Editor’s Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com to make additions or changes.
Tuesday, March 8 TOPPS to give away food, supplies
TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service), 1000 Townsend Drive, will give away food boxes and covid-19 supplies at 10 a.m. March 8. TOPPS will use the drive-thru method of distribution and ask that people remain in their vehicles. Participants must be present to receive a box, according to a news release. Details: TOPPS office, (870) 850-6011.
International Women’s Day set
The Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links Inc. will host International Women’s Day at 7 p.m. March 8 via Zoom. The public is invited to attend this event saluting local Black/African American women business owners, according to a news release. Sponsored by the International Trends and Services Facet of The Links, the observance is a time to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The Zoom link is available at https://zoom.us/j/93851832764?pwd=eHIz-K3VWVThlZ1N5TXpCcnVienpwQT09 with meeting ID: 938 5183 2764 and passcode: 525375 or dial by location at 312 626 6799.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Wednesday, March 9 Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Articles should be submitted by email to shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, March 10 Women to join honor for Tubman
A member of the Little Rock Nine and 58 other women from Pine Bluff and Little Rock will participate in the March 10 virtual STRONGER THAN summit. The 400 Years of African American History Commission and the National Parks Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom members will present the national kick-off event of the STRONGER THAN Campaign honoring Harriet Tubman. Several women will make recordings at the University Museum and Cultural Center at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff on March 10 beginning at 11 a.m. These include: Little Rock Nine member, Elizabeth Eckford, Robin White, Rosetta Thomas, Dr. Sybil Hampton, Beverly Jones, Beverly Miller, Pelida Norris, Patricia Johnson, Laurel Hall, and Kymara Seals, according to a news release. The summit will showcase 400 women from across the nation. Details: https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/nl2x0h or https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/no3w8bor https://events.zoom.us/ev/AJtyRlqntvyYaEfBtDxf4uy0rptYnB4I1DkFkmWpS_JMtNbwi- qzRGTT3cpDyhpX1XQz-3V0?lmt=1645128361000&utm_ source=email.
Chamber to host annual dinner
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its annual dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at the Pine Bluff Country Club, according to the Chamber newsletter. Former White Hall Bulldog football Coach Bobby Bolding will be the special guest speaker. Tickets are $60 each. Details: Jennifer Kline, Chamber director,
(870) 535-0110 or jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Art reception features Matthew Howard’s work
Pine Bluff Art League member and Pine Bluff resident Matthew Howard will have a solo exhibition reception featuring a selection of digital work of portraiture, religious work, botanicals, and original characters. The reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. March 10 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave.
Beginning Thursday, March 10 ASC hosts STEAM Exhibition
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host a new interactive STEAM exhibition, “Spectrum of Creativity,” using hands-on applications of color and light March 10 through May 7. ASC’s curatorial and public programs staff collaborated to create various illuminating stations to explore. Patrons can find the science behind rainbows, create disappearing drawings, and learn how to use a green screen. Details: asc701.org.
Friday, March 11 Election panel to meet
The Jefferson County Board of Election Commissioners will hold a meeting at 6 p.m. March 11 at the election center, 123 S. Main St. The agenda includes conducting a ballot drawing for the preferential primary election and nonpartisan election, according to a spokesman.
UAPB sets beginner’s beekeeping
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will hold a workshop on beekeeping for beginners from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 11 at the S.J. Parker 1890 Extension Complex auditorium, 2300 L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive. Yong Park, Ph.D, UAPB associate professor of agriculture and entomologist/beekeeper, will lead the sessions. Space is limited to the first 20 paid registrants. The course costs $30. Details: Karen Lee, UAPB Extension assistant, at (870) 575-7225 or leek@uapb.edu.
Beginning Friday, March 11 ASC to present ‘Robin Hood’ performance
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will present “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” at 7:30 p.m. March 11-12, and 2 p.m. March 13. This production is sponsored by Relyance Bank. “Written by Mary Lynn Dobson and directed by Tracy Sutherland, this frantically funny retelling of the classic tale of Robin Hood follows an egocentric superhero who tries his best to swagger his way through the production. In his never-ending quest to aid the needy, Robin Hood encounters a host of vibrant characters that hold your attention until the very end, promising laughs along the way,” according to the release. Tickets are $13 for ASC members and seniors, $18 for nonmembers, and $10 for students. To purchase, visit asc701.org/2022-season. ASC requires that masks be worn during the entire performance.
Saturday, March 12 Pilgrim church to open food pantry
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open its Raven’s Nest Food Pantry on March 12 from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be handed out on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification, according to a news release.
St. John to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will provide food boxes from 9-11 a.m. March 12 to people in need. The drive-thru event will be held in front of the church on Cherry Street. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks, according to a news release. The food program is sponsored by St. John’s Soul Food for the Mind, Body, and Spirit Feeding Ministry.
FunDay: Archaeology Month set at ASC
Participants can explore the archaeological history of Arkansas with the Arkansas Archaeological Survey through hands-on activities and displays during Second Saturday Family FunDay, 1-3 p.m. March 12 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. Children and parents can learn how to identify, analyze, and illustrate prehistoric and historic artifacts. This event is free.
