at River House (179 Marine St.)

Participants can wear any outdoor clothing, along with any outdoor shoes, but NOT sandals, flip-flops or shoes with exposed toes. You are encouraged to bring water, wear a hat with a brim or peak and use sunscreen. Also, bring a folding chair if you want a place to sit.

Class sessions will be on Wednesdays, April 8, 15, 22, 29 from 1:30 to 2:30 (no class session on April 1) at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Chair Yoga on Thursdays in April at River House

$25

with Rebecca Dawson

Calendar Apr 9, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 4 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, April 9, 16, 23, 30 (no class session on April 2) from 9:00 - 10:00 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Tai Chi and Qigong on Thursdays in April at River House

$1875

with Sharon Infante

Calendar Apr 9, 2026 at 10:30 am, runs for 3 weeks

If you have tried other Tai Chi forms and found them difficult to maintain, consider giving this class a try. The forms taught here are carefully selected and can be easily adapted for all levels, including individuals experiencing chronic pain or other physical conditions. We use the Tai Chi Easy Method, Fall Prevention practices, and Parkinson’s protocols to support safe, accessible participation and learning. Classes include breathwork, meditation, self-massage, and gentle movement. Forms covered: Review of Tai Chi Easy, followed by Tai Chi for Health, and progressing to Tai Chi for Energy.

Please dress comfortably, wear sneakers or rubber-soled shoes, 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, April 9, 23, 30 (no class sessions on April 2 & 16) from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

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

$3750

with Fred Hathorn

Calendar Apr 9, 2026 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, April 9, 16, 23, 30 (no class session on April 2) from 1:45 - 3:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Journal Projects: Decorative Clusters on Monday, April 13 at River House

$1250

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Apr 13, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Using various scrap papers, fabrics, trims and ephemera materials layered together to create points of interest in your journal. Place them on pockets, covers, and pages to add color and dimension. A great way to use up paper and fabric scraps.

Supplies specific to this class:

  • Decorative paper and fabric scraps,
  • scissors,
  • white glue and glue stick,
  • stickers,
  • ephemera materials,
  • lace,
  • trims.

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

  • Stickers
  • Charms
  • Small vintage ephemera
  • Fabric,
  • Textured papers, 
  • Brayer
  • Gel press
  • Ink sprays 
  • Found objects or memorabilia 

Class session will be held on Monday, April 13 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, April 13 at River House

$10

with Sharon Infante

Calendar Apr 13, 2026 at 2 pm, runs for 1 week

April focus will be Inflammation & Lymphatic System 

“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, April 13 from 2 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Fish For Dinner: How to Clean Your Catch on Wednesday, April 15 at River House

$11

with Donna Frantz

Calendar Apr 15, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Get ready for a morning of excitement and adventure at the picturesque River House located on the Matanzas River! Learn how to clean your catch. Hands on fish cleaning. Each participant will get to clean a fish while being instructed through each step. All methods will be taught. .

Book your spot now to learn how to clean your fish for dinner! 

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

This class will meet, rain or shine and will be mainly outdoors, so bring your sunscreen.

This class will meet on Wednesday, April 15 from 9 to 10:30 at River House (179 Marine St.).

Please note that this is a one session class.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run





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