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.
Saturday, June 18
Juneteenth event set downtown
The Pine Bluff Juneteenth Celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on Main Street between Barraque Street and Third Avenue and the public is invited to attend. The celebration, originally set for Regional Park, was changed to downtown, according to the mayor’s office. The event will include free lunch, children’s activities, singing, praise dances, story telling, dramatic presentations, informational tables, and refreshments. Also, the community is invited to attend Movie Night at the Pine Bluff City Hall north lawn, 200 E. Eighth Ave., from 8-10:30 p.m. Saturday. Marvel’s Black Panther will be featured. Attendees must bring their own lawn chairs. Admission will be free, and food and snacks will be available. Details: Mary Liddell at (870) 643-2383; marylddll@yahoo.com or 730-2000, ext. 7; or William Fells III, Office of the Mayor, Special Projects Coordinator, (870) 730-2004.
Pancake breakfast set
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church at Stuttgart will host a pancake breakfast Saturday beginning at 6:30 a.m., according to a news release. Details: Emmanuel Lutheran, (870) 673-2344.
House of Bread to open pantry
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 500 S. Main St., will open its food pantry Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon or until all the food boxes are gone. Food will be given away on a first come, first served basis and only one box will be given per household. Everyone must bring proof of address (utility bills and driver’s license or ID.) Everyone is required to wear a mask, according to a news release. All clients must fill out new intake forms for 2022 if they haven’t already done so. Participants won’t get a box if they don’t have the information required, according to the release.
Kings Highway dads’ event set
Kings Highway Baptist Church’s children will challenge their dads and men of the church in a Father’s Day weekend baseball game on, June 18 at Townsend Park. The Pee Wee team will play at 3 p.m. followed by the older youth and the men. Participants must bring their own gloves. This is a free activity and open to the public.
City to host movie night
The city of Pine Bluff invites the community to Movie Night on the civic center lawn at Pine Bluff City Hall at 8 p.m. June 18. Black Panther will be shown. Participants should bring their lawn chairs. Vendors will be available for snacks, according to the mayor’s Facebook page.
Vaccines offered at Juneteenth event
Free covid-19 Pfizer vaccines for ages 5 years old and older will be offered during a Juneteenth celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 18 on Main Street between Barraque Street and Third Avenue. Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC), the city of Pine Bluff, and the Arkansas Department of Health are sponsoring the vaccine clinic, according to the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter. People may receive their first or second covid-19 shot or the booster shots. Participants are asked to bring their vaccination card if requesting their second dose or booster. Appointments aren’t necessary and although vaccines are free, people are asked to bring their insurance card if they have one. Those getting their first shot will receive a $20 Arkansas Lottery Scratch off ticket or Arkansas Game and Fish Commission gift certificate if they’re 18 years or older. Those 12-17 can receive the gift certificate.
ASC plans Kids Cookin’ for a Cause
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas invites patrons 10 and older to participate in Kids Cookin’ for a Cause, from 10:30 a.m. to noon June 18. This event will take place at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Kids Cookin’ for a Cause community service program gives kids the opportunity to practice their kitchen skills while earning community service hours. Participants will join instructor Faith Anaya of Kids Cook! to prepare pasta dinners. The food produced will be donated to Potluck Food Rescue, an Arkansas food rescue organization, for kids served by Potluck’s Kids Pantry. Kids Cookin’ for a Cause is a free program. Registration is required. To register, visit asc701.org, call (870) 536-3375, or visit ASC. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@asc701.org or (870) 536-3375.
Farmer’s Market open
The Farmer’s Market held its grand opening June 4 at Saracen Landing, 200 Lake Saracen Drive. The market will be open each Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to the Pine Bluff Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page.
Concert group sets Hootenanny
A Hee-Haw Hootenanny will be performed at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the University of Arkansas for Monticello Fine Arts Center. “This will be a fun show comprised of local talent and moments from the hit show ‘Hee Haw,'” according to a news release from the Southeast Arkansas (SEARK) Concert Association. Tickets are $20 adults (age 11-64), $15 seniors (age 65 and older); $10 children (10 and under); and $5 veterans. Details: https://searkconcert.org/a-hee-haw-hootenanny/ or (870) 460-1888.
