PB native earns USACE award
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District, awarded Raven Lee the 2024 Administrative Professional of the Year award.
Lee is a native of Pine Bluff and an administrative support assistant at the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System’s Pine Bluff Site Office.
This award recognizes administrative employees who provided outstanding service and made significant contributions to the district’s success. She exemplifies these qualities through her dedication and hard work, according to the news release.
“Raven is a self-starter and a team player,” said Pine Bluff Site Manager Webb Palmer. “She not only completes her own tasks but also takes on the workload of several vacant positions, ensuring that government purchasing actions, timekeeping functions, and utility payments are completed accurately and on time. Her commitment to excellence and her willingness to mentor and train new employees make her a valuable asset to our team.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Lee’s proactive approach and exceptional service extend beyond her immediate responsibilities. By mentoring and training new employees, she ensures that they are well-prepared and supported, contributing to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the organization,” according to the release.
Trinity Village reschedules flag event
Trinity Village Retirement Community, 6400 Trinity Drive, will hold a ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday for its new American flag. The newly chartered DAV Auxiliary Unit 12 will present Trinity Village with the flag and Watson Chapel JROTC will hoist the flag.
The event was changed from today because of the inclement weather forecast, according to a news release.
“Please join us for this event with cookies and punch and fellowship with the Trinity Village Retirement’s veterans and other residents,” according to Theresa Orso, senior vice commander of DAV Unit 12, Pine Bluff.
Central Park neighbors to meet
The Central Park/Shady Grove Community Watch Group will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at Family Church, 2309 S. Poplar St. Residents are urged to make plans to attend. Joyce C. Brown is the president.
Pilgrim pantry to give away food
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open Saturday from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be handed out on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site. and equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
ACO announces march
Arkansas Community Organizations will hold its fourth Love Thy Neighbor March from 1:30- 3 p.m. Friday at Southeast Apartments, 1100 E. 36th Ave., according to a news release. Details: Demetrius Melvin, (870) 536-6300 or Joseph Tripp, (870) 663-3968.
Third Ward neighbors to meet
The Third Ward Community Watch Group will meet at 6 p.m. July 16 at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave. Topics include crime, illegal dumping, senior care and other current issues. All residents of the Third Ward are invited to attend. Kenneth Gray is the president, according to a news release.
Foundation accepts grant applications
Nonprofits in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County can go to arcf.org/givingtree beginning Wednesday to apply for Giving Tree Grants through the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation. Applications must be submitted online by Aug. 15.
Any IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, public school, government agency or hospital in Jefferson County is eligible to apply. Grants are not made to individuals or small businesses. Any nonprofit that received a grant in 2023 must complete and return the grant report form to be considered for this current grant cycle. Applications will be reviewed by a grant-making committee from PBACF.
Other grants are available for organizations with programs educating, assessing and screening members of their organization or the larger community regarding health issues. These grants are made possible by the JRMC Community Health Endowment from Jefferson Regional Medical Center in accordance with its goal to bring quality healthcare to the people of Southeast Arkansas. Applicant organizations should serve residents of Jefferson County and surrounding counties, including Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Grant, and Lincoln.
“Our Giving Tree grants will generally range from $500 to $4,000,” said Lawrence Fikes, PBACF executive director. “Last year, our application process resulted in a total of over $127,000 grants made to local nonprofits. Our board members want to fund worthy programs designed to enhance the quality of life in our community.”
Giving Tree grants can cover a wide range of local and regional needs. Grants can fund “capacity building” such as upgrading equipment or providing training or provide project or program support. Grant applications that address food security or early learning will also be eligible for a 1:1 matching grant from the foundation.