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St. Johns County Council on Aging



Our Classes

Neurographic Art Meditative Class on Tuesday, September 23 at River House

$11

with Estelle Thibodeau

Calendar Sep 23, 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 Tuesday, September 23 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Bringing Back Your Brain and Restoring Brain Health on Tuesday, September 23 at River House

$10

with Lynn Ringhaver

Calendar Sep 23, 2025 at 1:30 pm, runs for 1 week

This class will offer:

  • Strategies for Building your nutrient reserves in your Brain.
  • How to protect your Brain and immune system from Brain Betrayers.
  • Brain cell foods that fuel your Brain and restore neurological health, preventing Burn Out, Brain Fog, and Dementia.

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.

This one session class is on Tuesday, September 23 from 1:30 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 & up.

Full Course

Creating a Home to Retire In ~ Safely on Monday, September 29 at River House

$1250

with Jillann Gildea

Calendar Sep 29, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Learn about the importance of planning ahead for staying at home into your Golden years.

This discussion includes:

  • Staying vs Assisted Living
  • Selling and downsizing
  • In depth space planning for remodeling.
  • American Disabilities Act Planning
  • Smart Home Options
  • Budgeting realities

Please be prepared for a jam-packed Informative session. Bring something to take notes with so you can use these techniques in your own life journey.

Jillann Gildea has been in Real Estate and Interior Design for over 30 years and is a National Marketing Award Winner. She is a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer with a specialty in Ageing in Place. She is the Lead Designer for JAG Design Team. Today she enjoys helping others create functional living spaces that bring joy to their life at whatever stage they are in.

This one session class will take place on Monday, September 29 from 9 - 11 at River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084. 

For adults age 18 and up

Full Course

Fishing on Tuesday, September 30 at River House

$1250

with Donna Frantz

Calendar Sep 30, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Get ready for a morning of excitement and adventure.

Want to go fishing and get help learning? Grab your friends and join us for a morning filled with laughs, learning, and of course, fishing! Don't worry about lugging your gear around because all the equipment you need will be provided. Soak up the sun, cast your line, and reel in some unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, this is your chance to enjoy a morning of fun by the water. Don't let this opportunity slip away – book your spot now for a morning to remember.

Participants younger than 65 may be required to have a fishing license. Some Florida Resident licenses are free. See the website for clarification: https://sjctax.us/saltwater-fishing-license/  Adults must carry proof of age and residency.

The group is limited to 10 total. Don't miss out on this fun fishing event/activity!

This class will meet, rain or shine and will be mainly outdoors, so bring your water and your sunscreen. I'd also suggest wearing a hat.

Class session is on Tuesday, September 30 from 9 to 11 at River House (179 Marine Street)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Neurographic Art Meditative Class on Tuesday, September 30 at River House

$11

with Estelle Thibodeau

Calendar Sep 30, 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 Tuesday, September 30 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Watercolor Landscape Painting on Wednesdays in October at River House

$50

with David Ouellette

Calendar Oct 1, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 5 weeks

This Watercolor class is designed to expose you to the unique characteristics and techniques of the medium using various scenes and compositional layout. We will be studying atmospheric perspective and depth of field that makes landscape watercolor painting so effective. There will be regular critiques and discussions to improve your understanding and skill development.

Mr. Ouellette received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts in Painting from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He taught at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and showed in many galleries and museums including the Detroit Institute of Art. He moved to St. Augustine in 1981 where he continued his career as an artist and professor of Fine Art at the Florida School of the Arts in his twenty-six year tenure. He was also a professor of Fine Arts, Painting and Design and Art History at SJRCC St. Augustine campus. He is currently teaching Art History and Studio classes at Flagler College Continuing Education.

Watercolor Materials and Supplies                

Brushes:

  • sable (preferred), ox hair (if you can find it or sable blends or sable synthetics 
  • 1”       flat
  • 1/2”    flat
  • #6 and #8 round
  • rigger brush 

 Paper:

  • Two sheets of Arches 22”x30”, 140 lb. cold press,  or a 9” x 12” block      

Paints:

Box sets of tube watercolors which should include most of these:        

  • ultramarine blue
  • cerulean blue
  • cobalt blue
  • thalo blue
  • alizarin crimson
  • cadmium red light
  • cadmium yellow light 
  • new gamboge
  • burnt umber
  • burnt sienna 

Other materials:                            

  • covered palette, plastic
  • painting board approx. 16” x 20”
  • masking tape
  • materials box
  • non-breakable container for water
  • roll of paper towels

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 9:00 - 11:00 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Gentle Yoga on Wednesdays in October at River House

$25

with Scott Farber

Calendar Oct 1, 2025 at 9:15 am, runs for 5 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, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 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 October at River House

$25

with Scott Farber

Calendar Oct 1, 2025 at 10:30 am, runs for 5 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, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084) 

For ages 18 and up.

Will run





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