Casino official to talk to retired teachers
The Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association will meet at 11:30 a.m. May 16 in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave.
The guest speaker will be Carlton Saffa, chief market officer of Saracen Casino Resort.
“Saffa was Saracen’s first employee and oversaw the licensure of the enterprise in all forums, including the property’s casino gaming license,” according to a news release. “Additionally, Saffa is directly responsible for outward-facing functions of the property as well as the day-to-day management of the property’s 800-plus employees which is co-managed by Saffa alongside two additional senior executives. Notably, Saffa led the effort to regulate mobile sports gaming in Arkansas, and today BetSaracen books 2/3 of all online wagers placed in our state. BetSaracen is currently the 14th largest online sportbook operator in the country.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
At the retired teachers’ meeting, member reservations are required for the complimentary luncheon to be provided by Rice First Class Catering. Members are asked to bring a package of dry macaroni pasta to be donated to Neighbor to Neighbor to assist families in need. For more information on JCRTA and to make luncheon reservations call (870) 543-0127.
PBJHS’ own named in teachers of the year
Pine Bluff Junior High School teacher Kendria Jones was named one of Rack Room Shoes’ Teachers of the Year, according to a news release.
Students and/or their parents nominated teachers from all across the U.S. who have made a positive impact in their lives. Rack Room customers voted for their favorite teachers March 18-April 5. Jones was one of five teachers who received the most votes.
As one of the top five winners, Jones will receive a $500 Rack Room gift card and Pine Bluff Junior High will receive a $10,000 Technology Grant. She will officially be recognized May 20 at 10 a.m. at the junior high campus, 2602 Fluker Ave. Rack Room Shoes District Manager Kevin Collins, parent Judy Hemphill and Assistant Principal Thaddeus Pearson will be in attendance.
Mail carriers set food drive Saturday
The National Association of Letter Carriers will hold their annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday.
Residents are asked to leave their donation of non-perishable food in a bag near their mailbox on Saturday and the letter carrier will pick it up, according to https://www.nalc.org/community-service/food-drive.
“Each year, letter carriers across the country head out on their routes on the second Saturday in May to collect donations of non-perishable food items to benefit local food pantries. Since launching in 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive, helping to fill the shelves of food banks in cities and towns throughout the United States,” according to the website.
“The need is great, but you can help. We invite you to join letter carriers and our partner organizations in the fight to end hunger in our communities by participating in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive,” according to the website.
City sets meeting on home repairs
The city of Pine Bluff’s Economic & Community Development Department will host a community town hall from 4-5:30 p.m. May 15 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The purpose is to review the Emergency Rehabilitation Program which helps low-income residents with home repairs.
Low-income homeowners may apply for emergency repair to their properties through the Emergency Rehabilitation Program until May 21.
The Economic & Community Development Department administers federal grant funding through the Emergency Rehabilitation Program to provide emergency repair to properties owned and occupied as the primary residence for low-income homeowners, according to a news release.
Priority assistance will be provided to homeowners with extremely low-household income and/or who have a disability requiring home modifications.
During the town hall meeting May 15, attendees will:
Learn information about the program eligibility requirements for applicants and the housing conditions.
Secure assistance in creating an account and completing an application.
Interested residents should attend the town hall to learn more about the Emergency Rehabilitation Program. Details: Economic & Community Development Department, (870) 543-1820.