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St. Johns County Council on Aging



Our Classes

Neurographic Art Meditative Class on Monday, May 19 at River House

$11

with Estelle Thibodeau

Calendar May 19, 2025 at 11:30 am, runs for 1 week

Neurographic art goes beyond creating visually appealing pieces; it can also have positive effects on mental and overall well-being. 

Neurographic Art was termed by Pavel Piskarev as a technique of drawing random lines into and off the paper’s edge in ambling free flow. Then, one thickens some of the lines to define and form shapes and finishes by FILLING IN the interstices aka, intersections which created in a relaxed, soothing manner activates (neuron) curves to soften any points resembling the neural patterns of our brain.  

Talent in Art or drawing is not required. This is an intuitive, relaxing exercise and not just a DOODLE on paper. You will feel your brain releasing the residue of stress and trauma as you work your way through this Manifestation of ARTFORM.  

 BENEFITS OF THIS ART PRACTICE

  • Relief from anxiety
  • Finding peace 
  • Stress reduction 
  • More mindful presence and awareness 
  • Clarity and perspective 
  • Expression of inner feelings
  • Creating art for personal spaces 
  • Therapeutic mental health strengthening

Supplies for your neurographic art will be provided however, if you have your own favorite markers, crayons or paints, please feel free to bring them to the class.  

Estelle Thibodeau is an Ordained Minister of The Alliance of Divine Love. Through her work with other ministers, she learned different methods of healing and teaching. Several years ago she was introduced to neurographic art at a class taught by a fellow minister and has been practicing and sharing this method since. “This art form, is meant to induce a meditative state in which anxiety, sadness, fear, and trauma can be processed. It opens your eyes to see the unique creation you will express & share with others in the group.” Estelle has lived in St.Augustine for 15 years, is a graduate of Flagler College, and has a business called The Seventh Root located in downtown St.Augustine. She is also the founder of The Cheesy Chess Club, a nonprofit organization providing casual unrated over the board Chess to our community.

This one session class will be held on Monday, May 19 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Balancing Your Blood Sugar and Preventing Diabetes on Tuesday, May 20 at River House

$10

with Lynn Ringhaver

Calendar May 20, 2025 at 1:15 pm, runs for 1 week

Strategies for balancing your Blood Sugar to strengthen your immune system and prevent Burn Out.

Simple method of acid/alkaline Blood Scale to encourage optimum food choices.

Managing your Blood Sugar throughout your day to support your Adrenals and prevent exhaustion.

If you can't make this class you might want to register for a repeat of the class on December 10.

Lynn Ringhaver RN., BSN., L.Ac. was an Intensive care nurse for 15 years before moving into Integrative Medicine. She was in private practice for over 20 years including: Shiatsu, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition. Certified in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction with Jon Kabat-Zinn. Certified in Qi Gong with Master Robert Peng. Emotional Freedom Technique training with Dawson Church PhD.

Class session is on Tuesday, May 20 from 1:15 to 2:15 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 & up.

Will run

Sculpt, Stride & Stretch on Mondays in June at River House

$3750

with Katie Smith

Calendar Jun 2, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 4 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 Mondays, June 2, 16, 23, 30 (no class session on June 9) from 9 to 10:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Container Gardening and New Beginnings on Monday, June 2 at River House

Free

with Karen Doyle

Calendar Jun 2, 2025 at 9:15 am, runs for 1 week

Pre-enrollment is required so please register here. Enrollment is limited for this program. 

Learn successful plant choices and design ideas for planting in pots. Also, learn how to start your own plants from cuttings! Doesn't everyone love FREE plants! There will be an informative and interactive presentation along with a live design/planting demonstration. Then everyone will have the opportunity to do their own, hands-on container of cuttings to take home. If you want to make your own container garden please bring a small container, soil and plants, and Karen can show you how best to plant it.

Presented by St. Johns County Master Gardener Karen Doyle.

This one session class will meet on Monday, June 2 from 9:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)

If you sign up for June 2 session, please do not sign up for the June 23 session.

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run

Gentle Yoga on Mondays in June at River House

$3750

with Scott Farber

Calendar Jun 2, 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. 

Classes are 90 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 Mondays, June 2, 16, 23, 30 (no class session on June 9) from 9:15 to 10:45 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Chair Yoga on Mondays in June at River House

$25

with Rebecca Dawson

Calendar Jun 2, 2025 at 11 am, runs for 4 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 Mondays, June 2, 16, 23, 30 (no class session on June 9) from 11:00 - noon at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Awake and Heal Within on Mondays in June at River House

$1875

with Sharon Infante

Calendar Jun 2, 2025 at 12 pm, runs for 3 weeks

Tap into your body’s natural healing abilities. Beginning the healing process on the mental, emotional, physical, physiological and spiritual levels. We will explore various practices of the Ancient Eastern Arts to help become aware of our energy and how each person can awaken this energy to help in our healing journeys and lift the stories inside. Learn practices supporting the process in releasing tensions, stress, anxiety, aches, pains, sleep issues, illness and diseases. In class we will stretch, engage in gentle flows, learn acupressure points and more.

Bring a water bottle. Dress comfortable for gentle movement.

Sharon has been on her journey since 2000, trained in Woodstock, NY with Master trainers of Sound and Frequency. She is a Qigong Practitioner, Senior Trainer of IIQTC Tai Chi Easy Leader, certified in various Tai Chi Health forms, Master Reiki and energy healer, and completed studies in MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, June 2, 16, 23 (no class sessions on June 9 & 30) from Noon to 1:00 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Zumba Gold (Lower Impact) on Mondays in June at River House

$25

with Angela Engel

Calendar Jun 2, 2025 at 12:15 pm, runs for 4 weeks

This is a lower intensity version of a regular Zumba class.

Zumba Gold introduces easy-to-follow dance moves that focus on balance, range of motion and coordination. Class sessions will focus on cardiovascular, muscular conditionins, balance and flexibilty.

Supplies needed:

  • Water,
  • Towel
  • Comfortable clothes that you can move in
  • Sneakers
  • Light hand weights (optional)

Angela has been doing Zumba for 12 years and teaching for 10.

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, June 2, 16, 23, 30 (no class session on June 9) from 12:15 to 1:15 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run





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