• Maria Hane is the new president of the Museum of Science & History effective this past Monday. Hane has also been with the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens as deputy director of operations and served under former Mayor John Delaney as director of written communications (she was Maria Williams at the time).
• The City removed a bunch of trees from Jessie B. Smith Park across from The Florida Theatre last week. In fact, 18 River Birch trees were taken out because they were either in decline or a hazard of some kind. City spokesman Ben Pennymon said all 18 will be replaced.
• The Landing Bookstore still has some inventory and now the furniture is on a “make offer” basis. They’ll deliver, too.
• Melissa Gross-Arnold, shareholder at Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A., has been nominated to serve on the Economic Development Advisory Board for the Clay County Chamber of Commerce. The three-year term appointment would be effective October 1. The purpose of the Economic Development Advisory Board is to create a favorable business climate and improve the economic health of the community.
• Nova Southeastern University’s Northeast Florida-Southeast Georgia Alumni Association has elected officers for 2009-2011: Joe Chimelewski, president; Dr. Jose Fierro, vice president; Steve Mendenhall, secretary; Mitch May, treasurer; William Waldrop, Webmaster; and Chandra Simmons, public relation officer.
• On the heels of the pet-friendly happy hour at the Landing, pet owners have another entertainment opportunity to share with their pets. The Jacksonville Suns are holding a “Bark in the Park” promotion when they host the Montgomery Biscuits Sunday at 5:05 p.m. Owners can pay $1.50 and bring their dog to the ball park. Pet prizes will be given away during the game.