St. Johns Briefs — June 21-28

graduates appointed to service academies

U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., announced this week he was appointing three northwest St. Johns County high school graduates to the United States service academies. The appointees are:

Kyle Griffis, who graduated from Bartram Trail High School and is the son of Kevin and Vicki Griffis, will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Matthew Rocheleau of Julington Creek, who also attended Bartram Trail High School, and is the son of Sean and Christina Rocheleau, will attend U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Phillip Skelley of St. Johns is following the footsteps of his grandfather, who was a U.S. Naval Academy graduate. Skelly attended Bartram Trail High School and is the son William and Karen Skelley.

palm baskets

The Trout Creek Park Pavilion in Orangedale will be the site of a unique class led by William Chase on June 23 and 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn to make beautiful decorative baskets using palm fronds. Once dried the baskets will be filled with an assortment of colorful dried flowers, making a special gift or keepsake. The classes are free. To participate call Mary at (904) 522-1611.

helping hands

The Helping Hands of St. Johns County meets on the last Friday of the month at St. Johns Golf and Country Club. All are welcome to join. There are no dues, no officers, no stress and Helping Hands relies solely on donations from the community. The group is currently looking for donations of used, clean blue jeans in any size that can be taken apart and sewn into bags for disabled veterans. For drop off location or information contact jacqphil@aol.com.

volunteers needed

The St. Johns Council on Aging is in need of volunteers for numerous duties: The morning program needs a lead volunteer to teach “Brain Gym,” an innovative program that focuses on helping seniors work with their brain. Training is provided. Volunteers are also needed to call Bingo on Tuesday afternoons, work in the Sunshine Bus office, and to deliver Meals on Wheels for a Monday route. To volunteer or for more information call Kay Green (904) 209-3685.

volunteers needed

Nease High School is looking for volunteers for Madyson’s Motorcycle Ride on today to benefit Madyson Darner, a third grade student at Ocean Palms Elementary School who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Volunteers are needed to help with face-painting, supervising and helping with games. To volunteer call Nicole Novakoski at (904) 294-3478 or novakosf@comcast.net.

county judge candidacy

Anne Marie Gennusa officially announced her candidacy for St. Johns County Judge. Gennusa has held positions of Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and President of the St. Johns County Bar Association. The elections for county judge will be held on Aug. 26. For more information contact Anne Marie Gennusa at (904) 669-6944 or www.gennusa4judge.com.

tutors needed

Become an AmeriCorps reading tutor. Help children in grades K-3 learn to read, one on one or in small groups. Benefits of participating are an education award up to $2,362.50, weekly living allowance and gaining new skills and work experience. One year contract positions begin August 1. Contact Tami Hays, Communities in Schools (904) 819-6389.

the matuza stage

The Limelight Theatre announced the naming of the main stage theatre, The M. Raymond and Linda C. Matuza Main Stage. As part of the theatre’s continuing fundraising program, the Naming Campaign continues to be successful in raising funds to help cover the costs of the newly renovated building at 11 Old Mission Avenue. Linda and Ray Matuza are the most recent donors to the Limelight Theatre’s Naming Program. The Matuza Main Stage will open under its new name July 25 with the production of Perfect Wedding, a comedy farce by Robin Hawdon. There will be a champagne reception in the Bartosch Grand Lobby at 7 p.m. before the 7:30 p.m. curtain. Perfect Wedding will run through Aug. 17. For more information call (904) 825-1164.

summer geology workshop

June 23-24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Guana Tolomato Mantanzas Research Reserve (GTM) will host a free teacher geology workshop for elementary school educators at the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. Join Professional Geologists and Earth and Science Education Specialists, Gail and Betty Gibson to learn about coastal geology and the ways you can use minerals to teach science in your classroom. Attendees should bring school district forms to receive in-service credits. To register, contact Diana Eissing at (904) 823-4500.

intergenerational bridge camp

June 19-27, The PLAYERS Community Senior Center, 175 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach offers intergenerational bridge camp to bridge the bridge playing gap by bringing the greatest sport of the mind to the next generation. All pairs that register must include at least one junior player between the ages of 10-26 and currently attending school. Pairs may also consist of two juniors players. All junior players receive free bridge text books. Last day of mini-camp will be a tournament for a trophy. Program is fully funded and cosponsored by the ACBL and the ACBL Educational Foundation, so there is no cost to participants. Pre-registration is required. For more information call (904) 280-3233 or www.bridgeandpoker.com. Other schedules are available upon request.

nature walk

June 28, 9 to 10:30 a.m., a family oriented nature walk will be offered for ages five and up at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve located at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. Meet at the Trailhead Pavilion. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $3 parking fee per vehicle. Call (904) 823-4500 for reservations.

blueprint for retirement

July 22 through Aug. 26, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on seven consecutive Tuesdays, explore powerful new ideas that will help you reshape your life. Join Brian Wirz, author of The Inner Journey of Self-Discovery, as he takes you on an inner journey of self-discovery. A Blueprint for Retirement seminar will be held at the Coastal Community Center, 180 Marine St., St. Augustine. Fee is $79. For reservations call (904) 209-3646