Alphas to observe founding
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will observe its 119th Founders Day at 7:06 p.m. Dec. 4 at Barraque Street Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St. The community is invited to attend.
The celebration will also recognize Willard Starlard as the Brother of the Year for his outstanding service throughout the years. Starlard became a member of the fraternity Nov. 1, 1981, at the Beta Sigma Chapter at Southern University. Currently a member of the Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter, he serves as chapter dean of Membership and Development.
The keynote speaker will be an Alpha Phi Alpha brother, Chancellor Anthony Graham, Ph.D., of the University or Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Previously, Graham was provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs (2018-2023) and interim chancellor (2023-2024) at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, according to a news release.
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, established on Dec. 11, 1948, was founded by L.H. Williams, the regional director, and charter members, including Chester E. Hynes, Kenneth Johnson, Charles L. Shepard, Robert W. Gray Jr, Burgess B. Lawson, Carl L. Marshall, Sammie J. Banks, Bismarck S. Williams, Tyrone Greene, Willie Hill, Harold H. Phippas Jr., John McLinn Ross, and Ray F. Russell.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The president is Frank Dorsey III.
“This celebration serves as a poignant reminder of the significant contributions that Alpha Phi Alpha has made in our community through manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all mankind,” Dorsey said. “We are proud to showcase our rich history and honor the remarkable individuals who have shaped our fraternity over the past 119 years.”
Links sets Pancakes with Santa
The Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links Inc. will kick off the holiday season by hosting its Pancakes with Santa on Dec. 6 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at The Audubon School, 2206 Ridgway Road. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support community service programs and scholarships.
During Pancakes with Santa, both kids and adults can enjoy a pancake breakfast, pictures with Santa, holiday music, crafts, games, and more, according to a news release.
Tickets are $5 for children 12 and under, $10 for everyone over 12. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
The Links is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of more than 17,000 professional women of African descent in 299 chapters in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom.
The Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links was chartered on May 17, 1969. The chapter president is Kelly D. Bryant. Details: www.linksinc.org or PBLinksInc on Facebook.
Red Cross: Avoid home fires
Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days in this country for the chance of a cooking fire to happen in someone’s home. Cooking causes an average of 158,400 home fires per year, which is 44% of all home fires in the United States. The American Red Cross serving Greater Arkansas offers safety steps everyone can follow if they will be preparing their family’s Thanksgiving feast.
“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, home fire injuries and the second leading cause of home fire deaths,” Riva Brown, executive director of Red Cross serving Greater Arkansas, said in a news release. “Most happen because people leave cooking food unattended. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable holiday, so don’t leave the kitchen while you’re cooking.”
COOKING SAFETY TIPS
Follow these safety tips and visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including a fire escape plan to practice with your family.
Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.
Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Details: redcross.org/homefires.