• There were dueling press conferences Monday on either side of Alltel Stadium. While Jag Coach Jack Del Rio was talking about his team’s loss to the New York Jets on the West side, the Gator Bowl brass was welcoming Maryland as one of its teams in the association offices on the East side. That’s GBA chairman Bob White and Selection Committee chair Susan Hamilton with the game trophy.
• Condolences to the family of U.S. District Court Judge Ralph W. Nimmons Jr. He passed away Monday.
• The Chamber’s Cornerstone luncheon was the annual celebration of the international work done here and you knew quickly the theme: the menu was in both English and Chinese.
• Moving back to town: Carolyn Cantrell, who founded the Cowford Club, which still parties hearty. She’s been working in Charlotte. Might see her at the new Cowford to-do, which is Dec. 4 at Benny’s in the Landing.
• Yes, that big guy in the stands at Bolles girls’ basketball games is Coach Jack Del Rio. Daughter Hope, only a freshman, is a budding star.
• The New York Times has had a continuing promotion here and subscription solicitation cards are in newspapers you buy at local outlets. Don’t get excited — they weren’t supposed to be inserted because the NYT still doesn’t have home delivery here.
• Jason D. Holbrook is the newest associate at McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope & Weaver. He is a 2003 graduate of the University of Akron School of Law and handles PIP defense cases.
• The Riverside Fine Arts Association is looking for a new executive director. Lorraine Roetteges, wife of Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra flutist Les Roetteges, has held the job on an interim basis. The association’s board members have formed a committee to fill the position, but action probably won’t take place until after Christmas.
• Hubbard House has hit a snag in its search for a new development director. Hubbard House’s CEO, Ellen Siler, had emergency surgery recently and probably won’t return to work until January. The decision’s on hold until then.
• Motivational speaker and fitness expert Joe Dillon will give tips for training more effectively and handling injuries better from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday at Riverplace Tower. He has coached and trained hundreds of individuals, including triathletes and bodybuilders. He has worked with the Navy, Marine Corps, the NFL, and collegiate and national champions. Info.: 731-1900.