• The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens recently named its 2009-10 board of directors and officers. The new slate of officers include: Lewis Lee, chair; Ann Baker, immediate past chair and capital campaign vice chair; Wanyonyi Kendrick, secretary; and Josh McGraw, treasurer and finance committee vice chair. David Loeb, Pamela Phillips, William Green, Janister Herring, Sallyn Pacjic, Kathryn Pearson Peyton and Heather Surface round out the new board members.
• Regency Square Mall and HabiJax will partner up to support the housing nonprofit Nov. 14-15, when the mall hosts a holiday craft fair. Admission is $2, with all proceeds going toward HabiJax. The two-day event will run 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Nov. 14 and noon–5 p.m. Nov. 15.
• According to an American Institute of Economic Research study released last month, Jacksonville ranks 17th in mid-sized cities for the best places to attend college. The 2009-10 College Destinations Index identified the best 75 cities, breaking them down into major metros, mid-sized metros, small metros and college towns with factors like quality of life and academic environment weighed into the decision. Miami, Sarasota and Gainesville made the list in different categories.
• The Florida-Georgia game isn’t going to be the only game played in the stadium this weekend. The Gator Bowl Association is hosting the 2009 Little Gator Bowl Pop Warner City Championships Sunday at 1 p.m., with four games to played between eight area teams. Winners will move on to play the Mid-Florida winners Nov. 14.
• Clarification to a Thursday story. The law firm owned by attorneys Michael and Lauren Howle is now known as River City Law Firm.
• Speaking of lawyers, attorney Phillip Buhler has suggested former City Council member George Banks be named director of the Jacksonville Sister Cities program. Banks was recently appointed Honorary Consul of Mexico to Jacksonville. The Sister Cities program was most recently run by Nancy Olson, who passed away several weeks ago.
• If you are a fan of Lemon Bar, there are only two weekends left to enjoy the Neptune Beach oceanfront hangout. They will shut down for the winter after next weekend’s Sea & Sky Spectacular.
• Northeast Florida will get a few extra visitors when the World Golf Village hosts the Advanced Aerospace Manufacturing Conference Nov. 12–13. The event usually brings around 200 people and will feature Mayor John Peyton and Cornerstone Executive Director Jerry Mallot as speakers in addition to industry officials.
• The local Guitar Center is holding a food drive starting Sunday. Anyone who brings a non-perishable item to the store gets a coupon worth 10 percent off their next purchase. Guitar Center is on Atlantic Boulevard.