Free tax prep set Feb. 8
The Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc. at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., is spearheading the continuation of VITA/EITC free tax preparation services.
The Super Saturday event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Reynolds center and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a news release.
“We are providing free income tax filing services for individuals and families earning up to $64,000 annually,” said the Rev. Jesse C. Turner, PBICVR executive director. “Additionally, representatives from FBT Bank will be present to assist you in setting up checking or savings accounts. If you have a bank account and choose direct deposit, you will receive your refund more quickly than those who opt for check delivery via the U.S. Mail.”
PBICVR encourages Pine Bluff/Jefferson County citizens to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Participants should bring Social Security numbers for yourself and your dependents, your picture ID, W-2’s for all jobs held in 2024, Form 1099 (1099-G, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, etc.); Form 1098-T (tuition expenses); Form 1098 (mortgage interest payment); Documentation of childcare expenses and childcare provider information (agency ID or SSN of the provider); and a voided check or deposit slip for direct deposit. If you are married filing jointly, both taxpayers need to be present.
The free tax prep sessions were launched by Pine Bluff Weed and Seed in collaboration with the Pine Bluff Wealth Building Coalition. This coalition also includes the Arkansas Community Organization, the United Way of Southeast Arkansas, and the Southeast Arkansas VITA Coalition. Details: PBICVR, (870) 730-1131.
UAPB sets African American Read-In
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of English, Humanities & Foreign Languages will present the 40th annual African American Read-In with Dramatic Readings at 11 a.m. Feb. 27 in the auditorium of John Brown Watson Library at UAPB.
The event will feature original spoken word, poetry and literature pieces from African American writers/dramatists. The community is invited to attend, according to a news release.
This event, sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English and the Black Caucus of NCTE, welcomes schools, churches, libraries, bookstores, community and professional organizations, and interested citizens to work together to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month and host read-ins.
For the UAPB read-in Feb. 27, register free at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/mydgk38 and join the local participants and more than 1 million readers in the 40th National African American Read-In.
Participants interested presenting at the UAPB event can send selections to Kevin Sanders, UAPB School of Arts & Sciences, Interim EFHL chair, by Feb. 14, at sandersk@uapb.edu or (870) 575-8617. For details, also contact Sanders or Tasha Strong at strongr@uapb.edu, (870) 575-8624.
CACC members sworn in
The newly appointed Pine Bluff Civic Auditorium Complex Commissioners were sworn in Jan. 28 in the banquet hall of the Pine Bluff Convention Center, according to a news release.
Judge Earnest Brown swore in Chair Sherita Womack of Blue Cross Blue Shield; Vice Chair Krystal Stafford, financial coordinator for United Way of Southeast Arkansas; Joyce Scott, dean of Dr. Joycelyn Elders School of Allied and Public Health; and Clarence Holman, pastor and teacher at Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church of Pine Bluff.
These new commissioners will replace Chandra Griffin, Monique Benford, Lisa Kosmotis and Will Jenkins.
The commission is a city panel that manages and oversees the progress of the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The convention center has been under the direction of Executive Director Barbara Dunn since August.
Grand Prairie names art winners
Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts Photography Award Winners will be honored in a reception from 5-6 p.m. Feb 4 at the Arts Center of The Grand Prairie in Stuttgart. Exhibits will be open now through Feb. 29, according to a news release.
Award winners were:
ARCHITECTURE
First Place Amanda Curry;
Second Place Jennifer Price;
Third Place Kenneth Terry.
BLACK & WHITE
First Place Jennifer Price;
Second Place Amanda Curry;
Third Place Jennier Dillion;
Honorable Mention Kenneth Terry.
LIFE ON THE GRAND PRAIRIE
First Place Kenneth Terry;
Second Place Kenneth Terry;
Third Place Monica Petter.
NATURE/LANDSCAPE
First Place Kenneth Terry;
Second Place Amanda Curry;
Third Place Jennifer Price;
Honorable Mention Monica Petter.
PEOPLE
First Place Monica Petter;
Second Place Amanda Curry;
Third Place Melissa Abernathy;
Honorable Mention Judy Redditt.
STILL LIFE
First Place Monica Petter;
Second Place Jennier Dillion;
Third Place Amanda Curry;
Honorable Mention Melissa Abernathy.
YOUTH
First Place Connor Henry;
Second Place Jacey Blanford;
Third Place Katie Abel;
Honorable Mention Jacey Blanford.
BEST OF SHOW ADULT
Kenneth Terry.
To schedule a visit to the Arts Center of The Grand Prairie, call (870) 673-1781.