• The Republican Party of Duval County plans to invite fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars to support the team at its Dec. 17 game against the Indianapolis Colts. Group tickets are available starting at $40. The group will be attending “The Ultimate Tealgate Party” at the stadium, which begins at 4 p.m.
• The Landing is offering free photo opportunities with Santa Claus. With the 56-foot Christmas tree providing the background, St. Nick will be available for pictures on the second floor food court patio from 5-8 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 12 and 19. A complimentary photo will be given to each person who produces a receipt of purchase from a Landing business. The public is also encouraged to bring their personal cameras.
• John C. Cushman III, chairman of the board of Cushman & Wakefield, has been named chairman of Rock Creek Capital. Cushman recently served as national president of the Boy Scouts of America and president of the Boy Scouts of America Foundation. He is a director of the National Park Foundation, a director of the Real Estate Roundtable, and a former trustee of the Urban Land Institute. Founded in 1917, Cushman & Wakefield is the world’s largest privately-held real estate services firm. Its 221 offices located in 58 countries collectively employ 15,000 people. Jacksonville-based Rock Creek Capital is an alternative asset management firm which invests in unique, resource-rich land.
• The Family Nurturing Center’s 7th Annual Taste of Chocolate Challenge is set for Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Haskell Building on Riverside Avenue. The event includes a live and silent auction, a one-carat diamond giveaway from Miriam’s Jewelers, a Carnival Cruise, heavy hors d’oeuvres and lots of chocolate. For tickets and info contact Stella Johnson at 3898-4244, ext. 204 or visit www.fncflorida.org.
• The “10th Annual Kids Christmas Toy Train Exhibit” to benefit Children’s Home Society of Florida will be on display beginning Dec. 17 from 4-8 p.m. at First Christian Church on Moody Avenue in Orange Park. The exhibit features post-World War II Lionel trains from the Bob Wilmot Collection as well as push buttons and additional operating accessories for kids. Admission is free. For more information, contact Nanette Vallejos at 493-7739, Harold Adams, project director, at 262-7630 or First Christian Church at 272-1250.