Sunday, June 19
Pilgrim church honors men
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 W Hill St., will honor the fathers and men of the church at 10 a.m. Sunday. The speaker will be Circuit Judge-Elect Jackie Harris. Everyone is invited to attend. There will also be special presentations of men who have made significant contributions to the church and community. The Rev. Kevin L. Crumpton is pastor of Pilgrim church.
Beginning Sunday, June 19
Dermott native’s play to
debut at Fayetteville
TheatreSquared will produce the co-world premiere of Flex by Candrice Jones, a Dermott native and winner of the 2020 Steinberg Playwright Award, June 19-July 24. Performances of Flex are scheduled Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. at TheatreSquared at Fayetteville. Tickets range from $18-$58. Jones is a playwright, poet, and educator who writes “love letters for and to women of the American South,” according to a news release. Details: theatre2.org/lights-up, theatre2.org/subscribe or (479) 777-7477.
Monday, June 20
Offices to close for Juneteenth
Several agencies announced that they will be closed in observance of Juneteenth on Monday: Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices. Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices.
Beginning Monday, June 20
Hurricane HYPE sets youth camp
Hurricane HYPE Center, near New St. Hurricane Baptist Church, 3319 S. Ohio St., will host a Summer Camp for youth June 20 through July 22. Sessions will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost is $250 per child. The fee includes everything except concessions and masks are required, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The camp is open to youth in the first through eighth grade. Space is limited. Youth will participate in an array of activities, including 4-H, coding and recreation. For details, call (870) 534-2782 or send an email to hurricanehypecenter@gmail.com. Camp applications are available at newsthurricane.org.
Tuesday, June 21
Runoff election day set
The runoff election day is June 21 and voting will take place between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at polling sites. Runoffs will be held to decide these races: Pine Bluff City Council member Ward 1 — Latisha Brunson or Danny Walker; Pine Bluff City Council member Ward 3 candidates Lanette Frazier or Ivan Whitfield (incumbent); and Vaugine Township Constable candidates DeShawn Bennett or Leon Warren Sr.
SEA caregivers, supporters meet
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will host the Caregivers Alzheimer’s Support Group meeting virtually at 11 a.m. on June 21 via Zoom. The topic will be Hospice and Hospice Myths and the speaker will be Linda Bateman of Arkansas Hospice. To join the Zoom meeting visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84564147311?pwd=TWwxVDl5cGVHZi91Y2xQenZaSkJ6Zz09. Use meeting ID: 845 6414 7311 and passcode: 909729. To dial by location call +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) or find a local number at https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kepGTJtCyV. Details: Carolyn Ferguson at Area Agency, (870) 543-6300.
Beginning Tuesday, June 21
Election panel to meet 2 days
The Jefferson County Board of Election Commissioners will hold two called meetings, according to Michael Adam, chairman. The commissioners will hold an election day meeting Tuesday from 7 a.m. until approximately 9 p.m. when unofficial election results are announced at the election center, 123 Main St. The commissioners will hold a regular meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the election center. The agenda includes public comments on new business agenda items (two minutes per speaker). New business includes adjudicating any provisional and absentee ballots and approval of the manual audit of unofficial election results.
Neighborhood Watch groups to meet
The Pine Bluff Police Department announced the Neighborhood Watch meetings will resume and residents are urged to attend. Groups, dates and locations include:
Faucett Road meets June 21 at 6 p.m. at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave.
University Park meets June 23 at 6 p.m. at Family Community Development Center, 1001 N. Palm St.
East Harding meets June 27 at 6 p.m. at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 812 E. Harding Ave.
Details: Alicia Dorn at adorn@pbpd.org or Chief Lloyd Franklin Sr. at lfranklin@pbpd.org.
Wednesday, June 22
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, June 23
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. June 23. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 5 p.m. June 22, according to a news release. During the claims clinic, veterans may speak one-on-one to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office regarding their claims for VA benefits. The staff is is available to answer questions about existing VA benefits claims and how to file a new one.
UAM Crossett sets graduation
The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC) will hold its commencement for the graduating class of 2022 at 7 p.m. June 23 at the Crossett High School Arena. The doors will open at 5 p.m., according to a news release. More than 100 graduates will be recognized during the awarding of technical certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees.
