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St. Johns County Council on Aging



River House

Drawing 1 on Thursdays in October at River House

$3750

with David Ouellette

Calendar Oct 2, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 5 weeks

This course is structured to develop basic drawing techniques by concentrating on the elements of descriptive drawing through observation. 

Students will develop the qualities of line and volume with a full range of values. The course will also cover linear perspective and compositional design.

Materials needed:

  • 18" x 24" drawing paper pad (not sketching paper)
  • 16" x 20" (approx.) drawing board
  • #2 and #4 graphic pencils
  • white plastic eraser
  • kneaded eraser
  • masking tape

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 9 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Belly Dance Basics and Beyond on Thursdays in October at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Oct 2, 2025 at 9:30 am, runs for 5 weeks

Welcome to Level 2 Belly Dance, the next step in your dance journey with Gina! This class is specifically designed for students who have successfully completed Gina's Level 1 Belly Dance class and are ready to build on their foundational skills. Please check class requirements for additional requirements.

In Level 2, we will shift our focus towards learning to perform choreography, integrating the movements and techniques you have mastered into beautiful, fluid routines.

What You'll Learn:

  • Choreography Integration: Learn to combine various bellydance movements into seamless choreography.
  • Performance Techniques: Discover how to enhance your dance with expressive gestures, emotional engagement, and stage presence.
  • Group Dynamics: Practice dancing in synchrony with a group, honing your ability to perform in unison with others.

Class Structure:

  • Warm-Up: Gentle stretching and conditioning to prepare your body for dance.
  • Technique Review: Quick recap of key movements from Level 1 to ensure a strong foundation.
  • Choreography Breakdown: Step-by-step instruction on new dance routines, with a focus on mastering each section before moving on.
  • Drills and Repetition: Practice sequences to build muscle memory and precision.
  • Performance Practice: Opportunities to perform the learned choreography, with constructive feedback from Gina.

Requirements:

  • Completion of Gina's Level 1 Belly Dance class or equivalent experience.
  • Comfortable dance attire and a willingness to explore and express through movement.

Barefoot or dance shoes. No sneakers. Comfortable clothing such as yoga wear or something you can move freely in. A coin belt or hip scarf is fun to wear if you have one.

Gina Marie is Director of Blue Lotus World Dance and is a certified SharQui Belly Dance Fitness Instructor.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 9:30 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Tai Chi and Qigong on Thursdays in October at River House

$25

with Sharon Infante

Calendar Oct 2, 2025 at 10:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

Tai Chi Easy™ for Health and Vitality is a simplified method of Tai Chi. If you have tried other tai chi forms and couldn’t stick with it give this one a try. It is readily accessible and adaptable for anyone, even those who are dealing with chronic pain and other conditions. Developed by Dr. Roger Jahnke, O.M.D., Tai Chi Easy™ incorporates elements of both Tai Chi and Qigong. This method is easy to learn. There is no need to spend years learning the 108 traditional movements of long form Tai Chi to reap the benefits of the practice.

Key Principles: Do the practices as best you can. Have fun. Practice in your personal comfort zone. Modify and adapt for your body’s needs. Practice the “Three Intentful Corrections” of body, breath, & mind: Posture & Movement Breath Mindful awareness, Meditation and Massage.

Dress comfortably and wear sneakers or any rubber sole shoe 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, October 2, 16, 23, 30 (no class session on Oct. 9) from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Bellydance Basics Level 1 on Thursdays in October at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Oct 2, 2025 at 10:45 am, runs for 5 weeks

Welcome to the Level One Bellydance class, designed for participants of all ages and skill levels! This class focuses on low-impact movements that promote improved flexibility while ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience in bellydance, this class is perfect for you.

Throughout the session you'll learn foundational bellydance movements such as hip drops, shimmies, and graceful arm patterns. These movements are taught at a comfortable pace, allowing you to master each step while also improving your overall flexibility and core strength.

At its core this class is about enjoying the art of bellydance, embracing the music, and expressing yourself through movement. It's a welcoming environment where participants can come together to learn, dance, and have a great time.

Join us for a delightful journey into the world of bellydance, where every step brings you closer to improved flexibility, increased confidence, and a whole lot of fun!

Barefoot or dance shoes. No sneakers. Comfortable clothing such as yoga wear or something you can move freely in. A coin belt or hip scarf is fun to wear if you have one.

Gina Marie is certified in Sharqui Bellydance Fitness has been teaching for more than two decades. She will guide you through gentle warm-up exercises to prepare your body for the movements ahead. As you progress through the class, you'll also have the opportunity to practice combinations and sequences that blend seamlessly into a fluid dance routine.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 10:45 to 11:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Gel Press Printing on Thursdays in October at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Oct 2, 2025 at 11 am, runs for 5 weeks

Learn to use Gel printing to create a on -off picture or to make fodder for collage work. This is a fun way to find your creative self

You'll learn how to explore various techniques using gel plates, including monoprinting, layering, and incorporating different textures and colors. Perfect for all skill levels, this hands-on workshop encourages spontaneity and experimentation, resulting in unique art pieces you can take home. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, discover the endless possibilities of gel printing in a fun, supportive environment!

Supplies needed: 

  • 5x7 or 9x12 Gel Press printing plate
  • Bray roller(s)
  • Paint brushes for acrylic paints
  • Copy paper- 1/2 ream
  • Tissue Paper
  • Assortment of acrylic paints (tube or craft)

Join our engaging gel printing workshops and unlock your creativity.

Class sessions will meet on Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 11 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Sculpt, Stride & Stretch on Thursdays in October at River House

$3750

with Katie Smith

Calendar Oct 2, 2025 at 12 pm, runs for 5 weeks

This class is designed to improve cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength without increasing risk. Energizing and easy-to-follow movements promote heart-healthy, total-body conditioning to increase balance, cardiovascular, and muscular endurance. Follow along with engaging music as we alternate between low impact aerobics conditioning and upper body strength training using dumbbells. 

The final 30 mins will be devoted to stretching the entire body to increase flexibility and mobility

Equipment needed:

  • water
  • towel
  • dumbbells or a band
  • athletic shoes

Katie is on a mission to empower everyone with the mantra "get stronger to live longer." As an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor since 2018 she brings her passion for health and wellness to the St. Augustine community through a variety of engaging classes. Specializing in Body Pump, Indoor Cycle, Boot Camp, Core & Flexibility, and Active Older Adult Classes, Katie ensures her sessions are both enjoyable and challenging. Her journey is a testament to the adage that age is just a number, as she achieved her lifelong ambition of becoming a fitness instructor at 44.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from noon to 1:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Think Differently on Thursdays in October at River House

$25

with Kate Werner

Calendar Oct 2, 2025 at 12:30 pm, runs for 5 weeks

Unhappy with the way things are going?

Know you need to break out of a routine?

This class will help you learn how to change the chatter in your head. A change in your mindset can lead to big changes in your life if you are open to thinking differently.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 12:30 to 1:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Colored Pencil Art on Thursdays in October at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Oct 2, 2025 at 1:30 pm, runs for 5 weeks

With instructor Liz Monaco, this class is designed to teach you the popular art of Colored Pencil to create your very own works of art. You will learn color mixing, layering, and other techniques to get the results you have always wanted. 

*Supplies Needed:

  • Prisma Color Premier Colored Pencils – Set of 24
  • Open Stock Colors: Black Grape, Magenta
  • Colorless Blender
  • White Plastic Eraser, Pencil Sharpener, Ruler
  • Bristol Vellum Drawing Paper
  • Tracing paper, Graphite Transfer Paper

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run





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