WC school board to meet
Watson Chapel School will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at the district office, 4100 Camden Road. Details: (870) 879-0220.
Local on Rhodes honor roll
Nessa Blair of Stuttgart was named to the fall 2023 honor roll at Rhodes College at Memphis. To qualify for the honor roll, a student must be enrolled in at least 16 credits of academic work and achieve a semester grade point average of 3.85 or better, according to a news release.
Future Aviation Engineers to meet
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Ivy Center for Education’s Future Aviation Engineers will meet from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday at The Generator, 425 S. Main St.
“The scholars will learn the engineering concepts of Model Jet Engines and Build Estes Model Rockets,” said Sederick Rice, Future Engineers coach and professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Interested 7-12th graders and parents are encouraged to attend. Those who cannot attend in person, may join virtually using Zoom ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061.
For details, students and parents may email Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com. Follow the Ivy Center on Facebook, Instagram, and website ivycenterforeducation.com.
Silver Haired Legislature needs seniors
Arkansans age 60 and older are needed to volunteer as delegates to the 23rd Biennial Silver Haired Legislative Session scheduled for Aug. 14-15. Delegates will serve as legislators in this non-partisan session by writing, debating, and voting on bills addressing issues critical to older Arkansans.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services, in partnership with the Arkansas Area Agencies on Aging, is seeking participants for the session, according to a news release.
Organizers are seeking one delegate from each Arkansas county. Anyone interested in becoming a delegate should contact the Area Agency on Aging in their county or DAABHS. County candidates need to circulate qualifying petitions and submit them to their Area Agency on Aging by March 15. Elected delegates will receive training on topics such as the legislative process, how to write bills, and how a bill becomes a law.
“We are always excited to convene the Silver Haired Legislative Session because it gives senior Arkansans from all across the state a chance to come together and weigh in on issues that matter to them,” said DAABHS Director Jay Hill. “I look forward to seeing the critical topics affecting seniors that our delegates take up as they work to make a positive difference in our state.”
Bills from the session also have an opportunity to be introduced at a regular legislative session, and that has occurred several times.
Details: Gary Hinkle, (501) 320-6586 (gary.hinkle@dhs.arkansas.gov), or a local Area Agency on Aging or visit https://humanservices.arkansas.gov.
Red Cross: Change clocks, test alarms
Daylight saving time begins Sunday and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working, according to a news release.
“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to get out,” said Lori Arnold-Ellis, executive director of American Red Cross serving Greater Arkansas. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When you turn your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”
When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.
If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for help. Locally, Pine Bluff residents can contact the fire department about free smoke alarms.