PB Chamber plans luncheons, speakers
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will begin monthly chamber luncheons in 2025.
The first luncheon will be held Jan. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Incubator, 615 S. Main St.
The featured speaker for the kick-off event is Carlton Saffa, Saracen Casino Resort chief market officer. Saffa will give an update on the casino. The lunch, catered by Leon’s Catfish, is $15 and must be paid in advance.
“These luncheons are the perfect opportunity for members to network, socialize, and hear from dynamic speakers addressing today’s business challenges and opportunities,” according to a news release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The sessions will normally be held on the first Wednesday of each month, however, due to the New Year’s holiday, the inaugural luncheon will take place the second Wednesday of the month.
Upcoming luncheons include: Feb. 5 — Speaker: Superintendent Keith McGee of Watson Chapel School District; and March 5 — Speaker: Adam Head, president and CEO of CARTI Cancer Center.
Reservations are required to attend the luncheons. RSVP by calling the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Special meeting set for CACC
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission has a special call-in meeting, regarding the resolution to transfer property to PFB at 10 a.m. today. Details: Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600.
United Way hosts Christmas in the Bluff
United Way Southeast Arkansas will host Christmas in the Bluff, a free event created in partnership with Turning Point Youth Centers, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave.
The community is invited to attend, according to a news release. There will be festive activities for all. Children will have the chance to take pictures with Santa and receive a special gift. “Enjoy engaging activities to entertain the little ones. Come together with friends and neighbors to make this holiday season unforgettable, filled with laughter, love, and the true spirit of Christmas,” according to the release.
Agency tells menu, holiday closings
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas offers lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays at the senior centers. Next week’s menu and holiday closings include:
Dec. 23 — Chicken broccoli quiche, hashbrowns, hot sliced apples, blueberry muffin and milk.
Dec. 24-24 — Closed.
Dec. 26 — Breaded pork cutlet with gravy, scalloped corn and broccoli, greens, autumn delight, and milk.
Dec. 27 — Brown beans and ham, steamed cabbage and carrots, cornbread, strawberries and bananas, and milk.
The senior centers will be closed Dec. 24-25 for the Christmas holiday. Southeast Arkansas Transportation will run for dialysis and cancer appointments Dec. 24, but will be closed Dec. 25.
Santa firetruck continues
Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services will continue its annual Holiday Santa Run spreading holiday cheer throughout the Pine Bluff through Dec. 24. The truck began this year on Dec. 1 at the kickoff of the Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The fire department decorated a reserve fire truck with Christmas lights and a musical sound system to play Christmas music as they are driving throughout the neighborhoods, according to a news release.
Firefighters will be out each night from approximately 5-8 p.m. spreading holiday cheer and wishing everyone a fire-safe Christmas holiday.
The schedule includes:
Today – South of 28th Avenue, East of Hazel Street, West of Olive Street, North of 42nd Avenue (Maple, Cherry, Poplar, Winter’s Place, Longmeadow, Jefferson Place, Westridge.)
Friday – Open date used for make-up days due to inclement weather and emergency calls.
Saturday — 5-6 p.m. Parks and Recreation Department/Winter Wonderland at the Coretta Scott King Center.
Sunday and Monday — Open dates will be used for repairs and make-up days due to inclement weather and emergency calls.
Tuesday – 5-7 p.m. – Walmart Supercenter.
For details, call Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services, (870) 730-2048, visit www.pineblufffire.com or follow them on Facebook.