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St. Johns County Council on Aging



River House

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

$3750

with Fred Hathorn

Calendar May 7, 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, May 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1:45 - 3:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Tap Dancing Level 1 & 2 on Thursdays in May at River House

$25

with Judy Woodruff

Calendar May 7, 2026 at 2 pm, runs for 4 weeks

This class will accommodate the new beginner while honing the skills of the more experienced beginner. Class will focus on tap basic fundamental single and double sound steps. Short combinations will introduce/review such composite steps as the shim sham, front and back essence, waltz clog, and simple rhythm time steps.

Tap shoes are recommended for this class.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28 from 2:00 - 3:00 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Journal Projects: Making Faux Paper for Journal Pages and Covers on Monday, May 11 at River House

$1250

with Liz Monaco

Calendar May 11, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 1 week

This paper making technique is easier than the traditional way of making handmade paper. Just by using white liquid glue and napkins or tissue paper you can create amazingly strong and durable pages that resemble rice paper.

Supplies Needed Specific to this Class

  • Plain or printed napkins/tissue paper,
  • White liquid glue (Elmers),
  • Parchment paper,
  • Soft flat paint brush to apply glue,
  • Small wide mouth container with lid.

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 elements to add to your paper 

  • Seeds,
  • Flowers/greens,
  • Threads,
  • Spray inks,
  • Metallic watercolors (gold),
  • If you would like to create book cover include a 12x12 piece of muslin fabric.

Class session will be held on Monday, May 11 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Healthy Living Course on Monday, May 11 at River House

$10

with Sharon Infante

Calendar May 11, 2026 at 2 pm, runs for 1 week

May focus will be Exercise & Mental Emotional Health

“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, May 11 from 2 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Gentle Yoga on Wednesdays in May at River House

$1875

with Scott Farber

Calendar May 13, 2026 at 9:15 am, runs for 3 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 Wednesdays, May 13, 20, 27 (No class session on May 6) from 9:15 to 10:15 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Art of Meditation on Wednesdays in May at River House

$1875

with Scott Farber

Calendar May 13, 2026 at 10:30 am, runs for 3 weeks

Meditation relaxes the body, heals the heart, and calms the mind. This class will introduce a variety of meditation techniques from different traditions. Each class will begin with some brief stretching and breathing followed by an opening meditation; then there will be a short sharing and discussion followed by a different closing meditation. We will be using chairs for all the seated meditations; you do not need to bring a mat or cushion. We may also do some special walking and sound bath meditations.

Scott Farber, Ph.D. has been practicing meditation since 1975, starting with TM (Transcendental Meditation). In addition to teaching yoga meditations, including yoga nidra, and the moving meditation of t'ai chi, he also has studied Zen, Buddhist, Tantric, Sufi, Kabbalah, and Arica methods of meditation. 

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, May 13, 20, 27 (no class session on May 6) from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084) 

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Chair Yoga on Wednesdays in May at River House

$1875

with Rebecca Dawson

Calendar May 13, 2026 at 10:30 am, runs for 3 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 Wednesdays, May 13, 20, 27 (no class session on May 6) from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

STA Strong BHOF (Osteoporosis) on Wednesday, May 13 at River House

Free

with Nicole Tristram

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

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, May 13 from 1:30 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run





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