GOP committee to meet
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. June 23 at Larry’s Pizza 7401 Dollarway Road. The guest speaker will be the Judge Chris Carnahan, a candidate for the Arkansas Supreme Court. In addition to the regular meeting, the group will also hold their county committee convention, David Singer, Jefferson County GOP committee chairman, said in a news release.
Friday, June 24
UAM McGehee sets graduation
The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-McGehee (UAM-CTM) will hold its 2022 commencement at 2 p.m. June 24 at the Fine Arts Center on the UAM Monticello campus. The doors will open at 1 p.m., according to a news release. Sixty-six graduates will receive technical certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees. One hundred and seven students will receive a Certificate of Proficiency. Seventeen graduates who completed the Adult Education program and earned their GEDs will be presented with diplomas.
Saturday, June 25
TOPPS slates mental health first aid
TOPPS Teen Center, 1000 Townsend Park Drive, will continue trainings on mental health first aid June 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free to attend, according to a news release. The trainer will be Annette Dove, founder and executive director of TOPPS. Pre-registration is required by calling (870) 267-2186, Toni Burton-Walker, TOPPS’ administrative intern, and a registered nurse.
Summit plans patriotic concert
Summit Baptist Church, 901 Ridgway Road, will host a patriotic concert by the Summit Soundz Celebration Band at 6 p.m. June 25. The concert is free and open to the public, accorcding to a news release. The band includes high school and college students from Jefferson County as well as area band directors. “Bring your family and friends to this concert,” said Lewis Hinkle, Summit’s worship pastor. “We will have a time to honor all of our veterans and current military personnel.” A free-will offering will be accepted to help fund the scholarship fund for the band.
Monday, June 27
Federal retirees to meet
Chapter 287 of NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) will meet at 11:30 a.m. June 27 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave. The guest speaker will be Sarah Reap, assistant superintendent at the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Reap will discuss Cane Creek State Park in Lincoln County and the frogs that are kept at the Park, according to a news release. Waymond Meins is the Chapter 287 president.
Beginning Monday, June 27
ASC plans Art Pro Camp
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is offering summer camps for ages 7-20. For details, registration and scholarship applications, visit asc701.org/summer-camps. Sessions include: Art Pro — Campers will have lessons in various mediums while exploring themes of “Space and Time.” The camp will run from 9 a.m.-noon , June 27-July 1. Open to ages 12-17, it is limited to 15 participants. The cost is $100 for members, $120 for nonmembers.
Vocal Performance Camp set
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is offering summer camps for ages 7-20. For details, registration and scholarship applications, visit asc701.org/summer-camps. Sessions include: ASC’s Vocal Performance Camp — Students will learn new and improved vocal techniques, work on individual and group songs, perfect their performance skills, and learn how to be overall better vocalists. The camp will run from 1-4 p.m. June 27-July 1, with a final performance at 6 p.m. July 1. It is open to ages 12-20 and limited to 20 participants. The cost is $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers.
Friday, July 1
MLK Commission plans unity event at Monticello
The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission invites the public to attend the 2022 Monticello “Unity in the Community Festival,” at noon July 1 at McCloy Park at Monticello. The event will be free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, according to a news release. Highlights will include R&B singer Eddie Levert, concerts by Steven Russell, former lead singer of TROOP, and Doug E Fresh, pioneering hip-hop artist. The festival will include free food at designated food vendors, a community vendor showcase, live entertainment, a kids’ zone, and a homebuyers’ workshop.
Beginning Saturday, July 2
Blues concerts on tap for downtown
The Port City Blues Society will host “Blues By Budweiser,” live blues concerts on the first Saturday of each month through February 2023 at RJ’s Sports Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted for free. There’s a $5 cover charge for nonmembers, according to a news release. Performers include July 2 — D.K. Harrell; Aug. 6 — La La Craig & Element 88; Sept. 3 — Chad Marshall Band; Oct. 1 — Deak Harp Duo; Nov. 5 — Kent Burnside; Dec. 3 — Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain; Jan. 7, 2023 — Sean Bad Apple; and Feb. 4, 2023 — Arkaholics. Details: portcitybluessociety.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.
