Downtown Development selects director
Pine Bluff Downtown Development appointed Angelisa Henry as its new executive director, effective March 3.
“A Jefferson County native, Henry brings a wealth of experience in economic development, community engagement, and business support, making her well-positioned to lead efforts in revitalizing and strengthening the downtown area,” according to a news release.
As the former interim director of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator and program manager of the Leadership and Achievement Building (LAB) at UAPB, she has worked extensively with community stakeholders, local businesses, and regional partners to drive economic growth.
Henry is also committed to community service, serving on various boards and collaborating with organizations dedicated to business development and economic empowerment. Her vision for Pine Bluff’s downtown district is centered on fostering sustainable growth, enhancing local business opportunities, and preserving the area’s cultural and historical significance.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
In her new role, Henry aims to build strong partnerships, attract investment, and create an environment where businesses and residents can thrive.
A UAPB graduate, Henry is now pursuing a doctoral degree in Urban Higher Education at Jackson State University.
JRMC CEO to speak at Chamber lunch
Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 2 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St.
The guest speaker will be Brian Thomas, CEO of Jefferson Regional Medical Center, accompanied by a panel from Jefferson Regional Urology Associates.
Lunch will be catered by Lybrand’s Bakery & Deli and will cost $15. Lunch must be paid in advance, according to the Chamber newsletter. RSVP to the Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
Housing board to meet
The Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will hold its board of commissioners meeting at 6 p.m. March 26 at the Colonial Steakhouse. Details: (870) 541-0706.
City Wide Mission to meet
City Wide Mission will meet at 1 p.m. Monday at Stewart Memorial CME Church, 911 S. Maple St. The guest speaker will be La’Tonyalyn White of St. Peter’s Rock Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Fred Williams is pastor of Stewart Memorial.
Health agency sets grand opening
ArchWell Health Pine Bluff, a primary care agency for adults 60 and older, will hold a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 8 at its location, 2801 S. Olive St., Suite 33.
The community is invited to attend. There will be food, entertainment, prizes, and tours, according to a flier. Details: ArchWellHealth.com/get-started/.
Hospice seeks volunteers
Gentiva Hospice in White Hall is seeking volunteers to assist clients. Volunteers can help by providing companionship, listening, reading, singing, running errands, playing games, baking, gardening or writing cards or letters, according to a flier.
Interested volunteers should contact Ashley Jones, volunteer coordinator, at (870) 671-4708 or ashley.tyrejones@gentivahs.com.
Women’s Connection sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection will host its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 20 at the Pine Bluff Country Club.
The special feature will be Timothy Wallace, an agent with the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service and spokesman with the Master Gardeners, according to a news release.
The speaker will be Shellie Thill of Bella Vista.
“In Shellie’s lovely, gentle way, she relates to her audience her interaction with her father in the last few months of his life,” according to the release. “He had spent his entire adult life as a very angry person venting his anger on his wife and children. Shellie was able to reconcile and help him seek salvation before the end of his life. This is a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption.”
The luncheon costs $20, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. Everyone is invited to attend. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All reservations must be made three days in advance and participants will be charged for reservations not kept.
DAV to host virtual career fair
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary will co-host the National Virtual Veterans Career Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 18. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve.
More than 75 employers actively seeking the unique talents of America’s veterans will be on-site. Veterans will also get career counseling and resume assistance, network with fellow veterans and military personnel, and get support with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and claims assistance — all free.
To register for the virtual veterans career fair and access additional resources, visit jobs.dav.org.
Local teams in SeaPerch Challenge
Twelve teams from Grant County are participating in the SeaPerch Challenge on Friday at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Aquatic Center. At least 154 students will represent 54 teams from 16 counties, according to a news release.
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and Arkansas 4-H will host the 2025 Arkansas SeaPerch Challenge, an underwater robotics competition.
Grant County teams are: Aqua Marines; Aquanauts; Baby Sharks; DeepWater Vanguard; Hydro Rappers; Poseidon; Secret Agents; SMS Bubble Guppies; Splashers; The Corals; The Swim Shadys and The Wave Makers.
The SeaPerch is a remotely operated submersible built from more than three dozen parts. Teams must navigate their SeaPerch through obstacle courses and complete other tasks. The goal is to ignite students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), according to the release.
The winner of the Arkansas SeaPerch Challenge will advance to the International SeaPerch Challenge that will be held May 31-June 1 at the University of Maryland.