Local makes Dean’s list at Hinds
Ryan Turner of Monticello has been named a Dean’s Scholar for the fall 2024 semester at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Miss. Dean’s Scholars are those students with a cumulative 3.5 to 3.9 grade point average, according to the news release.
VA sets virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas veterans from 4-6 p.m. Feb. 27. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Feb. 26, according to a news release.
Veterans may speak one-on-one to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office regarding their claims for VA benefits. Staff will also answer questions about PACT Act benefits, existing VA benefits claims and assist with filing new claims. Details: http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Chamber to honor women
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host the International Women’s Day Event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 2 in the Kline Family Foundation Gallery at ARTSpace on Main.
“Due to scheduling conflicts, the event will not actually take place on International Women’s Day this year, but we are so excited to celebrate 10 powerful women in our community for the work they do in their various professions,” according to the Chamber newsletter.
The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres catered by Pine Bluff Country Club, beverages provided by MK Distributors Inc., and live music.
Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by calling the Chamber at (870)535-0110 or emailing Jennifer Kline at Jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Trinity Episcopal sets AI workshop
Trinity Episcopal Church, 703 W. Third Ave., will present a free workshop on “AI Made Simple: A Friendly Introductions to ChatGPT” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 22.
“This full-day workshop, led by Arkansas AI expert Allyson Lewis, aims to make artificial intelligence accessible to Pine Bluff residents of all ages and technical abilities,” according to the newsletter from Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Participants are encouraged to bring a smartphone as laptops cannot be supported by system download speed. There is no fee to attend, however, donations are accepted for the provided lunch.
Space is limited to ensure personal attention for each participant. To reserve a spot, call the Trinity parish at (870) 534-3832 or email office@trinitychurchpb.org.
Women’s Connection sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 20 at Family Church, 2500 Highway 104, in White Hall.
The speaker will be Linda Lee Lane of Dallas, who will discuss “One Crazy Lady-One Great God.”
“As the first in her family to obtain a college degree, she went from a family of alcohol and drug abuse, low grades in school and torment by fear and stress to an overcoming life,” according to a news release. “Struggling to earn the approval of God and others, she fell into despair, which brought her to the source of all security, acceptance, peace, and freedom.”
The luncheon costs $20, 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 and you will be charged for reservations you don’t keep.
2 pastors invited to Super Bowl Breakfast
The Rev. Jesse C. Turner, president of the Pine Bluff Faith Coalition Ministerial Alliance, and the Rev. James Hill Jr. of the PEN OR PENCIL Pastors on Patrol, were invited to attend the Super Bowl Breakfast at the New Orleans Convention Center in New Orleans, on Saturday.
The Super Bowl is Sunday. The breakfast is one of the largest public banquet events with an average attendance between 1,500-2,000. It features past and current NFL players, coaches and team owners, according to a news release.
Participants will meet with top business executives from the host city and around the country.
“We are excited to have been invited to this significant event to share our national model of Pastors on Patrol, a faith-based mentoring initiative currently being implemented in two school districts and several public charter schools,” Turner said.
“We aim to demonstrate to other faith and business leaders the successes we have achieved in Pine Bluff schools and how engaging with youth in a school-based setting can positively influence their behavior in the classroom and on campuses, as well as in the community to reduce youth violence. Pastors on Patrol is truly a Godsend, which is why faith leaders from across the nation — including those in California, South Carolina, Ohio, Washington, D.C., and Texas — reach out to us to inquire about the POP model and its effectiveness,” Turner said.
Previous and current school administrators applaud Pastors on Patrol.
“The district’s discipline data declined last year and the Pastors on Patrol program contributed tremendously to the decline,” Superintendent Keith McGee of Watson Chapel School District said in a letter in September. “The guidance that the Pastors on Patrol program provide to the students in Watson Chapel School District has led to positive decision-making by students.”