• The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has extended its weekend hours to 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through the Sept. 3 Labor Day holiday. In addition to Saturdays and Sundays, extended-hours days also include Memorial Day and the week of Independence Day (July 2-6). The annual opening of Splash Ground at Play Park is Thursday. For more information, call 757-4463 or visit www.jacksonvillezoo.org.
• St. John & Partners Advertising & Public relations has hired Amanda Harnish as public relations account coordinator for the agency’s Zaxby’s account. Harnish is a recent graduate of the University of Florida and was an intern in SJ&P’s public relations department. She will assist with Zaxby’s restaurant grand openings throughout the Southeast and support the agency’s communication efforts for the family dining chain.
• Attorney Michael Mullin has joined Rogers Towers as a shareholder. Prior to joining the firm, Mullin served as Nassau County attorney both full and part-time for the past 25 years. His practice will include local and state government, civil litigation, real property including zoning and comprehensive planning matters.
• The law firm of Berg, Bowers & Associates has added Jeff Canup as a new associate. Canup went to Bishop Kenny High and is a recent graduate of Stetson College of Law. He’s certified in Elder Law and will work exclusively with the legal issues facing elders, disabled and others.
• The Otis Smith Foundation is expanding on its recent “Big Cats for Kids” campaign by adding 30 10-inch miniature cats. Those, too, will have sponsors, be placed around town and auctioned off July 10.
• Pianist Gary Smart is performing March 18 as a part of the Jacksonville Public Library’s Intermezzo concerts. The concert is at the Main Library at 2:30 p.m. in the library’s auditorium.
• The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is hosting a Family Day March 24 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the museum. Families will have the opportunity to experience “The Walter O. Evans Collection of African American Art.” Musical performances will be going on throughout the museum. The event is free and open to the public.
• Former Mayor Jake Godbold and his wife Jean will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this weekend with a big bash at River City Brewing Co. Sunday.
• Lemon Bar in Neptune Beach has reopened for the summer months and this past weekend’s good weather drew pretty big crowds.
• The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville is hosting the 31st annual Arts Awards luncheon, “The Artist as Community Visionary” at noon April 24 on the stage of the Moran Theater at the T-U Center. This year’s keynote speaker is Charles Landry, author and founder of COMEDIA, Europe’s cultural planning consultancy. For more information or to purchase tickets call 358-3600.
“One generation plants the trees under which another takes its ease.”
— Chinese proverb.