• Four fans who attended the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl were here thanks to a promotion created by Visit Jacksonville. The agency worked with TV stations in Lubbock, Texas and Washington, D.C. to sponsor a contest for two fans from each market to win round-trip air fare, hotel accommodations, game tickets and tickets to the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. According to Kimberly Morgan, Visit Jacksonville’s associate director of partner services, the winners from Lubbock have a daughter who plays in the Texas Tech marching band. The couple said they would not have been able to attend the game had they not won the contest. “And they spent money while they were here,” added Morgan.
• When Mayor John Peyton was signing proclamations in his office Tuesday morning, he was passing out blue and gold ballpoint pens as souvenirs for those who attended each ceremony. “We didn’t cut these out of the budget yet, but if we have to they will become real collectors’ items,” he said, referring to the Jan. 29 ballot amendment that if approved by voters will further reduce Jacksonville’s property tax revenues.
• Speaking of the mayor, it’s time for him to update his profile in the 63rd edition of Who’s Who in America. The current profile doesn’t include his second child, born this year.
• In a ceremony hosted by Unity Church for Creative Living, Lakota elder Basil Braveheart will bless the St. Johns River from 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 12. at Alpine Groves Park, 2060 SR 13 in St. Johns County. In conjunction, the St. Johns Riverkeeper will provide walking tours along the river to raise awareness about issues impacting the river, the ecology and history of the native environment. Suggested donation is $10 per family. To register or for more information, e-mail the Riverkeeper at [email protected]. For more information on the blessing ceremony, call 287-1505.
• The Fifth Annual 100 Black Men of Jacksonville Infinite Scholar College Fair will be held on Jan. 19 at the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The fair is hosted by the Jacksonville chapter of the 100 Black Men of America Inc. and will feature more than 30 national, regional, and local colleges and universities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Several workshops will be held on financial aid, understanding the college planning process and freshman survival tips. Students are asked to pre-register at www.infinitescholar.com and bring several copies of their high school transcripts, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) and videotapes of talent or special abilities (music or athletics). Interviews will be conducted on site and if the students qualify, several schools will award scholarships on the spot.
• You won’t find Glenda Caulfield at the reception desk at the Office of General Counsel any more. She has been transferred a few steps down the hall on the fourth floor and now works at the reception desk in the mayor’s office.
“Voters don’t decide issues, they decide who will decide issues.”
– George F. Will, U.S. political columnist.