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St. Johns County Council on Aging



River House

Gentle Yoga on Tuesdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Scott Farber

Calendar Nov 4, 2025 at 9:15 am, runs for 4 weeks

This dynamic yet gentle class is for all ages, accommodating beginners as well as those who want to deepen their practice. Using teaching demonstrations and detailed guidance, each class proceeds in a safe and slow way to instruct the basics of (Kripalu) yoga postures, breathwork and meditation. Plenty of modifications and variations will be given for different body types. 

Class is 60 minutes and include an opening centering, gentle warmups, postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and a long closing relaxation (yoga nidra). 

Please bring your own yoga mat, water bottle, and blanket or cushion to sit on.

Scott Farber, Ph.D., E-RYT 500/YACEP. Scott has been practicing yoga, meditation, and t'ai chi since the 1970s. A former college professor, with a doctorate in philosophy of education, he has traveled and taught all over the world. He now serves as a lead trainer in the Discovery Yoga School, offering a variety of yoga classes, workshops and teacher trainings.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, November 4, 18 and December 2, 9 from 9:15 to 10:15 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

No class sessions on November 11, 25 and December 16, 23, 30.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Spanish for Beginners on Tuesdays in November and December at River House

$3750

with Maria Martinez

Calendar Nov 4, 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, November 4, 18 and December 2, 9 from 9:15 - 10:45 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

No class sessions Nov. 11, 25 and Dec. 16, 23, 30.

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run

Christmas Caroling on Tuesdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Abigail Dyer

Calendar Nov 4, 2025 at 10:15 am, runs for 4 weeks

"Come and join others as we enjoy singing beloved Christmas Carols and maybe a Thanksgiving song or two."

This class may be taken alone or as preparation for the four-session November/December Christmas Caroling class that will conclude on Tuesday, December 9th with performances of the carols at local rehabilitation and memory care centers, and a performance at the River House Winter Wonderland Expo on Wednesday, December 17th. 

No prior singing or choral experience needed. 

Bring a pencil.

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 on Tuesdays, November 4, 18 and December 2, 9 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

No class sessions Nov. 11, 25 and Dec. 16, 23, 30.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Tai Chi / Qigong on Tuesdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Scott Farber

Calendar Nov 4, 2025 at 10:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

Qigong is the art of cultivating our vital energy or life force using gentle movements coordinated with breathing. It promotes health and vitality. Tai Chi is the epitome of qigong. It is a healing art, a moving meditation, and a slow graceful dance. It relaxes the body and focuses the mind. It improves balance and posture. We'll learn a variety of standing qigong methods as well as the famous Cheng Man-Ching (Yang style) Tai Chi form. Please wear loose comfortable clothing and, if possible, flat-bottomed shoes.

Scott Farber, Ph.D., has been practicing and teaching Tai Chi & Qigong for over forty years. He has studied the form, push hands and sword.  As an apprentice in the international School of Tai Chi Chuan, he completed fifteen years of intensive teacher training.  A former college professor, he now serves as a health and wellness consultant, teaching yoga, tai chi and meditation.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, November 4, 18 and December 2, 9 from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine)

No class sessions on Nov. 11, 25 and Dec. 16, 23, 30.

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Intermediate Spanish on Tuesdays in November and December at River House

$3750

with Maria Martinez

Calendar Nov 4, 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, November 4, 18 and December 2, 9 from 11 to 12:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084).

No class sessions Nov. 11, 25 and Dec. 16, 23, 30.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Intermediate Ballroom Dance Group Class on Tuesdays in November and December at River House
Registration Unavailable

Intermediate Ballroom Dance Group Class on Tuesdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Ramona Walter

Calendar Nov 4, 2025 at 12:45 pm, runs for 4 weeks

You must have basic knowledge of ballroom dancing.

In this class you will learn the technical elements of ballroom dance including leading and following. You will also learn correct ballroom posture so you will look good while executing your steps. Learn how to recognize the right music for the right dance.

Come join us. You'll have a great time!

No partner is needed.

Wear comfortable shoes, leather bottom preferred.

Ramona is the former owner of Mona Gail Dance Center. She studied Ballroom dance under Jack Kalan and became a teacher at the age of sixteen. While working with Fred Astaire she became the Tri-State Dance Director and she is a multi National Championship winner. She has experience in choreography and her local students won first place in the "I Love Dance Competition" at World Golf Village in 2020.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, November 4, 18 and December 2, 9 from 12:45 to 1:45 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

(No class sessions on Nov. 11 & 25 and Dec. 16, 23, 30.)

For ages 18 and up.

Jingle Jam on Tuesdays in November and December at River House

$3750

with Dennis Fermin

Calendar Nov 4, 2025 at 1 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Join us for some fun Holiday music that you can then share with family and friends during this special time of the year. Song requests are welcome and will be considered.

Open to all Guitar and Ukulele players along with other small string instruments.

Requirements:

  • Guitar, Ukulele, or other small string instrument
  • Basic chords knowledge and playing ability
  • Pen or pencil for notes

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, November 4, 18 and December 2, 9 from 1 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

(No class sessions on Nov. 11 & 25 and Dec. 16, 23, 30.)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Mah Jongg for Beginners on 3 Tuesdays and 1 Wednesday in November and December at River House

$3750

with Marcia Farrell

Calendar Nov 4, 2025 at 1 pm, runs for 4 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, November 4, 18, December 2 and Wednesday December 10 from 1:00 - 3:00 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084) 

No class sessions on Nov. 11, 25 and Dec. 9, 16, 23, 30

For ages 18 and up.

 

Full Course




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