Children’s Chorus auditions next week
The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus is auditioning for grades 1-12 for the second half of the 2014-15 season.
Auditions are Monday and Jan. 15.
Prior musical training isn’t necessary to participate, but an audition is required.
There is no need to bring a prepared audition piece, as a conductor will listen for the singer’s ability to match pitches, learn a simple tune and hold one’s voice part against others.
Visit jaxchildrenschorus.org/audition or call (904) 353-1636 ext. 1 for an audition time.
The chorus provides choral music education to children from diverse backgrounds and helps foster teamwork, self-discipline, accomplishment and pride while filling a cultural need.
Brunson takes part in Scott prayer breakfast
The Rev. Mac Brunson of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville was the only local participant Tuesday in an inaugural prayer breakfast that preceded Gov. Rick Scott’s swearing-in ceremony for a second term. The senior pastor (above) of the local church since 2006 provided the invocation. The event had more than a dozen participants of different denominations from across the state.
New red-light cameras being built
Two new red-light cameras are coming to the Southside.
The eastbound and westbound approach at Baymeadows Road and Philips Highway will have the cameras up soon. Testing will begin Tuesday and the warning period for motorists starts at midnight Jan. 16.
The grace period typically lasts 30 days, but the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will announce when violations will begin for the intersection.
Leadership Jacksonville seeking applications for college program
Leadership Jacksonville is accepting applications for its Collegiate Leadership Experience program for the class of 2015.
The program is an opportunity for college students to interact with community leaders, network with professionals and explore community issues and assets.
Applicants have to be rising sophomores, juniors, seniors or graduate students (preferably between the ages of 18-28) who have been enrolled for at least two semesters and are in good standing.
“The goals of the program are to inspire responsible, ethical leaders who will live and work in Northeast Florida and serve as community trustees,” said Jill Langford Dame, Leadership Jacksonville executive director.
The program will be May 28-Aug. 1 and include a “Meet the Class” reception and an opening and closing retreat.
Last year’s class represented local institutions like Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida and statewide schools such as the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida and Florida A&M.
Applications will be accepted through Feb. 20.
For more information, visit leadershipjax.org or call (904) 396-6263
Ferry Commission meets Thursday
The time and date has changed for the special meeting The St. Johns River Ferry Commission.
The group will meet at 9 a.m. Thursday, instead of 1 p.m. today.
Animal Care & Protective Services to receive X-ray machine
The Animal Care & Protective Services division of the city will be able to buy a much needed X-ray machine thanks to two key sources.
An initial $32,000 from an anonymous donor was matched by $32,003 raised through a capital campaign by the Jed Fund. The local fund is a not-for-profit that offers financial support to animal welfare organizations.
The $64,000 piece of equipment will be at the main office at 2020 Forest St. to allow staff members to more efficiently and safely treat injured animals. Last fiscal year, Animal Care took in 11,800 dogs and cats, with those being injured having to be taken to partner organizations.
“The life-saving equipment will be a critical tool as Jacksonville strives to maintain a no-kill status. As an organization, we are continuing to seek new opportunities to save even more lives, and having an X-ray machine in-house will allow us to do just that,” said Nikki Harris, Animal Care division chief.
Scott McCaleb new JTA board chair
Scott McCaleb will lead the Jacksonville Transportation Authority board in 2015.
He’s president of Vulcan Land Inc., a subsidiary of Vulcan Materials Co., and has a bachelor’s degree in finance and real estate from Florida State University.
He was appointed to the board by Gov. Rick Scott in 2012.
“2015 promises to be a year of growth and development for JTA with the construction of the compressed natural gas fueling facility and subsequent launch of the First Coast Flyer Bus Rapid Transit system,” McCaleb said in a news release.
He succeeds Donna Harper as chairman.
Also selected as 2015 officers are Isaiah Rumlin as vice chairman, Kevin Holzendorf as secretary and Greg Evans as treasurer.
Officers are elected annually and can serve up to two consecutive terms.
Jacksonville in Top 50 for job seekers
Out of the 150 cities WalletHub reviewed, Jacksonville ranked 49th in its “2015’s Best & Worst Cities to Find a Job” study.
The review comprised two parts — analyzing the job market and the socio-economic environment.
Jacksonville ranked 38th in the job market category and 79th in the socio-economic list.
While in the top 50, it’s actually down from the 2014 review that had the city ranked 35th.
Hazardous waste collection event Saturday
The city’s Solid Waste Division is hosting a free household hazardous and electronic waste collection event Saturday on the Northside for Duval County residents.
The pick-up will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Oceanway Park, 12215 Sago Ave.
Electronic waste includes TVs, computer monitors, printers, DVDs, desk and mobile phones and health and beauty appliances. They can be placed outside for regular waste pickup, but if done that way they can’t be recycled.
Household waste includes paint, varnish, shellac, paint thinner, household and car batteries, pool cleaners, antifreeze and ammunition. These items can’t be collected curbside with regular trash.
The event is one of 11 scheduled this year. The next will be Jan. 24 at the Jacksonville Beach Public Works Department, 1460 Shetter Ave.
For more information, visit coj.net/HHW.
Daryl Holton to lead North Florida Business Center
The Principal Financial Group has named Daryl Holton to lead the North Florida Business Center as regional managing director.
Holton and his team will develop the center by attracting, training, motivating and retaining advisers.
He has more than 28 years in the insurance and financial services industry and serves on the board of directors for the Northeast Florida Chapter of the Society of Financial Services Providers.