Links announce 29th Walk-A-Thon
The members of the Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links Inc. are inviting the community to join them for the 29th annual Walk-A-Thon Walk for Healthy Living from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday at J.C. Jeffries Memorial Park, 1401 Belmont Drive.
Also appearing at the walk will be the Pine Bluff Divine 9 and community partners. The groups will also encourage residents to get registered to vote and for those who are already registered, to check their voting status, according to a news release.
A goal of the walk is to encourage African Americans and other people of African ancestry to abandon a sedentary lifestyle.
“Whether you use the day to jump-start a new exercise routine, recommit to a promise made to stay active and stay healthy, or simply as a light stroll with friends, let’s mark it as motivation to get up, get out, and move more,” according to the release. “We, members of The Links Inc. look forward to our annual Walk because it allows us to reset our mark on reducing the incidence of chronic diseases that plague our communities.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“We know our populations do not get the recommended amounts of physical activity, and inactivity can increase the risk of death from heart attack, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. Conversely, physical activity helps control weight, reduce blood pressure, raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol, reduce the risk of diabetes, and improve mental well-being,” according to the release.
The Links also held a Black Family Wellness Expo in March. The Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links Inc. is committed to transforming the Pine Bluff community. The Pine Bluff Chapter was chartered in 1969.
Carla M. Martin is the current president and Valandra L. German is the Health and Human Services facet chair. Details: http://www.linksinc.org or the chapter’s Facebook page.
St. Joseph’s church to bless animals
St. Joseph Catholic Church, West Sixth Avenue and Walnut Street, will celebrate St. Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day with two events.
At 2 p.m. Oct. 4, Deacon Noel “Bud” Bryant will bless the staff and animals at Pine Bluff Animal Control. Members of Catholic Daughters will provide treats for the animals and refreshments for the people. This has been an annual event for the past four years.
At 10 a.m. Oct. 5, the Blessing of the Animals will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in the Walnut Street parking lot. All are invited to attend. Pets are to be on leashes or in appropriate carriers for the safety of the animals and people. Refreshments will be provided for the pets and humans attending. Holy cards and medals of St. Francis will be available. Bryant will officiate at this service also.
The events are sponsored by Catholic Daughters, Court Our Lady of Victory #564, according to a news release.
During October, parishioners of St. Joseph will be collecting items for the animal shelter, particularly cans of puppy food and can dog food for the older dogs.
The services are being held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, known as the patron saint of animals and ecology due to his love for animals and nature.
Bear Bryant home to be dedicated
The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program will host a dedication ceremony for the historical marker at the boyhood home of the late Paul “Bear” Bryant at 11 a.m. Friday at 1560 Arkansas 8, New Edinburg.
The program will host this ceremony to recognize the early life of Arkansas native Bryant, well-known coach at the University of Alabama.
Participants will include the great-great niece of Bryant, Jennifer Robinson; Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis; Arkansas Heritage Director Marty Ryall; Arkansas Speaker of the House Matthew J. Shepherd; and Rep. Sonia Barker, according to a news release.