Compiled by Christine Rodenbaugh
The Council on Aging’s vision statement is, “To provide the opportunity for every person in St. Johns County to enjoy wellness, longevity and quality of life choices within a strong, healthy community.”
With more than 70 programs, activities, seminars and support services scheduled each week, COA’s River House in St. Augustine can help fulfill that vision, one person at a time. There are workshops and classes for writing, dancing, acting, yoga, Zumba and foreign language classes, just to name a few. River House activity members receive discounts on several classes and activities, but nonmembers are welcome to most for a fee.
River House hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Unless otherwise noted, the activities listed below will be at the River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084. For more information or to make reservations, call (904) 209-3655 or visit www.coasjc.org .
MONDAY
River House Bridge Group
1 to 4 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays
Playing Bridge is complimentary for members, $5 for nonmembers. For more information or to join the group, call Judy Swindull at (904) 829-2285 (leave a message).
Art Appreciation Lecture: “Vincent Van Gogh, Validated”
1 to 3 p.m., Feb. 24
Attend the lecture for a fresh look at popular artist, Vincent Van Gogh. In addition to exploring his beautiful artwork, art enthusiast and educator, Jean Serusa, will delve into his family life, early academic training, and the various career choices of his young life. Cost is $3 for River House Members, $5 for nonmembers. Call for reservations.
American Sign Language
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 6
Noon to 1 p.m., Sign Language Level 1
1:15 to 2:15 p.m., Sign Language Level 2
2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Sign Language Level 3/Conversational
If you have ever been interested in learning basic American Sign Language, join this six-week course. Instructor Linnea Aldridge, will introduce you to deaf culture and teach you the basics of the language in order to converse and interact with deaf individuals. Participants will need to acquire “The Everything Sign Language Book” (ISBN 978-1598698831) for course material. Cost is $40 for members, $45 for nonmembers. Space is limited. Call for reservations.
TUESDAY
Chair Yoga
9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
2 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays
Chair Yoga is a practice that is accessible to people of all ages and all fitness levels. It has therapeutic benefits to seniors who may not be able to stand for long periods or may be uncomfortable seated on the floor. We also offer. Complimentary for members, $5 for nonmembers.
NEW SESSION! Afternoon sessions of Chair Yoga from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays.
Pole Walking for Fitness, Health and Feeling Happy
2 p.m., monthly on the first Tuesday: Required complimentary Pole Walking Clinic
Walkers must complete the Pole Walking Clinic to participate in the Pole Walking Class.
Pole Walking has a low impact on joints, improves balance, burns more calories and improves posture. River House Pole Walkers meet five different times each week for group walking with instructor Sheila Vidamore. The clinic will include the history of pole walking, information about its benefits, a hands-on demonstration and a lesson with a set of provided poles. Call to make reservations as space is limited.
Mat Pilates
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
The Mat Pilates class has numerous benefits including increasing flexibility and bone density, strengthening the core and back muscles, and improving the overall health of the entire spine. Suitable for all levels with individualized modifications. Cost is $5 for members, $6 for nonmembers. Call to register.
River House Book Club
3 to 4 p.m., monthly on the first Tuesday
March 10: “Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes.
Joining a book club is a great way to be consistent in your reading, delve deeper into books and make some great friends. This group is complimentary and made possible by the SJC Public Library Bookmobile.
Grief Support Group
10:30 a.m. to noon, monthly on the third Tuesday
If you are grieving over the loss of a loved one, join the monthly bereavement group where you can share thoughts, memories and issues about these special people. This complimentary support group is led by Rhona (Ronnie) Botnick, a Bereavement Counselor with more than 25 years of experience.
Senior Singles Group
11:30 a.m., monthly on the first Tuesday
March 3: Mango Mangos, 700 A1A Beach Blvd., St Augustine, FL 32080
Join local seniors for fabulous food and fun conversation at various restaurants. Call Victoria Balsamo (419) 651-0411 for reservations.
