• Mayor John Peyton has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve a six-year term on the board of trustees for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. Peyton was nominated for the appointment by President George W. Bush in 2002. The Truman Foundation awards scholarships for students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or other areas of public service. Congress established the foundation in 1975 as a memorial to the 33rd president.
• JEA is bringing a modern-day Johnny Appleseed to nine local elementary schools. Tim Womick, a tree advocate who has roamed America to plant trees, will start speaking to Jacksonville students today as part of the utility-sponsored “Trail of Trees” program. JEA operates two tree farms with 13 species to replace the ones JEA removes for line clearance. The utility gives away about 1,000 trees each year.
• U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw has been selected by House Republican Whip Roy Blunt to serve as Deputy Whip for the 110th Congress. Deputy Whips are responsible for helping the Republican Whip and the Chief Deputy Republican Whip assist the party’s leadership in managing its legislative program on the House floor. “Ander Crenshaw’s new role will give Florida’s Fourth District an even bigger voice in the decision-making process in the House. This is a real win for Florida,” said Blunt in a statement released Jan. 5.
• Family fun in Ponte Vedra Beach: Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve will host an hour-long family event on the third Wednesday of each month in 2007. The January 17 event is at 2 p.m. and open to the public. Children will learn about “curious sea creatures,” like seahorses and puffer fish, with craft activities. Call 823-4500 for more information or to register.
• Jane Richeson Lanier was inaugurated as the 89th President of the Meninak Club of Jacksonville at its annual Installation of Officers Monday at the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk Hotel. She is the executive director of St. Vincent’s Foundation and a second-generation Meninak. Her father, Stuart Richeson, presided in 1948. Additional officers for 2007 include Harrison E. Conyers III, president elect; David Tuttle, secretary; David L. Lamp, treasurer; and Dr. Ross T. Krueger, immediate past president.
• The Willie E. Gary Classic Foundation is hosting its fourth annual Martin Luther King essay contest luncheon today, and King’s eldest daughter, Yolanda, will be speaking. The nonprofit aims to encourage achievement and excellence in today’s youth. The event at Bethelite Conference Center runs from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and costs $25. Call 353-3008 for more information.
• Theatre Jacksonville is offerering adult acting classes for stage and film. Acting for Adults will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sundays for 10 weeks beginning Jan. 21. Believable Acting for Film will be offered as an eight-week session Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m., also beginning Jan. 21. For information, call Caryl Butterley, education outreach director, at 396-4425, ext. 16.