UAPB’s Burruss is Chef Educator of the Year
W. Jinnings Burruss Jr. was recently honored with the Chef Educator of the Year Award by the Delta Chefs Association chapter of the American Culinary Federation.
Burruss is a professor of food service and restaurant management within the Department of Human Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, according to a news release.
In addition to his academic endeavors, Burruss has worked as an executive chef, chef de cuisine and restaurant manager in various capacities, including at the Saracen Casino Resort and Quapaw Area Council Boy Scouts of America.
“The award recognizes educators who have significantly enhanced the professional image of chefs and have provided invaluable leadership and guidance to students pursuing careers in the culinary industry,” according to the release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Burruss has acquired several certifications from City & Guilds and World Chefs. In 2023, he was awarded the title of certified master chef. He also holds certifications as a certified executive chef, certified hospitality educator and certified culinary educator.
“The Delta Chefs Association’s recognition of Dr. Burruss as Chef Educator of the Year is a testament to his leadership, expertise and dedication to the culinary arts,” said Marilyn Bailey, interim chair of the UAPB Department of Human Sciences. “He was selected for his exemplary contributions to culinary education. As he continues to inspire future culinary professionals, Dr. Burruss is a beacon of excellence in both the classroom and the kitchen.”
Burruss holds a doctor in education degree from Oklahoma State University, a master’s degree in family and consumer sciences from the University of Central Arkansas, and two bachelor’s degrees in home economics from UCA.
WH hosts chili, gumbo cookoff
The Battle of the Bowls Chili & Gumbo Cookoff will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road, in White Hall.
Awards will be presented for the #1 Best Chili and #1 Best Gumbo. Tickets are $50. For a team of six and a booth it’s $500, according to a flier.
All proceeds benefit the Jefferson Regional Foundation. To purchase a ticket or enter a team, contact Laura Beth Shaner at (870) 541-7210.
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. 16 — Cabbage roll soup, grilled cheese triangles, marinated tomatoes and cucumbers, emerald pears, and milk.
Dec. 17 — Baked pasta, squash blend medley, tossed salad, cobbler, and milk.
Dec. 18 — Glazed chicken, green peas, creamed carrots, eggnog pound cake, and milk.
Dec. 19 — Beef stroganoff, spinach, corn, fresh fruit, and milk.
Dec. 20 — Baked fish sandwich, pinto beans, coleslaw, hushpuppies, strawberries and bananas, and milk. Details: Strachota Senior Center, (870) 543-6323.
Clinic hosting free exams for AIDS Day
To commemorate World Aids Day, Jefferson Comprehensive Care System Inc., in partnership with the Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, is providing free primary care exams until the end of December. An HIV blood test will be included in the exam, according to a news release.
Exams are for adults 18 and older. Appointments must be made in advance by asking for the “Delta World AIDS Day” appointment.
Local clinics include:
Pine Bluff Clinic, at 1101 S. Tennessee St., (870) 543-2380.
Altheimer Clinic, 309 S. Edine, Altheimer, (870) 766-8411.
Redfield Clinic, 100 Evening Sunset Valley, Redfield, (501) 397-2261.
Clinics are also available at Arkansas Baptist College Campus, Little Rock; College Station Clinic, College Station; Little Rock Clinic; and North Little Rock Clinic.
Delta food bank sets Christmas giveaway
The Delta Network Food Bank will host its annual Christmas Drive-Thru Hunger Relief Distribution from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.
“We are asking that you remain in your vehicles at all times,” a spokesman said in a news release.
Vehicles will line up down Eighth Avenue and drive through the north access to the convention center and receive the food available for each registered household. Motorists must follow instructions of the traffic directors.
Delta food bank is a Tyson Foods Community Partner Pantry and Tyson will donate a truckload of chicken. The food bank also has a donation from the DLR2 Amazon Delivery Station, the Suzano Papermill and other donors.
Financial donations are accepted. Checks may be payable and mailed to Delta Network Inc., P.O. Box 20278, White Hall, AR, 71612, or Cash App: $DeltaNetwork.
Delta Network is a 501C3 tax exempt non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. Louis Ross is the CEO of the Delta Network Inc. and Jacqueline Ross is the director.
Registration forms will be available on site. Details: (870) 536-2424.