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St. Johns County Council on Aging



Our Classes

Neurographic Art Meditative Class on Monday, April 28 at River House

$11

with Estelle Thibodeau

Calendar Apr 28, 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, April 28 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

How to Navigate Apple Maps on Monday, April 28 at River House

$10

with Kai Long

Calendar Apr 28, 2025 at 12:45 pm, runs for 1 week

Apple Maps (iPhone & iPad) - lets you navigate and explore the world with your privacy protected. Offers voice activated turn by turn navigation, makes you aware of traffic conditions, road closures, and speed limits. It explores landmarks, creates bike trails, walking trails and also shows city transit schedules if traveling and much much more! Make traveling easier and safe! 

This one session class will meet on Monday, April 28 from 12:45 to 1:45 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

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

$2825

with Katie Smith

Calendar May 5, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 3 weeks

This class was previously known as Sculpt & Stride and it will now meet in the Ballroom.

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, May 5, 12, 19 (no class session on May 26) from 9 to 10:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Gentle Yoga on Mondays in May at River House

$2825

with Scott Farber

Calendar May 5, 2025 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. 

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, May 5, 12, 19 (no class session on May 26) from 9:15 to 10:45 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Chess, a Mechanism of Happiness on Mondays in May at River House

$2825

with Estelle Thibodeau

Calendar May 5, 2025 at 9:30 am, runs for 3 weeks

Chess, as in playing casual, over the board chess will transform you through the practice of contemplation. Every piece is a possibility. This class will not only teach you how to play chess, it will take you through an unusual perspective of the history, the culture, and the realms of mystery, defeat, victory and belief. It will impress upon you how making choices on the board, as well as in your life, will shift into better decision making just by playing chess. You don’t have to be a genius either to have this valuable tool.

Estelle Thibodeau has a chess club in St. Augustine, called The Cheesy Chess Club and is an ordained minister active in the art of contemplation and choice. Make your move to the COA's River House for this fascinating perspective on chess. 

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, May 5, 12, 19 (no class session on May 26) from 9:30 to 11 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Neurographic Art Meditative Class on Monday, May 5 at River House

$11

with Estelle Thibodeau

Calendar May 5, 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 5 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Awake and Heal Within on Mondays in May at River House

$1875

with Sharon Infante

Calendar May 5, 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, May 5, 12, 19 (no class session on May 26) from Noon to 1:00 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

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

$1875

with Angela Engel

Calendar May 5, 2025 at 12:15 pm, runs for 3 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, May 5, 12, 19 (no class session on May 26) 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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