UAM coordinator earns nursing award
Sharon Walters, associate professor and program coordinator in the School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, recently received a DAISY Nurse Educator Award from the Arkansas Nurses Association.
Walters, of Hamburg, expressed her gratitude. “It is an honor to receive this Daisy Award,” she said. “I am humbled to have been nominated.” This award was presented to Walters at the ARNA 2024 Gala and DAISY Awards on Nov. 8 in Little Rock. It recognizes her outstanding contributions as an educator in the field of nursing, according to a news release.
“Walters’ commitment to the UAM School of Nursing as an educator for the past 30 years is a testimony to her dedication and professionalism,” said Brandy Haley, dean of nursing at UAM. “She has impacted so many nursing students in a positive way. We are blessed to have her as part of our nursing faculty.”
According to Susie P. Marks, the executive director of ARNA, the DAISY Award is an international program that recognizes extraordinary nurses and was “started in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Pat’s family experienced first-hand the difference his nurses made in his care through clinical excellence and outstanding compassionate care. The family created The DAISY Award to express gratitude to nurses and to enable other patients, families and staff to thank and honor their special nurses.” Details: www.DAISYFoundation.org.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
UAM student earns nursing award
Kaitlyn Wilson, a junior nursing student at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, recently received the DAISY Nursing Student Award from the Arkansas Nurses Association.
This award, which was presented to Wilson at the ARNA 2024 Gala and DAISY Awards on Nov. 8 in Little Rock, recognizes her compassion, care and advocacy for patients and their families as a student in the field of nursing, according to a news release.
“I’m honored to receive this award as it validates all my hard work in striving for a career in nursing,” Wilson said.
Wilson, a Hamburg resident who attended high school in DeWitt, was nominated by a peer. “Kaitlyn deserves this award because she excels academically and has a positive, caring and inspiring attitude toward her patients in the clinical setting. She is a leader for all her classmates,” the peer said. Brandy Haley, dean of the School of Nursing at UAM, applauded Wilson’s accomplishment.
“We are not surprised that Katilyn was selected as the award recipient. She demonstrates excellence in delivering patient care, which stems from her compassion, dedication and integrity,” Haley said. Details: www.DAISYFoundation.org.
ARDOT announces TAP, RTP awards
The Arkansas Department of Transportation announced the award recipients for the 2024 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP). A total of 54 TAP projects were awarded for approximately $16.7 million and 11 RTP projects were awarded for approximately $2.5 million, according to a news release.
The TAP was reauthorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and provides funding for programs and projects defined as “transportation alternatives” for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized forms of transportation. The RTP is funded through a portion of TAP funds set aside specifically for recreational trails. These funds are eligible for maintenance and restoration of existing trails, development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages, and construction of new trails.
Southeast Arkansas TAP projects include:
City of Lake Village — Lake Village – Rodney Angel Sports Complex Sidewalks $105,000;
City of Monticello — Monticello – Sports Complex Sidewalks $324,000;
Jefferson Hospital Association — Transportation Alternatives for Cancer Patients in Southeast Arkansas $154,000;
City of Pine Bluff — Main Street Designated Pedestrian Railway Crossings $298,000. Details: ardot.gov.
ARDOT to hold event
Members of the Arkansas State Highway Commission may gather for presentation of awards throughout the state. In Jefferson County, District 2 Service Awards will be presented at 11 a.m. Monday at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road, in White Hall, according to a news release.
Pilgrim church to open pantry
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open its Raven’s Nest Food Pantry Dec. 14, from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be handed out on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The agency is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
Rock Painting event free at library
Rock Painting with Paula Kittrell, now a free event, will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Public Library, 600 S. Main St. A mixer kicks off at 4:15 p.m. Rock Painting with Paula is described as relaxing, therapeutic and fun, according to Kittrell. “My rock painting is part ministry and part therapy. I love it,” Kittrell said. There will be refreshments and door prizes. Participants can register to win a prize for groups of four. To register or obtain additional information, call (870) 692-9039, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The sponsor is Alfred Carroll Ministries.
Sharon Walters