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St. Johns County Council on Aging



River House

Herbal Pharmacy: Herbs and Your Health

$25

with James Carucci

Calendar May 8, 2025 at 2:45 pm, runs for 4 weeks

This course is designed to show you how herbs can be used to promote health and well-being by looking at specific health concerns and herbal solutions. Each week we will look at an area of health and explore the variety of herbs which can be used to treat or prevent the condition. At the end of each class, participants will have the opportunity to put together a remedy for themselves to promote health and well-being. Participants will learn about herbal actions as well as techniques for creating their own remedies from teas and syrups to tinctures and extracts.

James is professor of Biological Sciences at St. Johns River State College, professor of Biomedical Sciences at Quinnipiac University, chef and Master Herbalist of over 20 years.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, May 8, 15, 22, 29 from 2:45 - 3:45 at River House (179 Marine St.)

No class session on May 1.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Chair Yoga on Mondays in May at River House

$1250

with Rebecca Dawson

Calendar May 12, 2025 at 11 am, runs for 2 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, May 12, 19 from 11:00 - noon at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

No class session on May 5 & 26.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Neurographic Art Meditative Class on Monday, May 12 at River House

$11

with Estelle Thibodeau

Calendar May 12, 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 12 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Fishing on Wednesday, May 14 at River House

$1250

with Donna Frantz

Calendar May 14, 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 sunscreen.

Class session is on Wednesday, May 14 from 9 to 11 at River House (179 Marine Street)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

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





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