• What a way to start the new year: Due to plumbing problems after the New Year’s Eve and Toyota Gator Bowl weekend, Starbucks at the Landing was closed Tuesday morning – but that didn’t mean you couldn’t get your morning cup of java on the first workday of 2007. They were giving away free coffee that was brewed at another Starbucks location. This was the second time in several months that the Starbucks was closed due to plumbing problems.
• Landing office business: A couple of merchants at the Landing reported they were surprised at the demand for souvenirs and were caught a little short on inventory over the weekend. Sundrez sold out of blue party beads by 3 p.m. Sunday, about the time Discount Pro Wear sold the last West Virginia T-shirt. There were plenty of WVU sweatshirts left on the racks, but with the temperature well into the 70s, they weren’t a hot-selling item.
• An exhibition by local artist Suzzette Solano is Friday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Carling. Solano will be showing her work, “2 1/2 Days in Genesis.” The Carling is at 31 W. Adams St.
• Dredging work on Hogpen Creek in City Council Dist. 3 should be finished in January.
• The first big social for Jacksonville Community Council Inc. Forward is set for Jan. 11. It’s from 5:30-7 p.m. at 9th and Main in Springfield and JCCI leadership teams will be on hand to discuss issue forum topics for the year.
• Former National Football League Commissioner Paul Tagliabue may serve as one of the judges for the 2007 Guns ‘n’ Hoses charity boxing matches. The matches that pit policemen against firemen will be March 10 at the Arena. Bert Sugar, who has judged the fights several times, will also be there – for his usual fee of $500 and a bottle of scotch.
• There should be some relief coming for those who travel Penman Road in Jacksonville and Neptune Beach. The City of Jacksonville Beach has hired the firm of Glatting Jackson to produce a conceptual design for improvement to the highly-traveled road that connects Atlantic Boulevard and Beach Boulevard. Representatives from the firm will be in town Jan. 30-Feb. 1 to meet with City officials and residents.
• Demola’s Jersey Subs at the Landing is open today after being closed Tuesday for inventory and cleaning.
• Last year, the Beaches Historical Society opened its brand new history museum near the corner of Beach Boulevard and A1A. This year, the plan is to restore the 100 year-old structures in Pablo Historical Park. The BHS still needs funding help, though.
• Know a senior with mobility issues? Wishes on Wheels has free electric power wheelchairs available to non-ambulatory senior citizens 65 years and up and people of any age who are permanently disabled. There is typically no charge or out-of-pocket expense for the wheelchairs, which are also delivered and set up by a technician free of charge. The wheelchairs are available to those who cannot walk and are unable to operate a manual wheelchair. There are additional qualifications, including a doctor’s approval and recommendation. For information, call 1-800-823-5220 or visit www.threewishes2.com.