First Presbyterian sets concert
First Presbyterian Church of Pine Bluff, 717 W. 32nd Ave., invites the community to a free concert at 3 p.m. Feb. 25 featuring Christopher Titko in an organ recital. The performance is dedicated to Pat Brown and her family, who funded the building of the French organ built by Petty-Madden in 1991 for the sanctuary of First Presbyterian, according to a news release. “God transforming lives through the arts’ is what Christopher Titko feels he is called to facilitate,” according to the release.
“His musical journey began as a ‘PK’ (pastor’s kid) in Ohio where his father was a United Methodist minister as well as his grandfather. Mr. Titko is a graduate of Westminster Choir College and holds a master’s degree from Indiana University. He pursued further studies in conducting at the University of Oklahoma,” according to the release. In more than 40 years of ministry, Titko has led performances with orchestras of major choral works as well as musical theater. Titko has performed as a vocal soloist with Sir David Willcocks, and accompanied choirs for John Yarrington and Richard Zelinski.
He has played recitals in New York, Ohio, New Jersey, Indiana, Arkansas, Virginia, and Florida. He was the director of music at First Presbyterian Church for more than four years in the 1990s. He has three children.
House of Bread to open pantry
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will conduct its monthly food giveaway Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until all food boxes are gone. All clients will need to fill out the new intake form for 2024. Proof of address must be at least a driver’s license, picture identification or utility bill. Your proof must match, according to a news release. Details: Saint Mary Harris, House of Bread pastor, (870) 872-2196.
Small craft advisory lifted
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lifted the small craft advisory for the Arkansas River on Friday. Small craft advisories are issued when flows reach 70,000 cubic feet per second. While flows receded, USACE officials urge boaters to always exercise caution when on the river. Daily river information can be obtained at www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil or the Little Rock District’s mobile app, which can be found in mobile app stores by searching for USACE Little Rock, according to a news release.
Synergy Forum offers grants
Synergy Forum Inc. is accepting grant applications for its 2024 grant cycle. Registered non-profit organizations — IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, government agencies, and the hospital in Jefferson County — are eligible to apply. Synergy grants fund projects for the benefit of residents in Jefferson County in the areas of the arts, education, and social services, according to a news release.
Created in 1985, Synergy Forum is an independent organization of women in Jefferson County providing small grants. Grants range from $500 to $1,500. Synergy’s funding comes only from the dues and contributions paid by members. In 2023, Synergy awarded nine grants totaling $16,479. Synergy grants applications should be requested by March 12, completed and then submitted by April 4. For an applications and details, email synergyforumgrants@gmail.com. Applications will only be accepted by email.
UAM plans day for high school
The University of Arkansas at Monticello Office of Admissions will host Weevil Welcome: College Preview Day on Feb. 23, beginning at 9 a.m. Registration will be held in the fine arts center at UAM. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m., according to a news release. High school juniors and seniors are invited to attend the event to learn about programs of study at UAM, financial aid, new scholarship opportunities, residence life and more. Parents are also welcome to attend.
High school seniors who have already applied to UAM are encouraged to attend the event to meet with faculty, staff and current UAM students. Mary Whiting, director of admissions and recruiting at UAM, encouraged students to attend the event.
“We look forward to sharing new scholarship information with prospective students. They will also have sessions with faculty from our academic areas. It’s a great opportunity to have a personalized visit,” she said. Students should register on the Weevil Welcome webpage at https://www.uamont.edu/admissions/recruitment.html. Details: UAM Office of Admissions at admissionsoffice@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1026.