The OneJax Institute at the University of North Florida announced the recipients of the 2015 Humanitarian Awards.
The honors are for those “who have demonstrated the highest level of personal and professional integrity, have given generously and extensively and have been dedicated to the improvement of human relations” among the community, according to a news release.
An April 30 awards ceremony is planned at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront.
The honors will go to:
• Cindy Edelman, who is receiving the gold medallion for lifetime achievement. Edelman is a community volunteer and former chair of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida and Jacksonville Public Education Fund boards. In addition, she’s served on the boards of the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Leadership Jacksonville and Youth Leadership Jacksonville.
• Gary Chartrand, Acosta Sales & Marketing executive chairman; Audrey Moran, Baptist Health senior vice president for social responsibility and community advocacy; Charlene Taylor-Hill, Jacksonville Human Rights Commission executive director; and Cindy Watson, Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network, who are receiving silver medallions. The award is in recognition of outstanding dedication and community service.
OneJax is an interfaith organization that educates, advocates and builds community support to promote respect and understanding.
Through Our Eyes opens Thursday
The 2015 Through Our Eyes exhibit will open Thursday with a reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. inside the Ritz Museum Gallery.
This year’s exhibit, “Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey: An Artistic Evolution,” will feature 20 Jacksonville African-American artists who represented the journey of their professional growth and development. Of the three pieces each artist submitted, at least one was for this exhibit.
Through Our Eyes debuted in 1993 and embodies artist evolution for founding curator Lydia Stewart, according to a news release.
“After more than 20 years, this exhibit has become part of the city’s diverse cultural tapestry,” Stewart said in the release. “It’s been a rewarding journey, providing not only a platform to showcase incredible art, but to validate African-American artists, launch careers, inspire youth and enrich the community … and visitors around the world.”
The exhibit runs through July 31. Visit ritzjacksonville.com for details.
St. Vincent’s places among best in review
St. Vincent’s HealthCare’s three hospitals are among the top 100 in the country for “great women’s health programs,” according to Becker’s Hospital Review.
Hospitals were selected based on clinical honors and recognition for women’s health excellence from various health care groups such as Healthgrades, CareChex and UNICEF’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.
“We proudly put significant resources into women’s health,” said Moody Chisholm, St. Vincent’s HealthCare CEO, in a news release. “This designation is a reflection of our associates’ and physicians’ commitment to helping women from across the region to live longer, healthier lives.”
For more information, visit jaxhealth.com/women.
Local builders group takes home national honor
The Sales and Marketing Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association has received some national attention. The organization received silver, second best in the nation, from the National Association of Home Builders International Business Show last week in Las Vegas.
The group is a business development, networking and educational outlet for builders, Realtors and others in the real estate industry.
The organization won the top award in 2006 and 2008.
In addition, Cole Slate, a real estate professional with Yellowfin Realty, received the silver award in the best rookie salesman in the nation category.
For information about the group, visit nefbasmc.com.
Scott re-appoints local woman to state disabilities council
Gov. Rick Scott has re-appointed Bernadette Moran of Jacksonville to the Florida Development Disabilities Council.
She is owner of Premium Promotions Concepts and is reappointed for a term that ends Sept. 30, 2018.
Moran was one of three appointments and six reappointments made to the council last week.
RealSense to kick off tax season
United Way of Northeast Florida’s RealSense campaign kicks off its 12th annual tax season Saturday.
The community-based event provides an opportunity for people to have their taxes prepared for free by IRS-certified volunteers. In addition, there will be vendors providing free financial information and direct services to assist families learn more about finances.
The event will be 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Jacksonville Children’s Commission, 1095 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.
Lunch and family-friendly outdoor activities also will be part of the event.
State Rep. Adkins hosting workshop on mental health issues
State Rep. Janet Adkins and the Duval Legislative Delegation are hosting a mental health workshop at 1 p.m. Thursday in the Lynwood Roberts Room at City Hall.
The intent is to take input from the public and hear presentations on laws to help adults with mental health issues and their involvement with the criminal justice system. Other discussion points will include work opportunities and community-based services in relation to reducing crisis-driven care.
As of Tuesday, presenters include Ben Warner of Jacksonville Community Council Inc.; Elle Pilosena of TaxWatch; and officials with the Florida Department of Corrections and Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.
Speakers include Sheriff John Rutherford, Circuit Judge Karen Cole and Christine Cauffield of Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida.