Flowers seeks residents for committees
In its first meeting Jan. 11, Mayor Vivian Flowers’ Transition Advisory Board outlined their roles in shaping the administration’s priorities for Pine Bluff’s future.
The board invites Pine Bluff residents to participate in the transition process by applying for positions on the administration’s board committees, according to a news release.
The Transition Advisory Board committees are tasked with addressing specific priority areas under a designated leader. The committees and leadership assignments are:
Transition Advisory Board Chair: Calvin Johnson and Co-Chair: LaTasha McNeely Randle;
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Infrastructure & Economic Development — Leader: Tom Bennett;
Budget & Finance — Leader: Ted Davis;
Faith & Community Engagement — Leader: The Rev. James Murry;
Public Safety — Leader: Susie Powell;
Tourism & Nature — Leader: Carlton Saffa;
Social Impact & Sustainability — Leader: Kymara Seals;
Governance Transformation — Leader: Hank Wilkins V;
Education & Workforce — Leader: Tyrone Jackson;
Youth Investment — Leader: Aareyon Wallace;
Senior Outreach & Advocacy — Leader: James Word.
The committees will work closely with city leaders and provide recommendations that reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of Pine Bluff residents.
“These committees are the foundation of a collaborative, inclusive approach to governance,” Flowers said. “Together, we will transform Pine Bluff by listening to and working alongside our residents.”
Residents interested in serving on the transition committees may complete the online application on the City of Pine Bluff’s website at www.cityofpinebluff-ar.gov/boardsand-commissions. Paper applications are available at the mayor’s office on the second floor of city hall. All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Jan. 23.
Committee members will be selected and announced the week of Jan. 27. Details: Mayor’s Office, (870) 730-2000.
USDA/1890 scholars applications open
The application deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture/1890 National Scholars Program is March 1, said Obadiah Njue, interim dean for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.
The program awards scholarships to students attending one of 19 historically black land-grant universities. High school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply.
USDA/1890 National Scholars receive full tuition towards a bachelor’s degree, books and the cost of room and board, Njue said. During the summer months while in college, the students will receive an internship with a USDA agency, including employee benefits.
After graduation, all USDA/1890 National Scholars are employed by their selected agency and must commit to at least one year of service to USDA for each year of financial assistance provided, according to a news release.
Participants must major in agriculture or related sciences. Learn more and apply online at USDA 1890 National Scholars Program. Details: partnerships@usda.gov.
Chamber luncheon set
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 5 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St.
The guest speaker will be Superintendent Keith McGee of Watson Chapel School District, according to the Chamber newsletter.
Lunch will be catered by Moe’s Southwest Grill. The cost is $15 and must be paid in advance. To RSVP, call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Historical Society to meet
The Jefferson County Historical Society will hold its semi-annual meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The speaker will be Todd R. Gold, senior director of hospitality at Saracen Casino Resort.
“Gold, a former chef, is one of the most accomplished and acclaimed culinary names in Arkansas,” according to a news release. “He has a very interesting program to present on his personal journey in the culinary world, Saracen Casino Resort and its relevance to Pine Bluff.”
The public is invited to attend. Entrance to the meeting is on the Third Avenue side of the Reynolds Center.
Grand Prairie plans photo contest
The 68th Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts will accept entries in the photography at the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie in Stuttgart. This juried competition is open to adults and youth, according to a news release.
The center will receive entries Jan. 24 from noon to 5 p.m. and Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The reception/awards event will be held Feb. 4 from 5-6:30 p.m. and the exhibit will be open Feb. 1-28. To register and for details, visit www.grandprairiearts.com or contact the center at artscenter001@gmail.com.
House of Bread to give away food
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will hold its monthly food giveaway Saturday from 11 a.m. until all food boxes are gone.
Proof of address must be at least a driver’s license, identification card, or utility bills, according to a news release. All new client will fill out a new client intake form. Details: St. Mary Harris, pastor/apostle at House of Bread, (870) 872-2196.
Barraque changes prayer breakfast date
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., has changed the prayer breakfast from Jan. 18 to Jan. 25. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. with the program starting at 9 a.m. The guest speaker will be Angie Gatlin, an evangelist and member of Calvary Baptist Church in North Little Rock. The worship leader is Maurice Tatum, a pastor. The Rev. Sidney Milton Sr. is pastor of Barraque Street church. The community is invited to attend.