• Dr. William Rupp, CEO of Mayo Clinic Florida, shared his views Tuesday about health-care reform with the World Affairs Council and the The Gate Governors Club. Talking about the changes it will require, he said that “every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets.”
• In other observations, Rupp replied to a participant who said a granddaughter was rejected by 16 medical schools because of one “C” and asked Rupp’s advice. Perseverance, Rupp said. “What do you call the doctor who graduates at the bottom of the class?” he asked. “Doctor.”
• As City leaders look for ways to cut costs or raise revenues, maybe they could hold a garage sale with merchandise left over from special events. Items from the Florida-Georgia Football Classic include street banners from as far back as 1996. Fans who missed out on adding to their wardrobe need not fret. Polo shirts, visors, T-shirts and camo baseball caps are still available. To take a look, visit www.coj.net and open the link to the office of Recreation & Community Services, then click on Special Events and then open Merchandise.
• Don’t let the shopping spree stop with the Florida-Georgia Football Classic. With the Jazz Festival quickly approaching, May 27-30, fans can prepare by browsing through clothing with the festival logo on it from 2004-07. A coffee mug collection can also make a great gift, and Jazz Festival mugs are available from 2002-07.
• Not to be left out, clothing and merchandise is available from Sail Jacksonville, the Sea and Sky Spectacular and the opening of the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
• The big screen at the Landing says the parking problem in the area will soon be resolved. An electronic message indicates “settlement” money will be used to build parking and that the settlement money isn’t “taxpayer” money.
• According to its spring report, The Community Foundation of Jacksonville ended the 2009 year on a positive note. The Foundation awarded grants in excess of $20.3 million, a $4 million increase from the year before. Also, total assets at year’s end were $141 million, up from $124 million in 2008.
• Jacksonville Housing Authority President and CEO Ronnie Ferguson has released the authority’s 2008-09 annual report. According to the report, the authority’s assets exceeded its liabilities by $97.7 million. The authority also had a cash balance of $9.966 million, which is about $1.5 million below the previous year.
• Applied Technology Systems Inc. currently operates the Jacksonville Job Corps center, but that contract expires Aug. 31. According to Edna Primrose, national director of Office of Jobs Corps in Washington, D.C., the Department of Labor has issued a Request for Proposal to select an entity to run the operation in Jacksonville. That contract will take effect Sept. 1.
• Rotaract is hosting its Ninth Annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala at 7 p.m. Saturday at Southlight Gallery on Laura Street next door to Jacksonville Bank. This year’s theme is “A Night with the Arts” and proceeds will benefit Morning Star School for special needs children. The festivities include food-tasting stations, an open bar, live music and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased at www.jaxrotoract.org.
• Florida Fallen Heroes will host an “Honor and Remember Dinner” May 7 at the Jacksonville Fire Fighters Hall at 625 Stockton St. The Navy Band Southeast will perform. The dinner will benefit the project to create a Fallen Soldier monument at each hometown high school of a Florida graduate who has lost his or her life defending the U.S. in the war against terrorism. Visit www.floridafallenheroes.org.
• The 32nd Annual Springfield Home and Garden Tour is May 7-9. This year, six restored homes built around the turn of the century will be showcased, as well as a new Henry Klutho-inspired office building. Henrietta’s Tea Room in the Springfield Preservation and Restoration Council building will recreate the ambiance of Springfield circa 1900 and there will be a beer garden in the Community Center on Laura Street. Tickets are $12.50 in advance, $15 on tour days. For tour hours and more information call 353-7727 or visit www.sparcouncil.org.
• The Art Center Cooperative has moved from 111 E. Bay St. to a new studio and gallery at 229 Hogan St., next to Hemming Plaza Jewelers. Its new home will have its grand opening as part of First Wednesday Art Walk from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 5, rain or shine.