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Community Briefs March 19

Entergy sets vendor fair for projects

Entergy Arkansas will host a vendor fair for Arkansas companies interested in pursuing contract opportunities related to the Jefferson Power Station and Arkansas Cypress Solar and Battery construction planned for Jefferson County.

The vendor fair will be held from 9 a.m. to noon March 25 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Registration is encouraged but not required. (Advance registration available online.)

These projects are anticipated to create 1,600 jobs at peak construction, according to a news release.

The vendor fair will give local and small businesses a chance to meet project leaders, learn about the construction of the new facilities and explore potential opportunities to support the project through professional services, construction and materials supply.

Jefferson Power Station is a planned 754-megawatt natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant to be built at the existing White Bluff site in Jefferson County. Scheduled to begin operations in 2029, the project aims to power over 355,000 homes and provide affordable, reliable energy for decades to come, replacing older coal generation with modern technology, according to the release.

Arkansas Cypress Solar and Battery is a planned solar and battery resource in Jefferson County. Previously, Entergy announced the facility would be located near Wright. The solar component will produce 600 MW of electricity, and the battery component will be capable of storing up to 350 MW of power. The site is scheduled to begin operations in 2028.

Cancer patients’ lodge seeks volunteers

Volunteer opportunities are available at Donna Terrell’s Warrior Lodge, 1800 W. 40th Ave., Suite A.

Warrior Lodge is managed by the nonprofit Yoga Warriors Fighting Cancer and is a free temporary lodging facility for cancer patients receiving treatment at the Jones-Dunklin Cancer Center, along with their care advocates, according to a news release.

“We are looking for caring, compassionate people who want to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients,” according to the release. “Some duties include giving guest tours, preparing welcome packets, providing administrative support, helping with special events, and checking in procedures.”

Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday during business hours. The lodge would appreciate interested citizens joining the volunteer team. Details: (870) 541-3225 or email Warrior@yogawarriors.org.

New Community pantry to open

New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will open its pantry Saturday. Food will be given away from 8-9:30 a.m. The community is invited to participate. “Come and receive your blessing,” according to a spokesman.

Civic panel to meet

The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission meeting will be held at noon Tuesday. Details: Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600.

Respect for Life sets new effort

In light of the recent gun violence, the PBICVR Respect for Life Campaign will launch a new effort called: “Part of the Purpose Initiative.” This initiative will be formally announced at a news conference at noon Friday at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave.

The campaign is a movement established in 1997 to reduce homicides in Pine Bluff, especially among African Americans, according to a news release.

Part of the Purpose Initiative is designed to bring together former gang members who have changed that lifestyle and want to be part of the purpose, the community, faith leaders and local organizations, according to the release.

HYPE Day to focus on STEM

New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, 3319 S. Ohio St., will present its HYPE Discovery Day — All About STEM from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Hurricane HYPE Center. The event is free.

Live robotics will be demonstrated by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Steam Team. Middle school students are encouraged to attend and free pizza will be served, according to StuffinTheBluff.com.

“God’s plan unfolds step-by-step,” a spokesman said. “Bring a friend. Have fun. Build your future!”

Details: New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, (870) 536-8337 or newsthurricane@cablelynx.com.

Financial Literacy Workshop set

New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, 3319 S. Ohio St., will host a Financial Literacy Workshop at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Hurricane HYPE Center. Participants can learn about personal finance concepts, budgeting, credit repair, student loans and more. Sessions for all ages will be available. There will also be activities and games for children ages 5 to 11. Money Management will be taught to youth ages 12 and up. This workshop will be hosted by the New St. Hurricane Women of Grace, according to a news release. Details: New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, (870) 536-8337 or newsthurricane@cablelynx.com.