URA board to meet
Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency will hold a special called board meeting at noon Friday at the URA Board Room, 417 W. Sixth Ave. Details: (870) 209-0323.
Pantry to give food to Tyson staff
The First Ward Living Grace Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will hold a special food giveaway event for all Tyson Foods employees in Pine Bluff.
The giveaway will take place Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Employees must present a valid Tyson work ID to receive food assistance. Details: (479) 301-1096. Debra Strickland Allen is the pantry’s executive director.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Merrill school museum sets celebration
The Merrill Restoration Alliance Inc. will present a grand opening of the Merrill High School Museum from 4-7 p.m. Sept. 18 at the museum’s new home, 1203 W. Pullen St.
The program will feature remarks from local dignitaries honoring the school’s historic legacy, alongside complimentary refreshments.
The event marks the culmination of 30 years of planning by the Merrill Restoration Alliance to preserve the memory and impact of this historic institution, according to a news release.
“Founded in 1894, Merrill High School quickly distinguished itself as one of only four high schools at the time serving African American students. For nearly eight decades, the school nurtured generations of leaders, achieving academic excellence in the face of segregation. Its last senior class graduated in May 1970, and in 1971, the high school officially closed following the integration of public schools. Merrill briefly functioned as a junior high until 1975 before closing its doors permanently,” according to the release.
“Despite the barriers of Jim Crow, Merrill High School produced graduates who excelled in every field – education, government, aeronautics, medicine, military service, journalism, science, law, engineering, music, art, athletics and more. Alumni carried forward Merrill’s mission of excellence into the wider world, leaving a profound mark on Arkansas and the nation,” according to the release.
The museum will showcase artifacts, photographs and stories.
“The Merrill High School Museum is more than a building – it is a living repository of resilience, achievements, and community pride,” said Juanita Curry, chair of the Merrill Restoration Alliance. “This opening represents not only the preservation of history but also a celebration of contributions that continue to inspire future generations.”
Community members, alumni and the general public are invited to attend.
Caregivers, supporters to meet
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will host its Caregivers Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting virtually from 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 15.
The presenter will be Rebecca Stevens, business liaison for Jefferson Regional Specialty Hospital. The subject will be Inpatient Rehab/Behavioral Health Criteria.
To join the Teams meeting, use Meeting ID: 289 012 842 856 1 and Passcode: Zz7HV3s. Dial in by phone at +1 312-625-2266,,264971500# using phone conference ID: 264 971 500. Please try logging in before the scheduled time in case there is a technical problem.
Details: Carolyn Ferguson at Area Agency, (870) 543-6309.
N2N Burger Bash, auction set
Neighbor to Neighbor will hold its annual Bingo Burger Bash & Silent/Live Auction from 5:30-9 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Pine Bluff Country Club.
“Join us for our biggest FUNdraiser of the year and enjoy an evening of Bingo, awesome prizes, and a live and silent auction,” according to a news release. “The upscale burger buffet will be better than ever, so come and enjoy!”
Live auction items include jewelry from Sissy’s Log Cabin, a basketball signed by former Razorbacks Basketball Coach Nolan Richardson, baseball items from well-known former Major League Baseball player Torii Hunter, who’s also a Pine Bluff native, and other sports collectibles.
All proceeds go to fulfilling Neighbor to Neighbor’s mission of feeding the hungry in Jefferson County and providing services to people in crisis.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/2243602, at Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., or at the door. Table sponsorships are also available. Tickets are limited, so participants are encouraged to purchase them soon. Call Neighbor to Neighbor, at (870) 534-2883 for table information or more details. Pat Tate is executive director at Neighbor to Neighbor.