Community Briefs March 23

Uyolanda Wilson
Uyolanda Wilson

Breath of Life to host educator

Breath of Life Church, 1313 S Pine St., will host its Youth Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

The guest speaker will be Uyolanda Wilson, a leadership development coach at the Department of Education's Office of Coordinated Support and Services. She has served as an educator for 25 years.

Wilson is also the first lady at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where her husband, the Rev. Dennis Wilson, is the pastor. She is an adult Sunday School teacher and co-chairman of the Women's Conference Committee, according to a news release.

Born in Dermott, Wilson is the daughter of Patricia Thomas and was raised by her grandmother, Gussie Thomas.

She graduated from Dermott High School in 1987. She attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in gerontology and later a master's in secondary education. She also earned a master's in educational leadership from Harding University.

She and her husband have two children, Chandler and Colby Wilson, and she's a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

The community is invited to attend Sunday's service. The Rev. Kerry Price Sr. is pastor at Breath of Life Church and Jennifer Lee is the youth director.

Runoff election, early voting set

The Jefferson County Clerk's Office announced election related dates regarding the April 2 runoff. Early voting will be held March 26 through April 1.

Two races will be on the ballot:

Pine Bluff mayoral race between Mayor Shirley Washington and state Rep. Vivian Flowers.

Third Ward city council position between Council Member Glen Brown Sr. and William Fells.

Election related dates:

March 25 -- Sample ballots available on Voter View Website on the Secretary of State website.

March 25 -- Absentee Ballots will be sent out. Voters must request an absentee ballot application from the county clerk's office.

March 26 -- First day of early voting. Early voting is held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jefferson County Courthouse.

March 26 -- This is the first day a bearer can pick up ballots (maximum 2).

March 26 -- This is the deadline to receive absentee ballot applications by mail, fax, email.

March 29 -- This is the deadline to submit in-person absentee applications for ballots, deadline for the bearer/administrator to deliver absentee ballots, and deadline for county-to-county transfers.

April 1 -- This the last day for early voting. It ends at 5 p.m.

April 2 -- Election day. Designated polling sites will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

For details on absentee ballot applications or other information, contact the Jefferson County Clerk's Office at (870) 541-5322.

United Way offers letter to nonprofits

The United Way of Southeast Arkansas announced the availability of the Letter of Intent for organizations seeking 501(c)3 nonprofit status.

"As a pivotal step in the nonprofit application process, the LOI serves as a crucial document for entities aiming to establish themselves as tax-exempt organizations," according to the news release.

The LOI outlines the fundamental aspects of an organization's mission, activities, and structure, providing a comprehensive overview for prospective nonprofits. By offering this resource, the United Way aims to streamline and facilitate the process for organizations dedicated to serving communities, according to the release.

"We understand the importance of simplifying the journey for organizations striving to make a positive impact," stated Jason Duren, Executive Director at the United Way of Southeast Arkansas. "By making the Letter of Intent readily accessible, we hope to empower aspiring nonprofits and contribute to the growth of community-driven initiatives."

TheLOI s available to fill out at www.uwseark.org/LOI. Organizations interested in applying for funds are encouraged to review the guidelines provided and utilize the resources offered by the United Way.

For details on the LOI or nonprofit application process, contact Tonya Stephens at [email protected] or (870) 543-2153.

Area Agency announces menu

Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas is serving lunches from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays at the senior centers. Here's next week's menu:

Monday -- Sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuit, fruit, juice, and milk.

Tuesday -- Cheesy chicken and potato casserole, brussels sprouts, dinner roll, winter hot fruit, and milk.

Wednesday -- Taco soup, tortilla chips, salsa, lettuce salad, fruit, and milk.

Thursday -- Smothered pork cutlet, pickled beets, broccoli, roll, cobbler, and milk.

Friday -- Meatballs with gravy, carrots, mashed potatoes, wheat bread, fruit cocktail, and milk.

Details: Strachota Senior Citizens Center, (870) 543-6323.

Free eclipse glasses available

Free glasses are available at several sites in Pine Bluff for those wanting to view the eclipse on April 8.

Chamber -- Eclipse glasses are available at the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, 510 S. Main St., compliments of Explore Pine Bluff/Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission. Glasses comply with ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for filters for direct viewing of the sun, according to a newsletter from the Chamber.

Blue Cross Blue Shield -- People can obtain free eclipse glasses at the ArkansasBlue Welcome Centers statewide (limit four.) The centers also are providing snacks while supplies last, according to the Chamber newsletter.

UAPB -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development will provide free eclipse glasses at the the UAPB Women's History Month Celebration Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon at the H.O. Clemmons Arena of the health, phyiscal education and recreation complex. Those unable to attend this event can email [email protected] by 5 p.m. Wednesday to reserve their glasses for pickup while supplies last.

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