Training set for child care providers
The free Best Care Child Care Provider Training will be held at 8 a.m. March 12 at the parish hall of St. Joseph Catholic Church, 412 W. Sixth Ave. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., according to a news release. This training will be provided by Mary Ann Kizer and Susan Thomason, Jefferson County and Grant County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agents, and by the state Best Care coordinator, Rebecca Simon. Participants are asked to bring their lunch. Healthy snacks will be provided. A total of 10 credit hours can be earned for attending the entire day. The pre-registration deadline is March 9. Call Mary Ann Kizer at (870) 534-1033 or e-mail mkizer@uada.edu to pre-register.
ASC to host CrEATe Lab cooking class
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host its CrEATe Lab nutritious cooking series. Students ages 10-17 will learn with Faith Anaya, owner of Little Rock cooking school Kids Cook! The final class runs from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 12. Details: ASC Education Programs Manager Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@asc701.org or call 870-536-3375.
Beginning Saturday, March 12 Day center to provide free lunch, supplies
Lula Mae’s Day Center Inc. will give away lunch and blessing bags from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 12 and May 14 at Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., and on April 9 at Salvation Army, 501 E. 12th Ave. The center is giving back to the community in this project. The bags will include hand sanitizer, face masks, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, chips, cookies, peanut butter crackers and a water bottle, according to a news release from Shaneka Hamilton, Lula Mae’s executive director. Details: (870) 345-9596.
Through Saturday, March 12 SEA concert group hosts Little Mermaid
The Southeast Arkansas Concert Association 2021-22 season returns to live events at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Fine Arts Center. The Little Mermaid, the annual musical, will be held March 7-12 with 13 shows at the center. Details: https://searkconcert.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, March 15 SEARK board to meet
The Southeast Arkansas Board of Trustees will meet from 10-11:30 a.m. March 15 at training rooms 1 and 2, according to a news release. Details: https://www.seark.edu.
Free health screening set
A free community-wide health screening will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 15 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center. Lunch will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation, one of the sponsors. Screenings will be conducted for blood pressure, glucose, A1C, cholesterol, BMI (body mass index), oxygen/pulse and HIV. A non-invasive blood test will also be done for the prostate specific antigen (PSA). Program partners include the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas Minority Health Commission, the city of Pine Bluff, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), according to the news release.
Through Tuesday, March 15 Synergy grant applications available
Synergy Forum Inc. is accepting grant applications for their 2022 grant cycle. Registered non-profit organizations: IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, government agencies, and the hospital in Jefferson County are eligible to apply, according to a news release. Synergy grants fund projects that benefit residents in Jefferson County in the areas of the arts, education, and social services. Grant applications should be requested by March 15, completed and then submitted on or before April 7. For an application and details, send an email to synergyforumgrants@gmail.com .
Thursday, March 17 ASC to present Volunteer Night
The community is invited to join the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., as it recognizes the hard work and commitment of its volunteers. The awards ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 17 on the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater stage. Drinks and light hors d’oeuvres will be served and the ASC volunteer theater family will perform selections from the 2022 theater season. This event is free and open to the community.
Friday, March 18 ART WORKS plans Cabaret Event
The community is invited to the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas’s ART WORKS Presents: A Cabaret Event. Hosted by Bethany Gere, the event will be held from 6-8 p.m. March
18. Entry is $5 for ASC members and students, and $10 for nonmembers. “Enjoy show stopping performances by ASC’s Razzle Dazzle and musical performers Angelica Glass and Kasey Rowland and more Southeast Arkansas performers. Audience members will have opportunity to show off their own vocal and instrumental talents as well as win prizes,” according to the release.
Through Friday, March 18 UAM ceramics exhibit open
“Handmade,” an exhibition of modern and contemporary ceramics from the collection of Mitch Gathings, can be viewed at the University of Arkansas at Monticello through March 18. The exhibit is displayed in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at UAM, according to a news release. The project focuses on pottery and vessels from the collection of Gathings, UAM instructor of ceramics at UAM. The exhibition is open to the public. The gallery’s hours are Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 19 Yoga in The Loft set at ARTSpace
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas invites participants to exercise and relax with Florence Love every third Saturday from 1:30-3 p.m. during Yoga in the Loft. The next session is March 19 in the Loft Gallery of The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Love is a certified yoga instructor who will lead participants through an hour of yoga exercise, followed by a wind-down guided meditation session. New and experienced practitioners are welcome. This workshop is open to ages 13 and older. Entry is with a pay-what-you-can, although $15 is recommended. Advanced registration is required. Details: asc701.org/yoga or call (870) 536-3375. Masks are required.
Tuesday, March 22 Pastel session features 2 art league members
Award winning Pine Bluff Art League members Claudia Spainhour and Gerry DeLongchamp will present their “Pastel Workshop: No Need for Glass” workshop from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 22 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The entry is $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Pastels will be included during instruction. For a list of other required materials, call (870) 718-1058. A small recess will be held for lunch during the workshop. Masks are required during the event.
