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St. Johns County Council on Aging



Educational

Herbal Pharmacy: Summertime Herbal Skincare Thursday, May 21 at River House

$10

with James Carucci

Calendar May 21, 2026 at 2 pm, runs for 1 week

This class was originally scheduled for May 14 but has since been rescheduled for May 21 from 2 to 3.

Herbs have been a fundamental part of cosmetics and skincare for centuries. Leaves and flowers provide pigments, vitamins, and minerals that can help soothe skin irritation and reduce inflammation. Roots are astringent and will tighten the skin while oils moisturize and soften the skin. From salves to balms, toners to conditioners, there is a myriad of herbal formulas for skincare needs. In this class, you will learn simple herbal remedies to cleanse, purify and pamper the largest organ of your body: your skin!

James is a Professor of Biological Sciences at St. Johns River State College in St. Augustine, and a Master Herbalist with over twenty years of herbal, clinical and teaching experience.

Class sessions will be held on Thursday, May 21 from 2 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St.) 

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Bringing Back Your Brain and Restoring Brain Health on Wednesday, May 27 at River House

$10

with Lynn Ringhaver

Calendar May 27, 2026 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 Wednesday, May 27 from 2:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 & up.

Will run

STA Strong BHOF (Osteoporosis) on Wednesday, May 27 at River House

Free

with Nicole Tristram

Calendar May 27, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 1 week

The date was originally advertised as May 13 but has since been changed to May 27.

STA Strong BHOF (Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation) Education Group: This group meets bimonthly to learn about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis. 

This program will meet on Wednesday, May 27 from 1:30 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run

Happy Days Are Here Again! The Songs of the Great Depression on Mondays in June at River House

$3750

with Thomas Hischak

Calendar Jun 1, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 5 weeks

This class looks at popular music during the 1930s. What a decade it was for American songs! Some songs thumbed their nose at the Depression with wild optimism while others were laments during hard times. Songs from the movies, Broadway, and Tin Pan Alley make up the 1930's songbook with such songwriters as Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Rogers and Hart, and others. We will also hear from the best vocalists during the Depression, including Al Jolson, Shirley Temple, Bing Crosby, Ethel Waters, Judy Garland and many others.

The class is part-lecture, part-listening to classic recordings of outstanding songs.

Thomas Hischak is a retired Professor of Performing Arts from the State University of New York College at Cortland. He is the author of over thirty books on theatre, film, and popular music.

Class sessions will be on Mondays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 9:30 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Fishing on Tuesday, June 2 at River House

$1250

with Donna Frantz

Calendar Jun 2, 2026 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, 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 Tuesday, June 2 from 9 to 11 at River House (179 Marine Street)

For ages 18 and up.

Spanish for Beginners on Tuesdays in June at River House

$3750

with Maria Martinez

Calendar Jun 2, 2026 at 10 am, runs for 5 weeks

Bienvenidos, 

In this course you will learn basic Spanish. You will also learn everyday phrases, commonly used words, colloquial words used by Spanish speakers, the history and customs of different countries, as well as “Castilian-Castellano” the language brought to this beautiful town by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles and his crew. You will be surprised of how much Spanish you already know. Don’t forget your notebook (cuaderno) and pen/pencil (bolígrafo /lápiz). 

María Teresa Martínez is a native Spanish speaker, born in Havana, Cuba. Her family ancestry is from Spain. She came to the United States in 1968 and learned English as a high school student in Dover, Delaware. She has taught from early childhood to college level Spanish.  She also served as a medical and judicial interpreter for many years as the owner of a  translation and interpretation business. Since retiring to San Augustine she has enjoyed teaching Spanish classes at the River House/COA. Her courses provide an interesting mix of learning the Spanish language while enjoying tidbits about the colonial history of our city Saint Augustine and Spain. 

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 10 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run

Intermediate Spanish on Tuesdays in June at River House

$3750

with Maria Martinez

Calendar Jun 2, 2026 at 11:45 am, runs for 5 weeks

Intermediate Spanish class will focus on building upon existing  vocabulary and grammar knowledge to improve communication skills and fluency. This will include expanding vocabulary, refining grammar and practicing sentence variety and fluency.

Don’t forget your notebook (cuaderno) and pen/pencil (bolígrafo /lápiz). 

María Teresa Martínez is a native Spanish speaker, born in Havana, Cuba. Her family ancestry is from Spain. She came to the United States in 1968 and learned English as a high school student in Dover, Delaware. She has taught from early childhood to college level Spanish.  She also served as a medical and judicial interpreter for many years as the owner of a  translation and interpretation business. Since retiring to San Augustine she has enjoyed teaching Spanish classes at the River House/COA. Her courses provide an interesting mix of learning the Spanish language while enjoying tidbits about the colonial history of our city Saint Augustine and Spain. 

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 11:45 to 1:15 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

Jamming to the Classics - Guitar on Wednesdays in June at River House

$3750

with Dennis Fermin

Calendar Jun 3, 2026 at 11:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

Come join us for a fun filled group course where we will all be playing several classic pop and rock favorites together. Focus will be on tightening up our chord changes, learning new songs and having fun!

Requirements

  • Ability to play basic open string chords reasonably well
  • Instrument
  • Music stand
  • Pen or pencil

Dennis Fermin has been playing guitar for over 30 years and joyfully helping others learn to play along the way. As a graduate from Musician's Institute of California, he has the skills and the patience to teach on many different topics and styles of music. Currently you can hear him perform locally as Fermin Spanish Guitar.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, June 3, 10, 17, 24 from 11:30 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

 





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