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.

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.

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.

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.

This iPhone/iPad class will offer some basics you never thought you knew. The sessions will discuss tips, overview most used Apple apps, and talk about how to customize your device, plus lots of time for Q&A and class driven topics for learning and discussion. 

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, May 5, 12, 19 (no class session on May 26) from 12:45 - 1:45 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Dance Flex is designed to maximize joint mobility, improve proprioception (body awareness) and sensory perception, and facilitate ease of movement. The class work will include short movement sequences, focusing on where they initiate, their pathways through the physical body and through space to reach an end point. Additionally, it will touch on breath support, spatial support and dynamic flow. The class is aimed at dancers who have had at least some formal training. Participants should be able to lie on the floor for significant periods of time without pain and to be able to get up and down with confidence and stability.

You don't need special shoes but you might want to wear old socks. Yoga mat and a towel might be good, although mats don’t work well for most of what you'll do.

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, May 5, 12, 19 (no class session on May 26) from 1:30 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

Forbes shared in an article from November 22, 2022, "Today, almost half of the U.S. population, or 133 million Americans (CDC), are living with at least one chronic condition and 40% of adults suffer from two or more. Heart disease and diabetes are two leading causes of death, with diabetes affecting about 1 in 10 Americans. In adults ages 65 and older, hypertension and high cholesterol are the most prevalent maladies."

This Course will cover:

• What is nutrition.
• How to make dietary changes.
• Learn about other factors in the environment and our lifestyle that affect our health.
• Making sound Environmental factors and lifestyle changes

Sharon Infante is a Medical Qigong Practitioner, MQP and health and wellness advocate. During her studies with 3 Treasures, Dr. Nan Lu focused on health, learning tai chi, qigong medical qigong, sound healing, reiki, Tao Yin Yoga, energy work, mediation, and nutrition. She enjoys researching, reading and learning about health, vitality, and wellness for her personal selfcare and sharing with others. She has reversed her health issues, with Lyme Disease, Autoimmune SLE, and is currently working on Liver disease.

Our health is not just about gut microbiome but is also influenced by nutrition, genetics, climate, environment, lifestyle like your work, hobbies, physical activity, entertainment, and rest. Our body when given what it needs is able to live pain and disease free living in homeostasis. It’s up to us to find the balance and maintain it.

Her journey into selfcare practices started 25 years ago and continues to learn as she is a lifelong learner and knows it is possible to live to 100 and beyond. Sharon is a board of director for four years for the Healer Within Foundation leading community practice groups, online classes and in person retreats for transformation. She holds certifications as a Senior Trainer for tai chi. Qigong, meditation, massage. She is also trained through Universal Healing Tao, IIQTC as TCEPL & HWPL Senior Trainer, leads community healing with Sound Vibration Frequency.

This one session lecture will take place on Monday, May 5 from 1:30 to 2:30 at River House located at 179 Marine St. in St. Augustine.

For ages 18 and up.

Join fellow meditators for a group meditation. Group meditation promotes a sense of community and helps participants achieve a deeper state of focus, calm, and relaxation. A synergy is created when people meditate together, enhancing increased motivation, stress reduction, and an increase in self empowerment and personal growth.

Each week will include: 

• Guided centering meditation
• Discussion on one of the following mind/body topics:
  • Visualization and affirmation
  • Nature of thought Conscious/subconscious mind
  • Chakras
  • Energy bodies
• Quiet meditation at hour’s conclusion

This is a seated meditation class. Students do not need to bring anything for the class.

Anne Pogue is a Holistic educator and practitioner. Her education includes: B.S. in Health Education, University of MD; M.A. Pastoral and Spiritual Care, Loyola College, Columbia, MD; Hatha Yoga Certification, Sivananda Ashram, Val Morin, Canada. Anne holds certification in Massage Therapy, Foot Reflexology, and Reiki Master. Ms. Pogue has developed and implemented courses at Howard Community College, including: “Fundamentals of Spiritual Awareness”, “Introduction to Holistic Health” and “Hatha Yoga”. Anne embraces all modalities of Holistic living. She believes and emulates the Mind, Body and Spirit connection. She teaches with compassion, experience, and knowledge.

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, May 5, 12, 19 (no class session on May 26) from 2 to 3 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.