PB native to graduate UALR
Stephanie Giblin will be graduating with her bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in sociology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on Saturday.
“Originally from Pine Bluff, Giblin chose UA Little Rock because of its amazing social work department and affordability. To Giblin, Little Rock had everything a student may need during their time in college: nature, fun activities, and much more,” according to a news release.
At UA Little Rock, Giblin participated in a multitude of student organizations.
She was the communications director for the UA Little Rock Young Democrats for two years and is now president. She was also an associate justice for the Student Government Association for the 2024-2025 school year and now serves as communications director. She is part of the League of United Latin American Citizens.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Giblin has been able to gain experience through an internship with the Little Rock School District’s school-based health clinics.
“It has taught me more than any classroom ever could,” Giblin said. “I’ve seen firsthand how healthcare impacts academic success and how local and federal policies shape our public schools.”
Three professors made a lasting impact on her: sociology professors Kinko Ito and David Briscoe in the School of Human Inquiry and Essa Samarah Samarsky in the School of Social Work.
“They are all outstanding professionals in their fields and have shown true passion for their work,” Giblin said.
After graduation, she plans to pursue her master’s degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
“When I think about it too much, I get a little scared,” Giblin said. “Then I remember a lyric from my favorite song of all time: ‘Time makes you bolder.’ At this university, I have met my lifelong best friends, fallen in love with my field, and grown into the woman I’ve always dreamed of becoming. The last four years have been truly remarkable, but parting is such sweet sorrow.”
Her advice to future students:
“Join a club. If you’re overwhelmed, take a walk. Prioritize sleep. Take it all in. It goes by so quick,” she said.
Caregivers, supporters to meet
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will host its Caregivers Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting virtually from 11a.m. to noon May 19 via Microsoft Teams.
The speakers will be Nikki Rushing, an Arkansas Hospice provider representative, and Linda Bateman, Arkansas Hospice volunteer coordinator. The topic will be the Hospice and Palliative Program.
To join the Teams Meeting, use Meeting ID: 281 992 010 980 5 and Passcode: Ji3rG9Kc or to call dial +1 312-625-2266,,445715646# and use Phone conference ID: 445 715 646# . Details: Carolyn Ferguson at Area Agency, (870) 543-6309.
Area Agency tells menu
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 includes:
May 19 — Chili and beans with corn chips, shredded cheese, coleslaw, emerald pears, milk.
May 20 — Beef tips with gravy, mashed potatoes, zesty squash, hot roll, berries, and milk.
May 21 — Sweet and sour chicken with rice, Chinese mixed vegetables, egg roll, Mandarin oranges, cookie, and milk.
May 22 — Ham and cheese sandwich, lettuce, tomato, onion, broccoli and cauliflower salad, cake, and milk.
May 23 — Chicken sandwich, potato wedges, coleslaw, pineapples, and milk.
Webinar eyes ADA rules on farms
There are a lot of factors for agritourism operators to consider when operating hayrides, pumpkin patches, campsites, orchards and more — with a big one being accessibility for visitors.
Jackie Schweichler, a staff attorney at the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law, will review these obligations and what agribusiness operators need to know in a webinar from the National Agricultural Law Center.
The webinar, “Navigating ADA Compliance for Agritourism Guests,” will begin at 11 a.m. May 21 and is free to attend, according to a news release.
Schweichler said it is important for owners of agritourism operations to ensure they are following guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Established in 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability.
“Physical accessibility, transportation, signage, guidelines for service animals — these are just some of the factors for agribusiness owners to consider in making sure they are following standards set forth by the ADA,” Schweichler said. “Farmers and agritourism operators who invite the public onto their property may not realize the full scope of their obligations under the ADA.”
Free registration for the webinar is available at nationalaglawcenter.org/webinars/ada-for-agritourism.
Locals on SNHU President’s List
Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, N.H., names students to the Spring 2025 President’s List. The spring terms run from January to May. Full-time undergraduate students with a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above are named to the President’s List, according to a news release.
Honorees are:
PINE BLUFF WHITE HALL
Tamika MorganShantayea Armoster
Alyshia Shaffer Hayley Funderburg
SHERIDANWARREN
Justin Cox Steven Kolen
RISONMONTICELLO
Kaitlyn Lee Katifah Williams
Brent Morris
HERMITAGEDERMOTT
Roxanna Clay Candace Taylor
Locals on SNHU Dean’s List
Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, N.H., names students to the Spring 2025 Dean’s List. The spring terms run from January to May. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 are named to the Dean’s List, according to a news release.
Honorees are:
LAKE VILLAGE ARKANSAS CITY
Gerra Manning Adrianne Cooper