Oils and Butter are essential fats that bring richness of flavor to a meal. Infusing herbs and spices into oil and butter enhances meals by imparting complex flavors, therapeutic benefits and phytonutrients without adding additional salt or sugars. In this class, we will discuss the differences between saturated and unsaturated fats, the smoke point of oils, and which fats are best for specific cooking applications. You will learn simple, flavor-packed recipes and might even have some new ideas for holiday gift giving!

James is a Professor of Biological Sciences at St. Johns River State College, Master Herbalist and Personal Chef.

This one day class will meet on Thursday, December 11 from 2:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine).

For ages 18 and up.

Creating My Own Color Palette.

Join our inspiring hands-on class designed to help you craft and personalize your very own art journal! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop offers a perfect space to explore your creativity, experiment with different techniques, and develop your unique artistic voice.

Page Techniques: Practice diverse methods like watercolor washes, mixed media layering, doodling, stamping, and collaging to bring your pages to life.

Creative Exploration: Use prompts and exercises to unlock ideas, encourage spontaneous art-making, and let your pages evolve naturally.

Personalization: Learn how to incorporate your own memorabilia, quotes, and themes that resonate with your personal story or interests.

Maintaining Your Journal: Tips for staying motivated, documenting your everyday moments, and making journaling a fun and ongoing creative project to continue exploring long after the session.

Who Should Join: Anyone interested in art, self-expression, or simply exploring new ways to create! No prior experience needed—just an open mind and a love for making art.

Basic Supplies to bring each week:

• Journal-A Commercial or handmade journal with heavy paper for mixed media projects 
• Glue – Mod Podge or PVA (white school glue), Fabric tac glue, and Glue stick 
• Scissors 
• Pencil 
• Eraser  
• Ruler
• Acrylic paints- Metallic and primary colors 
• Graphite Pencil 
• Color Markers
• Gel Pens (White, Gold, Silver,) 
• Color Wheel 

Additional supplies may be needed depending on the type of project offered each week. You will want to adapt these projects to your own style and colors. Art prompts are offered at each class to help encourage working with different materials. Note: Whenever you can, try using or adapting what you have on hand. 

Contact Liz Monaco at lizart23@gmail.com for any of the upcoming projects and supply lists. Let me know the dates you will be attending.

Class session will be held on Monday, January 5 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

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, light 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 Wednesday, January 7 from 9 to 11 at River House (179 Marine Street)

For ages 18 and up.

All are welcome but because of the popularity of this group pre-registration to attend is required.

The River House Book Club meets once a month to discuss a pre-chosen book. The chosen book for January's meeting is The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson.

The facilitator for this group is Peter Gaspar.

This group will meet on Wednesday, January 7 from 2 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

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, January 12 from 9:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Journal Cover Design.

Join our inspiring hands-on class designed to help you craft and personalize your very own art journal! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop offers a perfect space to explore your creativity, experiment with different techniques, and develop your unique artistic voice.

Page Techniques: Practice diverse methods like watercolor washes, mixed media layering, doodling, stamping, and collaging to bring your pages to life.

Creative Exploration: Use prompts and exercises to unlock ideas, encourage spontaneous art-making, and let your pages evolve naturally.

Personalization: Learn how to incorporate your own memorabilia, quotes, and themes that resonate with your personal story or interests.

Maintaining Your Journal: Tips for staying motivated, documenting your everyday moments, and making journaling a fun and ongoing creative project to continue exploring long after the session.

Who Should Join: Anyone interested in art, self-expression, or simply exploring new ways to create! No prior experience needed—just an open mind and a love for making art.

Basic Supplies to bring each week:

• Journal-A Commercial or handmade journal with heavy paper for mixed media projects 
• Glue – Mod Podge or PVA (white school glue), Fabric tac glue, and Glue stick 
• Scissors 
• Pencil 
• Eraser  
• Ruler
• Acrylic paints- Metallic and primary colors 
• Graphite Pencil 
• Color Markers 
• Gel Pens (White, Gold, Silver,) 
• Color Wheel 

Additional supplies may be needed depending on the type of project offered each week. You will want to adapt these projects to your own style and colors. Art prompts are offered at each class to help encourage working with different materials. Note: Whenever you can, try using or adapting what you have on hand. 

Contact Lia Monaco at lizart23@gmail.com for any of the upcoming projects and supply lists. Let me know the dates you will be attending.

Class session will be held on Monday, January 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

“Health is Wealth” So where and how do I start?

In this class we will focus on Health Promotion and Not Disease Treatment. How to begin making healthier food and lifestyle choices which we know it can be a challenge for us. We hear to eat this, not that. Move this way not that way. This is bad for you. You must do this and go there. Old habits die hard. So where do you begin?

We will explore:

• Nutrition & Health that is “practical” and obtainable
• Focus on healthy food options, review food groups and beverages
• Learn Steps to shape your personal plan
• Explore activities to enhance your lifestyle

You will be provided with:

• A sample day food plan
• How to do somatic shaking
• A list of suggested resources
• How to create better sleep habits
• Recipes

Each month will focus on a different area of wellness. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Creating a personal wellness plan and implementing daily-life changes
• Detox and the role of water
• Liver health and seasonal spring detox
• Environment and lifestyle influences
• Understanding inflammation
• The “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” food lists
• Keys to longevity

This one day class will meet on Monday, January 12 from 2 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

You may hear the name of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings throughout the Sunshine State. But did you know the Pulitzer Prize winning author spent time in St. Johns County? Known for her depictions of rural Central Florida, Rawlings lived in St. Augustine, on and off, from 1939 to her death in 1953. This talk will cover sites and stories associated with her life on the First Coast.

Born and raised in Central Florida, Casey Wooster is a cultural heritage professional passionate about telling her home state's stories. A graduate of the University of Florida, she has worked for nonprofits, museums, and libraries throughout the southeast. For the past three years, she has served as a trustee for the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society, spreading awareness of Rawlings and her work. Like Rawlings, Casey shares a love for the Scrub and is an avid hiker. Currently, she calls St. Augustine home.

This 1 session program will be on Wednesday, January 14 from Noon to 1 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine).

For ages 18 and up.