Beginning Sunday, July 10
Community Foundation offers grants
Grant opportunities are available from the Arkansas Community Foundation. The agency’s Giving Tree Grant applications will be accepted July 10 through 11:59 p.m. Aug. 15, according to a news release. Area affiliates include the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation at Pine Bluff and the Delta Area Community Foundation at Dumas. All applications must be submitted on the online portal found at arcf.org/givingtree.
Through Friday, Aug. 5
TOPPS holds summer camp
TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service), a non-profit at Pine Bluff, will conduct summer camp 22 for children ages 7-15 years, according to a news release. Camps will be held June 14-Aug. 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Slots are available on a first come, first served basis. Activities will include: academics, acting, music, sports, kickball, STEM (science, technology, engineer, and math), financial literacy, art — craft/sewing, cooking, physical fitness, dance, karate, golf, swimming, skating, bowling, archery, board games, field trips, 3D printing, movies, fishing, robotics, and entrepreneur training. Details: TOPPS office, (870)850-6011 between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Friday, July 8
Women’s group plans trip
The Women of Faith will sponsor a turn-around trip to Branson, Mo., to view the live, epic performance of, “Jesus” on Friday, July 8. The cost includes transportation and the theater ticket, according to a news release. Details: Jessie Clemmons, (870) 692-2194.
Through Friday, July 8
Water company to flush lines
Liberty has scheduled its annual Arkansas water system flushing, according to a news release. The schedule includes: Pine Bluff: June 14-24; White Hall: June 27-July 1; Woodson and Hensley: July 5-8. These dates are approximate and subject to change. Liberty’s annual flushing, required by the Arkansas Department of Health, helps ensure fire hydrants are working properly and improves the quality and reliability of its system. Liberty asks customers who may experience any water pressure or quality issues during the scheduled flushing times to run cold water from their faucet for 10 minutes. If the issue persists, they should call the Liberty Customer Care team at 1-855-382-6508. Details: www.libertyenergyandwater.com.
Beginning Monday, July 11
CrEATe Lab Camps open
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is offering summer camps for ages 7-20. For details, registration and scholarship applications, visit asc701.org/summer-camps. Sessions include: CrEATe Lab Jr Camp — students will receive hands-on training in the kitchen with Kids Cook! owner Faith Anaya. Youth can learn cooking and food preparation skills while exploring different cuisines. The camp will run from 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday, July 11-15. It is open to ages 7-10 and is limited to 10 participants. The cost is $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers. For ages 11-17, CrEATe Lab Pro Camp is offered. Students will gain skills and use tools that can enable them to feel confident creating in the kitchen. The camp will run from 1-4 p.m. July 11-15. It is open to ages 11-17 and limited to 10 participants. The cost is $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers.
UAM Kids’ University set
UAM Kids’ University will be held July 11-14. The University of Arkansas at Monticello will host the summer enrichment day camp for youth entering 1st through 6th grades in the fall. The morning session is for grades 1–3 and will be held from 9 a.m.–noon. The afternoon session is for grades 4–6 and will be held from 1-5 p.m. An early drop-off option is available for both sessions. For registration and details, visit https://www.uamont.edu/about/kids-university.html. Details: Rebecca Newton at kidsu@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1596.
Friday, July 15
Blue & You accepts grant applications
The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is accepting grant applications from Arkansas public schools, governmental agencies and nonprofit groups. Grants of up to $150,000 are available to support programs focusing on behavioral health resources, the social determinants of health, maternal and pediatric health needs, health equity, whole person health, and medical condition innovation, according to a news release. Applications should be submitted to https://blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org by July 15.
Beginning Monday, July 18
Science Camp opens at ASC
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is offering summer camps for ages 7-20. For details, registration and scholarship applications, visit asc701.org/summer-camps. Sessions include: ASC’s Science Camp — Campers will create models and explore activities that will demonstrate various scientific principles to demonstrate how the universe works, whether that be gravity, time, planets, or more. This camp will run from 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday, July 18-22. This camp is open to ages 7-11 and is limited to 15 participants. The cost is $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers.
ASC hosts Film Camp
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is offering summer camps for ages 7-20. For details, registration and scholarship applications, visit asc701.org/summer-camps. Sessions include: ASC’s Film Camp — The camp will explore storytelling as an art form, develop film ideas, shoot video, record audio and edit creations based on the “Space and Time” theme. The camp will run from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. July 18-22. It is open to ages 12-17 years old and is limited to 15 participants. The cost is $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers.
