Retired teachers group meets
The Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association will meet at 11:30 a.m. April 18 in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave.
The guest speakers will be Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington and White Hall Mayor Noel Foster who will present updates regarding their cities and plans for the future, according to a news release.
Member reservations are required for the luncheon to be provided by Rice First Class Catering at $12 per person. Members are asked to bring a can of green beans to be donated to the Salvation Army to assist families in need. For more information on JCRTA and to make luncheon reservations, call (870) 543-0127.
UAMS academy open to area seniors
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is accepting applications for the inaugural summer academy of the Arkansas Delta Health Careers Opportunity Program Academy, an initiative that supports students in the Delta and South Arkansas as they pursue careers in health care. The deadline to submit applications is April 30.
The academy focuses on expanding the workforce in a variety of health care disciplines. The program will begin with a residential summer academy from June 17 to July 26 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Open to rising high school seniors, HCOP Academy will equip students with the skills they need to gain admission to and succeed in health professional programs, according to a news release.
Students will gain exposure to high-demand careers in health care, tour the UAMS campus in Little Rock and the UAMS South Central Regional Campus in Pine Bluff, prepare for their ACT exams, and receive instruction in math, science and writing. They’ll also engage in activities that foster team building and leadership.
Applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a health career and must be enrolled at a school in these counties: Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Cleveland, Columbia, Crittenden, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, Lee, Lincoln, Monroe, Ouachita, Phillips, Sevier, St. Francis and Union.
For parents and students who are interested in learning more about the program, HCOP Academy will host a series of virtual informational sessions at 6 p.m. April 17, 18 and 25. To sign up for a session or to apply for the academy, visit https://uams.info/HCOP.
The new academy is operated by the UAMS Division for Academic Pathways and Workforce Partnerships with the assistance of UAMS and community collaborators.
Small Farms Conference set
The Southwest Arkansas Small Farms Conference is set for Wednesday at Hempstead Hall of the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana in Hope.
Hosted by the UAHT and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the conference is free and open to the public.
The event is for small and limited-resource farmers, gardeners and community members. This year’s agricultural topics include an overview of the Century Farm Program, cover crops and drought, value-added products, urban farming and crop insurance.
Feral hog management, forestry, pond management, natural resources and technical support, and conservation initiative programs will also be covered.
One session devoted to heirs’ property will inform participants about how to clear land titles, research family history and transfer land in the family. Another session will feature steps to home ownership, housing and grant opportunities, small business opportunities and 4-H youth development.
Conference presenters are from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Arkansas Human Development Corp. and the Arkansas Small Business Technology and Development Center. Representatives from other agencies, including the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, will also meet with participants.
Preregistration is required to get a headcount for lunch. To preregister, contact Kandi Williams at williamska@uapb.edu or (870) 571-9428.