• Rock ‘n’ roll icon Jim Morrison was pardoned Thursday by a Florida Clemency Board more than 40 years after his conviction for exposing himself at a Coconut Grove concert in 1969, an act the singer and many fans at the event denied ever took place. The lead singer for the rock group “The Doors,” Morrison died in Paris in 1971 while appealing his conviction. The News Service of Florida reported that fans of the late rocker have been urging Gov. Charlie Crist, an admitted Doors fan whose term ends next month, to pardon Morrison for the incident. “In this case, the guilt or innocence is in God’s hands, not ours,” Crist said.
• The North Florida Hotel and Lodging Association invites the hospitality, tourism and restaurant industries in Northeast Florida to nominate outstanding employees and staff who demonstrate excellent customer service for the 3rd Annual Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Awards. Nominations are being accepted until Jan. 21. Forms are available at www.nfhlaroseawards.com. For more information call 421-9176 or e-mail [email protected].
• A public forum for Jacksonville mayoral candidates is planned March 1. The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters First Coast, Riverside Avondale Preservation, Springfield Preservation and Restoration, San Marco Preservation and Murray Hill Preservation Association. More details are expected after the holidays.
• The Five Points Theatre is having a holiday film festival. “It’s a Wonderful Life” plays at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and at 5 p.m. Dec. 19; “Miracle on 34th Street” plays at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 19; and “Bad Santa” plays at 11 p.m. Dec. 17 and at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Tickets are $6.50.
• The Artist Series will present the State Ballet of Russia’s production of “Swan Lake” for one performance at 8 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Times-Union Center. Tickets are available at www.artistseriesjax.org or by calling 632-3373.
• In case you were wondering, the “color of the year” for 2011 is an intense pink called “honeysuckle,” according to The Wall Street Journal, referring to the color authority Pantone. That follows turquoise in 2010, mimosa in 2009, blue iris in 2008, chili pepper in 2007 and sand dollar in 2006.
• Kids Together Against Cancer, a free program offered by St. Vincent’s HealthCare through a grant from the Rice Family Foundation and St. Vincent’s HealthCare Foundation, will begin its winter series of workshops Jan. 25. The six sessions serve children ages 5-17 who have parents/caregivers with a cancer diagnosis. To participate in the program, attendees must register by either calling 308-KTAC or visiting www.ktacjax.com.