Chamber to hold annual dinner
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner will be held Jan. 22 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.
This year’s featured speaker is Bill Jones, CEO of Sissy’s Log Cabin and a member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
“Commissioner Jones has generously donated property for the Bayou Bartholomew water trail project, a transformative effort designed to bring tourism and outdoor recreation to Pine Bluff. Don’t miss the chance to hear more about this initiative and the opportunities it will bring to our region,” according to the Chamber newsletter.
Tickets to the dinner are $60 for members and $65 for non-members. Table sponsorships are $600 for eight people. For tickets or sponsorship information, email jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or call Jennifer Kline, Chamber director, at (870) 535-0110.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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:
Dec. 8 — Baked mushroom burger, stewed tomatoes, Au Gratin potatoes, pineapples and milk.
Dec. 9 — Homemade chicken soup, broccoli and cauliflower, crackers, Jell-O and milk.
Dec. 10 — Spaghetti with meat sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic toast, orange wedges and milk.
Dec. 11 — Open face roast beef sandwich with gravy, mashed potatoes, California blend vegetables, fruit and milk.
Dec. 12 — BBQ meat with bun, coleslaw, roasted potatoes, hot applesauce and milk.
Bank to hold open house
The community is invited to FBT Bank’s Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 12. Visit any of these branches: Pine Bluff – 3400 Camden Road; White Hall, 7199 Sheridan Road; Fordyce main bank, 200 W. Fourth, Fordyce; and Rison, 103 W. Magnoli, Rison. Refreshments will be served.
“Bring a friend, stop in on your lunch break, or come by just to say hello,” according to StuffinTheBluff.com.
Entergy offers holiday safety tips
Entergy Arkansas reminds customers that safety should always come first when decorating homes and trees during the holiday season.
According to the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission, on average about 160 holiday-decorating-related injuries occur each day during the holiday season, and in the 2023 season (Nov. 1, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023) approximately 14,900 people were treated in hospital emergency departments for decorating-related injuries. Nearly half of those incidents involved falls.
Following a few simple precautions can help. Here are eight tips for safer holiday lighting displays:
Pick the right tree. If using a live tree, choose one with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off easily. Cut about two inches from the base of the trunk before placing it in the stand, and add water daily.
Keep exits clear. Make sure your tree doesn’t block doorways or hallways in case of emergency.
Use approved lights. Only use lights tested and certified by a reputable brand. Check whether they are rated for indoor or outdoor use.
Inspect before you plug in. Replace any string of lights with worn, broken cords or loose bulb connections. Follow manufacturer instructions for how many strands can be safely connected.
Avoid sharp fasteners. Use plastic clips instead of nails, staples, or tacks to hang lights, preventing cord damage and electrical hazards.
Protect against shocks. Use ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets for outdoor lighting to guard against electrical shocks.
Turn lights off when unattended. Always unplug or turn off Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving home.
Stay weather-aware. Keep extension cords and light connections away from standing water and ensure outdoor plugs are properly covered.
For details, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.
Locals among Fulbright scholars
Local students were awarded scholarships this fall from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas. More than $5.1 million in scholarships was awarded through 3,768 scholarships to students in Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas this year, according to a news release.
RECIPIENTS
Breanna Smith of Dermott was awarded the Trenton Lee Faith II Endowed Scholarship.
Diana Hernandez of Stuttgart was awarded the Judith Ann McAdams DeRoeck Endowed Scholarship.
Kaiden Daniels of Dumas was awarded the David R. and Marsha L. Crittenden Endowed Scholarship.
Shalese Treadwell of Pine Bluff was awarded the Heather Anne Steen Endowed Award.
Talana Small of White Hall was awarded the Patti Johnson Wilson Foundation Scholarship.
Taylor Nelson of White Hall was awarded the Dillard’s and CDI Contractors LLC Endowed Scholarship.
The scholarships are made possible with the support of donors, including alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Fulbright College, to aid students across the college’s four academic disciplines: arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. Details: fulbright.uark.edu/scholarships.