• The Jacksonville Democratic Professionals Council will host State Sen. Dan Gelber, candidate for Florida Attorney General at its quarterly luncheon Thursday at the Bank of America Building on Southside Boulevard. A networking reception will begin at noon followed by a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. For more information and pricing, contact Maggie Jo Hilliard at [email protected].
• The days of 2009 are quickly falling off the calendar and New Year’s resolutions are right around the corner. The American Lung Association “Fight for Air-Climb Jacksonville” event might be able to help with a few resolutions. The race up the Bank of America Tower is Feb. 6 and pits stair climbers against 42 floors in the tallest building in Jacksonville.
• In other “Climb Jacksonville” news, training session are well underway. The building is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. and 9-10:30 a.m. on Saturdays. A new twist to this year’s training is rewards for most improved climber and climber of the month.
• “Building Momentum for Florida’s Future” is the topic for the fourth quarter Cornerstone Luncheon Nov. 24 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Hyatt. The featured speaker is State Rep. Dean Cannon, speaker-designate of the House of Representatives. For more information visit www.myjaxchamber.com or to register call 366-6600, ext. 7601.
• There’s a new art exhibit opening at the Ritz Theatre and LaVilla Museum. “Through Our Eyes 2009, Each One Teach One: the Artist as Mentor” features the work of six members of the Art Center Cooperative, Inc. There’s an opening reception tomorrow from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The theater is at 829 N. Davis St. For details call 632-5555.
• Last week’s 19th Annual March of Dimes “Signature Chefs Auction” at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium’s Touchdown Club raised $68,000 for the organization. In addition to sampling cuisine prepared by some of the area’s most respected culinary artists, there were also silent and live auctions. It was presented by Winn Dixie and sponsored by The Players Championship, Spohrer & Dodd, the Dalton Agency and Regions Bank.
• Next spring will mark the 14th edition of “Art After Dark” at the Florida Theatre. The 2010 showcase for local emerging and unrepresented artists is March 5. All of the art is for sale at the show and 90 percent of the proceeds go to the artist. Downloadable applications are now available at www.floridatheatre.com and must be submitted by Dec. 14.