Thursday, July 21
Rotary to host Hooten’s football program
The Rotary Club of West Pine Bluff will host Barry Grooms of Hooten’s Arkansas Football at 11:30 a.m. July 21 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The lunch program will feature a lot of football talk, according to a news release. “We are extending this invitation to representatives from all football programs in Southeast Arkansas, so you will not only have the opportunity to hear comments from Arkansas’ premier football authority, you can also visit with coaches and key players from football programs in Southeast Arkansas — all in the same room at the same time. And eat well,” a spokesman said. Details: Roy Ferrell at roywferrell@gmail.com.
Through Friday, July 22
Small Works open to submissions
Applications are being accepted for the 2023 Small Works on Paper touring exhibition. The deadline is July 22 for artists to submit work, according to a news release. Small Works on Paper is an annual juried art exhibition presented by the Arkansas Arts Council and features the work of Arkansas artists who are members of the Arts Council’s Artist Registry. Details: https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-art-council/aac-programs/small-works-on-paper.
Beginning Friday, July 22
ASC to present Cinderella
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” July 22-24 and July 29-31, according to a news release. Tickets are $20 for ASC members and seniors, and $25 for nonmembers. To purchase tickets, visit asc701.org, call (870) 536-3375, or purchase tickets in person.
Through Wednesday, July 27
Lakeside, St. Luke set summer camp
Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive St., and St. Luke United Methodist Church, 32 School St., will host a summer day camp through July 27 for children in first through fifth grade. Sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Project Transformation Arkansas will sponsor the camp. Activities will include games, arts, recreation, and reading. Meals will be provided by TOPPS Inc. Registration is $20 per child or $50 per family. Parents may sign up their children at https://ptark.force.com/registration/s/ or by calling either church, according to a flier on the mayor’s Facebook page. Details: Lakeside UMC, (870) 534-6241, or St. Luke UMC, (870) 535-2291.
Through Friday, July 29
Agency hosts fan drive
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas is holding its annual “Beat The Heat Fan Drive” for Jefferson County now through July 29. The purpose of the drive is to raise money to purchase fans or air conditioners for elderly or disabled people, according to a news release. People who would like to make donations or purchase fans should call Carolyn Ferguson or Pauline Jones at Area Agency, (870) 543-6300 or 1-800-264-3260.
Through Saturday, Aug. 6
Camp set for special needs children
CP Foundation & Consulting Group will conduct the H.E.R.O.E.S Club Night & Weekend Camp for special needs children ages 5-12 who are looking for something fun and structured to do. The camp will be held at the Pine Bluff Community Center, 1000 S. Ash St. “Fifteen free scholarships are available,” said Carolyn Pridgeon, founder and executive director of CP Foundation & Consulting Group, camp sponsor. Session A will be held June 6 through July 2. Session B will take place July 10 through Aug. 6. Sessions are available Monday through Friday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. or Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children with a behavioral plan or educational deficiency are welcomed, according to a news release on Stuff in The Bluff.com. The registration membership fee is $50. The fee is $50 per week for Monday through Friday sessions and $25 per week for Saturday sessions. To register or for details, email heroesclubpb@gmail.com or call (725) 236-9003.
Beginning Friday, Aug. 5
UAPB alumni plan virtual conference
The UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association announced that the National Alumni Virtual Summer Conference will be held Aug. 5-6 beginning at 9 a.m. The Greater Kansas City Alumni Chapter will serve as the host, according to a news release. Everyone registered by June 30 will be entered in a prize drawing. The registration fee is $25. To register, visit uapbalumni.org. For details, send an email to uapbkc@gmail.com or visit https://uapbalumni.org/.
Through Saturday, Aug. 6
Camp set for special needs children
CP Foundation & Consulting Group will conduct the H.E.R.O.E.S Club Night & Weekend Camp for special needs children ages 5-12 who are looking for something fun and structured to do. The camp will be held at the Pine Bluff Community Center, 1000 S. Ash St. “Fifteen free scholarships are available,” said Carolyn Pridgeon, founder and executive director of CP Foundation & Consulting Group, camp sponsor. Session A will be held June 6 through July 2. Session B will take place July 10 through Aug. 6. Sessions are available Monday through Friday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. or Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children with a behavioral plan or educational deficiency are welcomed, according to a news release on Stuff in The Bluff.com. The registration membership fee is $50. The fee is $50 per week for Monday through Friday sessions and $25 per week for Saturday sessions. To register or for details, email heroesclubpb@gmail.com or call (725) 236-9003.
