Craig O’Neill to visit 1st Presbyterian
Craig O’Neill, who spent more than 50 years in broadcasting, will be the guest presenter at at 3 p.m. Nov. 17 at First Presbyterian Church, 717 W. 32nd Ave.
He will read from his new book “How Randy Hankins became Craig O’Neill” or as the family calls it “It all started on Aunt Myrtie’s front porch.”
After 24 years at THV 11, he retired in 2023. O’Neill was honored by the Arkansas Legislature for his 54 years of service in broadcasting in Arkansas, according to a news release.
He was a DJ for 31 years and holds the distinction of being the only DJ to play the White House.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
He did TV sports for eight years, was a TV news anchor for the last 16, and has been inducted into the Emmy Awards Golden Circle. He was also voted unanimously by the Arkansas State Senate as Arkansas’ best friend, according to the news release.
According to a relative, O’Neill’s given name is Randy Hankins. He was born Oct. 19, 1950, to Ernest Hankins Jr. and Judy Merritt Hankins and spent his early childhood on Hankins Street in Warren surrounded by siblings, Phillip, Kathy and Leslie and many Hankins cousins.
In the second grade, he moved with his family to Little Rock, where he graduated from Central High School in 1968. He graduated from Arkansas State University in 1972 with a degree in journalism and radio broadcasting.
His station manager on his first broadcasting job thought he needed a better on air name than Randy Hankins so he became Craig O’Neill.
O’Neill became famous for his crank calls on the radio such as “Merry Christmas, Warren” and “LaShonda’s Cable Guy” as well as many appearances at charitable fundraisers and horse racing.
O’Neill has been married to his college sweetheart for 53 years. He is the father of two and grandfather of two.
UAPB alumni set dinner meeting
The UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association will host the “Can We Talk” Student and Alumni Fellowship Dinner Nov. 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the L.A. Davis Dining Hall at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
“This event is a unique opportunity for alumni to engage with current students, share valuable insights, and celebrate our Golden Lion legacy together,” according to a news release. “Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or meeting the next generation of UAPB leaders, your presence would mean the world to us.”
The cost is $10. Participants should call Joy Matthews, a board of directors member, at (501) 891-2226 to make reservations by Nov. 11.
VA sets virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas veterans from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 21. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Nov. 20, according to a news release.
Veterans may speak one-on-one to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office regarding their claims for VA benefits. Staff will also answer questions about PACT Act benefits, existing VA benefits claims and assist with filing new claims.
The main office of the Little Rock VA Regional Office is located at 2200 Fort Roots Drive in North Little Rock and open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Veteran Assist Phone Line, (501) 370-3829, is staffed Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
UAM Music slates 2 performances
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will present two musical performances.
PERCUSSION NIGHT — Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m., the Division of Music’s Instrumental Ensemble class will perform during the semi-annual UAM Percussion Night in the Fine Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public.
Under the direction of Stephen Busath, assistant professor of music and director of percussion at UAM, students will perform in ensembles featuring a diverse repertoire of percussion music that highlights the cultural differences found in percussion instruments around the world, according to a news release.
WOODWIND ENSEMBLES — Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m., the semi-annual UAM Woodwind Ensembles Recital will be held in the Harris Recital Hall in the Music Building at UAM. Woodwind players and the UAM Flute Choir in the Division of Music at UAM will perform during the recital, which is free and open to the public.
Under the direction of Erik Richards, associate professor of music and director of athletic bands at UAM; Sissy Pierce, adjunct instructor of woodwind at UAM; and Leah Venable, adjunct instructor of flute and school methods at UAM, students will perform a selection of well-known and timeless woodwind pieces. Past selections have included instrumental solos with piano accompaniment, instrumental duets, quartets and a recorder ensemble. Details: UAM Division of Music at (870) 460-1060.