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 Tuesday, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8 from 10 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 3, 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.

For ages 18 and up.

"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 8th with performances of the carols at local rehabilitation and memory care centers. 

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, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.

For ages 18 and up.

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, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8 from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine)

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 3, 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.

For ages 18 and up.

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 Tuesday, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8 from 11:45 to 1:15 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084).

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 3, 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.

For ages 18 and up.

TEACHER APPROVAL IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS!

Expanding technique with skirtwork, fans, and expressive Arabic Spanish styling.

Level Two invites dancers to step deeper into the dramatic, earthy world of Zambra Mora, building on the grounded shapes, slow and fast phrasing, and cultural context introduced in Level One. This class is designed for students who already understand the foundational posture, movement vocabulary and are ready to expand their expressive toolkit.

In this next level, dancers will explore:

• Introductory skirtwork: sweeping accents, framing shapes, and traveling patterns that enhance the theatrical Zambra aesthetic
• Foundational fan technique: opening/closing mechanics, directional pathways, and expressive flourishes that complement the dance.
• Layered movement combinations blending hips, torso, arms, and props
• More complex rhythmic transitions, moving confidently between slow, sinuous phrases and sharp, percussive accents
• Expanded footwork and turns inspired by SpanishArabic influences
• Styling and presence, cultivating the dramatic, smoldering quality that defines Zambra Mora

Students should bring:

• A practice skirt (Gina will have a few to share)
• A Silk Fan (These will be ordered when we are ready to start fan work

Dance shoes or barefoot are recommended for class.

By the end of Level Two, dancers will feel more expressive, more grounded, and more connected to the theatrical lineage of Zambra Mora — ready to continue into more advanced prop work and stylized choreography.

With years of teaching and performance experience, Gina brings her expertise, warmth, and energy to every class. Whether you’re new to Zambra Mora or looking to expand your repertoire, this class offers a fun, supportive environment to grow your skills and enjoy the beauty of dance.  

Class sessions will be on Tuesdays, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8 from 11:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.

For ages 18 and up.

Join us as we play your favorite popular Classics, in a fun group setting. Emphasis on keeping smooth chord changes and learning a few new chords and strum patterns along the way.

Requirements

• Guitar or Ukulele
• Ability to play basic chords relatively well
• Music stand suggested
• Pen or pencil

Dennis Fermin has been playing guitar for over 30 years and joyfully helping others learn to play along the way. As a graduate from Musician's Institute of California, he has the skills and the patience to teach on many different topics and styles of music. Currently you can hear him perform locally as Fermin Spanish Guitar.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8 from 1:00 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084. 

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.

For ages 18 and up.

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, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8 from 1 to 2 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084). 

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.

For ages 18 and up.

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, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8 from 1:00 - 3:00 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084) 

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 3, 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.

For ages 18 and up.