• “The Illusion,” a presentation of the University of North Florida Drama department, is Thursday-Sunday at the Robinson Theater on the UNF campus. The play was written by Pierre Corneille and adapted for the stage by Tony Kushner of “Angels in America” fame. Performance times are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
• Dr. Bashir Sayar, professor of engineering, was named Jacksonville University’s Professor of the Year at the annual Faculty Recognition Dinner. He has been a member of the faculty for more than 20 years and currently serves as the director of JU’s engineering programs. Dr. Sandra Coyle, associate professor of English, won the Award for Excellence in Teaching; Ben Wilson, professor of theatre arts, received the Award for Excellence in University Service; Dana Chapman-Tupa, assistant professor of art, received the Award for Scholarship and Professional Activities; and Dr. Shannon Wood, assistant professor of education, won the Award for Excellence in Community Service.
• Dan McCarthy, the City’s military affairs chief, has been invited to join the board of trustees at WJCT, the local public radio and TV station.
• Florida International Magazine is holding a party Thursday at the Havana Club in Miami to celebrate its VIP issue that features 100 Floridians the magazine calls “people of like mind.” The only locals on the list are St. Joe CEO, President and Chairman Peter Rummell and New York Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles. They are joined by the likes of race car driver Helio Castroneves, Gov. Charlie Crist, Donald Trump, pro tennis player Andy Roddick, Billy Joel and actor Matt Damon, just to name a few.
• Apologies to City Council member Lad Daniels. In a story last week we said he intends to seek two terms in the State Legislature then return to Jacksonville to run for Council again. Daniels is running for State Rep. Mark Mahon’s seat, intends to serve all eight years (four terms) and has no desire to serve on Council again.
• Speaking of Council, the elections for president and vice president are tentatively set for May 22.
“... this single span,
Reaching for the world, as our lives do,
As all lives do, reaching that we may give
The best of what we are and hold as true:
Always it is by bridges that we live.”
– Philip Larkin (1922–1986), British poet