Through Friday, Aug. 12
Delta Dental grants available
The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation is accepting grant applications from Arkansas nonprofits, according to a news release. Through Aug. 12, eligible organizations may apply for funding for new or existing programs that provide oral health education, dental treatment or preventive oral care. Grant guidelines and the online application may be accessed at https://www.deltadentalar.com/giving-back/delta-dental-of-arkansas-foundation/funding-opportunities/2023-community-grants#grantoverview.
DRA seeks leaders for academy
Delta Regional Authority (DRA) opened the application period for the 2023 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy. The deadline is Aug. 12. DLI is a nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. Chosen through a competitive application process, the class will include approximately 30 participants from the eight-state DRA region, including Arkansas, according to a news release. For details or to apply, visit dra.gov/leadership.
Saturday, Aug. 13
Maze Featuring Frankie
Beverly performs
The R&B group Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, according to a news release. The group has earned 24 R&B Top 40 singles, including “While I’m Alone,” “Golden Time Of Day,” “Southern Girl,” “Runnin’ Away,” “Before I Let Go,” “Back In Stride,” “Too Many Games,” “Can’t Get Over You” and “Silky Soul,” according to the release. Tickets start at $50, plus applicable taxes. Secured parking will be available for $20. Tickets can be purchased at www.iTickets.com. Details: Pine Bluff Convention Center, pinebluffconventioncenter.com or (870) 536-7600.
Beginning Friday, Sept. 2
PBHS 1972 class reunion set
The Pine Bluff High School Class of 1972 is planning its 50th reunion for Sept. 2-3 at Pine Bluff, according to a news release. “If you were a member of this class and graduated in 1972, or if you were a member of this class but did not graduate with the class in 1972, we would love to celebrate our Golden Reunion with you. You are also welcome to join us for any future reunions that we may have,” according to the release. Participants are also urged to tell other class members about the event. Details: Gail Jenkins Sales, (870) 489-8527 or Mickey Shell, (870) 718-3930.
Underway
Inside dining set at
Neighbor to Neighbor
Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., returned to inside dining Jan. 3 for fully vaccinated people only. Fully vaccinated means a person has had both shots (of Pfizer or Moderna) and the booster or one shot (Johnson & Johnson) and booster, according to a news release Those entering the building must show their ID and vaccination cards. Take-out lunches will still be provided to unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or people without proper documentation for a limited time. Details: Pat Tate, Neighbor to Neighbor executive director, (870) 534-2883.
Salvation Army Auxiliary hosts fundraiser
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary won’t hold its annual Christmas Luncheon and Festival of Tables, but will accept donations for the local Salvation Army, which provides food, shelter, socialization opportunities, spiritual enrichment and other services. The festivities were canceled in 2020-21 because of covid-19, according to a news release. Checks should be made payable to the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and delivered to the Salvation Army Corps headquarters at 501 E. 12th Ave. or mailed to Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, P.O. Box 8209, Pine Bluff, AR, 71611. Details: Salvation Army, (870) 534-0504.
Covid-19 vaccines, testing available
The Arkansas Department of Health, various pharmacies and healthcare providers offer the covid-19 vaccine, tests and other information about coronavirus. Details: Call the Arkansas Department of Health at (800) 985-6030, visit the website at healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan or contact area medical professionals, according to spokesmen.
Tuesdays
Unity Christian Fellowship offers free financial classes
Unity Christian Fellowship Church (UCFC), 2712 S. Bay St., invites the community to its free Small Business and Personal Financial Education classes at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Recent subjects included “The Importance of Having a Financial Plan” and “Financial Literacy,” according to Stuff in the Bluff website. “You cannot afford to miss out on these life-changing classes. We are practicing social distancing and will have hand sanitizer wipes available,” according to the site. Anthony Armstrong is the senior pastor. Details: unitychristianfellowship@live.com or (870) 329-1182.