Women’s Connection sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the public to its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Pine Bluff Country Club.
The speaker will be Donna Bogema of Danbury, Texas. Her topic will be “When A Choice Becomes A Challenge.” The special feature will also be Bogema demonstrating how to make quilts from T-shirts, according to a news release.
“As speaker, Donna’s faith was challenged when her high school sweetheart was killed in an automobile accident, then later the challenge of a wayward son’s incarceration,” according to the release. “Donna’s feature is sharing how our lives are made up of many unique pieces that can fit together beautifully as we focus on God’s plan for our lives just as a puzzle or a quilt.”
The luncheon is $21, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax and gratuity. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All reservations must be made three days in advance. Participants will be charged for reservations that are not kept.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Raven’s Nest pantry to open
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open Saturday 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 pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
UAPB alumni group to meet
The Pine Bluff Jefferson County UAPB AM&N Alumni Chapter will meet at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the main Pine Bluff Library, 600 S. Main St. The agenda includes committee reports, the president’s report and recommendations, according to a news release.
In addition to coming to the meetings the chapter would like for participants to sign up to be on one or two of the alumni committees including membership, fundraising, budget and finance, scholarship, bereavement, 2025 national alumni summer conference, 2026 national alumni summer conference, nominating, communications/media, king and queen drive, and alumni center. Details: Mary Liddell, president, PBJC UAPB/AM&N Alumni Chapter, (870) 643-2383 or pbjc.uapb.amnalumni@gmail.com.
Mental health first aid courses set
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is continuing its free Mental Health First Aid Certification courses. The first five classes to be held in Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Rogers, West Memphis and White Hall.
Since 2023, the agency has certified more than 1,500 Arkansans through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
“Participants learn how to recognize signs that someone is struggling with mental illness or addiction, how to talk with them about it, and connect them to appropriate care,” said Kerri Nettles, a mental health first aid instructor with Arkansas Blue Cross. “The struggles people are experiencing are common, and we have to get rid of the stigma, empowering them to get the care they need.”
Classes will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at these locations:
Jan. 17 – Hot Springs, ArkansasBlue Welcome Center, 1635 Higdon Ferry Road, Suite J.
Jan. 31 – White Hall, White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road.
Feb. 18 – West Memphis, Arkansas State University Mid-South, Marion Berry Renewable Energy Center, Room 136, 355 N. College Blvd.
March 11 – Rogers, ArkansasBlue Welcome Center, 4602 W. Walnut St.
March 27 – Ft. Smith, ArkansasBlue Welcome Center, 3501 Old Greenwood Road, Suite 3.
Lunch will be provided. To reserve a seat, complete the free registration at arkansasbluecross.com/firstaid. Certifications are good for three years. More classes will be added at a later date.
Businesses and organizations interested in scheduling private classes to train multiple individuals may inquire by emailing mentalhealthfirstaid@arkbluecross.com. Private classes are required to have a minimum of 10 participants and a maximum of 25.