Apple iWatch Basics
1 to 3 p.m., Feb. 25
Learn how to use this amazing wearable device. Not only can it make phone calls, send texts and be used as a calendar, but it can also assist with managing your health. It alerts you of too high or low heart rates, calls an ambulance if you fall, takes an electrocardiogram, motivates you to stay active, protects your hearing with alerts in noisy environments, and not to mention, it is also a watch! Participants need to bring their own Apple iWatch. Cost is $15 for River House members, $18 for nonmembers. Seating is limited. Call for reservations.
Tech Tuesdays for iPhone and iPad
1 to 2 p.m. for seven weeks
Tech Tuesday sessions focus exclusively on iPhones and iPads with instructor Kai Long. Bring your iPhone/iPad with you. Cost for this course is $55 for members, $65 for nonmembers.
March 3 - iPhone/iPad Basics
March 10 - iPhone/iPad Camera & Photo App
March 17 - iPhone/iPad Editing Photos & Videos
March 24 - Using Maps & GPS
March 31 - Using Contact Folder/Safari Internet
April 7 - Customizing Your Device
April 14 - Using Siri & Ways to Save Battery Life
WEDNESDAY
Make and Take: Beaded Bracelet Class
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 19 and 26
Join instructor, Shirley Nacey to learn how to design your very own beaded bracelet using an off-loom square stitch. The class included easy-to-follow instructions for beginners to mid-level jewelry beading. You will be proud to say, “I made it!” when folks ask you about your stunning bracelet. All materials included at the cost of $35 for members, $40 for nonmembers. Space is limited. Call for reservations.
Chair Yoga
9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
2 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays
Chair Yoga is a practice that is accessible to people of all ages and all fitness levels. It has therapeutic benefits to seniors who may not be able to stand for long periods or may be uncomfortable seated on the floor. We also offer. Complimentary for members, $5 for nonmembers.
Oil Pastel Art
1:30 to 3:30 p.m., March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1, 8
Learn how to enhance your artistic techniques using oil pastels. Accomplished artist, Leland Williams, will review, illustrate and work with students in techniques of application, blending and detailing small to miniature oil pastel works on a variety of substrates. Students will practice techniques using tools and pastels in accomplishment of small landscape, wildlife and abstract works. Cost is $75 for members, $85 for nonmembers. Seating is limited. Call for reservations.
Supplies Needed:
Oil Pastels – student level 36 set of Pentel brand or any previously owned set acceptable.
Clipboard standard – 9-by-12 inches
Paper stumps or blending tools assortment
Please, no Sennelier oil pastels
Students should bring highest resolution of reading glasses available
Instructor will provide assorted substrates for instruction and experimentation.
French Language Classes
Feb. 19 and 26, March 4, 11, 18 and 25
2:30 to 3:30 p.m., French Level 1
1:15 to 2:15 p.m., French Level 2
Noon to 1 p.m., French Level 3/Conversation
Discover France and the French language with this engaging six-week course that will help you learn basic French language skills and understand French culture through role-playing, storytelling and interactive lessons. Participants will need to acquire “The Everything Learning French Book” (ISBN 978-1598694123) for course material. Cost is $40 for members, $45 for nonmembers. Space is limited. Call for reservations.
THURSDAY
Spanish Language Classes
February 20 and 27, March 5, 12, 19 and 26
Noon to 1 p.m., Spanish Level 1
1:15 to 2:15 p.m., Spanish Level 2
2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Spanish Level 3/Conversational
Join this 6-week session to learn the beautiful language of Spanish. Participants will also enjoy learning about Spanish culture in this fun and interactive class. Participants will need to acquire “The Everything Learning Spanish Book” (ISBN 978-1598691733) for course material. Cost is $40 for members, $45 for nonmembers. Space is limited. Call for reservations.
Chair Yoga
9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
2 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays
Chair Yoga is a practice that is accessible to people of all ages and all fitness levels. It has therapeutic benefits to seniors who may not be able to stand for long periods or may be uncomfortable seated on the floor. We also offer. Complimentary for members, $5 for nonmembers.