Thursday, March 24 City announces spring health fair
A spring health fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 24 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The city of Pine Bluff Advancing Health Literacy Program will host the event, according to a news release. The health fair will include free health screenings and medical information provided by the Arkansas Minority Health Commission. Covid-19 vaccines will be available for all ages and everyone who receives their first, second or third dose will receive a $25 gift card. Drawings for free gift cards will be done every 30 minutes beginning at 10:30 a.m., according to the release.
City, Waste Management set meeting
The city of Pine Bluff and Waste Management will host a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. March 24 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. All residents are invited to attend the town hall to share feedback, provide suggestions and ask questions, according to a news release. Officials will provide updates concerning collection of residential trash, obtaining replacement or second trash carts, bundling trash, reporting bulk and yard waste, and many other topics. Details: Mayor Shirley Washington’s Office, (870) 730-2000, ext. 7.
GOP committee to meet
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will meet at 6 p.m. March 24 at Larry’s Pizza, 4901 Dollarway Road, White Hall. The guest speaker will be Mark Lowery, candidate for Arkansas Treasurer of State, according to a news release.
Friday, March 25 ASC slates Weave and Unwind Workshop
Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas patrons can learn the skill of weaving from 5:30-8 p.m. March 25 at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. “Make something beautiful with instructor Morgun Henson in ASC’s beginners Weave and Unwind workshop. This class will take you on a step-by-step journey to create a beautiful wall hanging using weaving techniques: tabby weaving, soumak, rya, and more,” according to the release. The session is for ages 21 and older. The cost is $25 for ASC members and $35 for nonmembers. Materials are included. No experience necessary. Complimentary wine and beer will be provided by sponsor MK Distributors.
Ag Hall of Fame plans ceremony
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame has postponed its induction ceremony until 11:30 a.m. March 25 at the Embassy Suites at Little Rock. The change was made because of the increase in covid-19 cases, according to a news release. Those set for induction are retired Cooperative Extension Service Director Rick Cartwright of Fayetteville; long-time ag educator Joe Don Greenwood of Hermitage; the late Russell Roy Reynolds, director of the U.S. Forest Service Crossett Experimental Forest for 34 years; former Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach of Manila; Mark Waldrip of Moro, founder of Armor Seed Co.; and Andrew Wargo III of Watson, farm manager for the 15,000-acre Baxter Land Co. for more than 50 years. For tickets or details visit https://www.arkansasaghalloffame.org/pages/ induction-luncheon/
Through Wednesday, March 30 Small Works open at Alma; local artists included
The 2022 Small Works on Paper traveling artist exhibition will be open at the Alma Performing Arts Center gallery through March 30. The display features works by 28 artists, including Rashawn Penister of Pine Bluff and Crystal Jennings of Rison, according to an Arkansas Arts Council news release. Details: https:// www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-art-council/aac-programs/small-works-on-paper.
Through Thursday, March 31 UA P B Ag D i s c ove r y applications available to teens
Applications are being accepted for AgDiscovery, a residential career and science exploration program for teens, said Christopher C. Mathis Jr., AgDiscovery program director. The program is scheduled for June 11-24 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. March 31 is the application deadline. “During the application process, students can select their host university,” Mathis said. “There are 21 universities participating in AgDiscovery 2022.” The program allows participants ages 14-17 to live on campus and learn about agricultural science, environmental biology, industrial health and safety, plant and soil science, animal science, aquaculture and fisheries, and human sciences, said Mathis, assistant dean of research and associate research director for the UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences. Details: www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery or Mathis at (870) 575-8543 or mathisc@uapb.edu.
Friday, April 8 Alphas to host fundraising gala
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation (SEAJF) will hold the annual Valentine Scholarship Fundraiser gala at 7:06 p.m. April 8 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The original date was changed from Feb. 11, a spokesman said. The community is invited to attend. The colors will be all black with a touch of gold. This fundraiser will include a catered meal by First Class Catering/James Rice and dancing, according to a news release. Organizers will follow guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although the date changed, the ticket prices will remain the same: individual tickets are $40 each or a table of 10 for $400. Donations to the SEAJF are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Checks should be payable to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, a 501 (c)
(3) organization, or Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., P.O. Box 3159, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Details: Gregory Murray at (870) 550-4281.
Through Saturday, April 30 ASC to exhibit PAUSE. People, Places and Scenes
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will feature Carl E. Moore’s PAUSE. People, Places and Scenes exhibition at ASC’s main building, Feb. 3 through April 30. Moore’s paintings comment on a culture fraught with anti-Black rhetoric and sentiment, where the physical and psychological ramifications of racism seep into the private lives of the community he depicts, according to a news release. Patrons can join ASC Curator Jessica Lenehan for an Inside the Arts studio interview with Moore at 5 p.m. Feb. 3 at facebook.com/asc701/. ASC will host a joint reception featuring artists Moore and Meikel Church from 5-7 p.m. March 3.