Calendar

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.

Today

Watson Chapel board to meet

Watson Chapel School Board will hold a special board meeting at 6 p.m. today. Details: (870) 879-0220.

Election board to meet

The Jefferson County Board of Election Commissioners will hold a called meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at the election office, 123 N. Main St., according to chairman Mike Adam. The agenda includes public comments on new business agenda items (two minutes per speaker). New business includes a hearing for anyone who appears in response to a letter notifying them that their ballot was not counted, make final determinations on all provisional ballots based on the clerk’s findings, and certify the Watson Chapel School District Millage election.

Beginning Thursday, Aug. 18

Go Forward plans community sessions

Go Forward Pine Bluff will have community input sessions to discuss how citizens’ tax dollars are being used and to provide updates on projects, according to a news release. GFPB representatives will be available to answer questions from residents. Residents are welcome to attend any of the following sessions: Thursday at 5:30 p.m. — Family Church: 2309 S. Poplar St., Ward 2; Aug. 22 at 5:30 p.m. – New Life Church: 2801 S. Olive St., Ward 1; Aug. 30 at 5:30 p.m. – TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, Ward 4; and Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. – Good Faith Carr United Methodist Church: 3703 Ryburn Road, Ward 3. Details: www.goforwardpinebluff.org.

UAPB offers beekeeping workshop

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) will hold a workshop on beekeeping for beginners from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 18 and 25 in the S.J. Parker 1890 Extension Complex auditorium, 2300 L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive, according to a news release. Yong Park, Ph.D, UAPB associate professor of agriculture and entomologist/beekeeper, will lead the sessions. The course costs $30. Payments can be made in room 112 of the S.J. Parker Agricultural Research Center, 2102 Oliver Road at UAPB. Payments should be made via check or money order only and payable to the “UAPB Small Farm Program.” All monies are non-refundable. Details: UAPB Small Farm Program at (870) 575-7225 or wilkinsha@uapb.edu.

Neighborhood Watch meetings set

Neighborhood Watch meetings have been scheduled and residents are urged to attend, according to the Pine Bluff Police Department. The following will be held: Sheraton Park meets Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 4101 Hazel St. East Harding and Belmont/Broadmoor meets Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 812 E. Harding Ave. (subject to change.) University Park meets Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. at Family Community Development Center, 1001 N. Palm St.Details: Alicia Dorn at adorn@pbpd.org.

Beginning Friday, Aug. 19

New Hope to open pantry

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 9605 U.S. 65 South at Moscow, will open its food pantry on two days. From 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 19, food will be given to households with children under 18 years old. From 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 20, food will be available to anyone and there are no restrictions, according to a news release. New Hope will hand out food on a first come, first served basis until it’s all gone. The ministry is partnered with the Arkansas Food Bank TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program, according to the release.

Saturday, Aug. 20

BRAVE sets school supply drive thru event

The Pine Bluff Black Firefighters Association will present its Project Fresh Start School Supply Drive Thru event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave. Students will receive bags filled with school supplies. Free breakfast and lunch will be sponsored by Gould Youth Ministries (G.Y.M.) Better known as BRAVE (Banishing Racial Animosity Vigorously Everywhere), this organization continues its tradition of helping to prepare students for the upcoming school year, according to a news release.

VBS, school supply giveaway set

St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church and Shannon Road Baptist Church will give away backpacks filled with school supplies after Vacation Bible School at Bryant Street Park on Saturday. VBS will be held from 10 a.m. until noon, with registration at 10 a.m. Those ages 3 through 12th grade are encouraged to attend. The theme is Returning to the Value of Life. Lunch will be provided, according to a news release. If it rains, VBS will be held at St. Andrew, 5810 W. Malcomb St.

Breath of Life sets school event

Breath of Life Church, 1313 Pine St., will host a back-to-school event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. There will be free school supplies and lunches. Free haircut vouchers will be available from James Smith Jr. and LaSonja Smith with Smith Barber Institution until vouchers run out. The event is sponsored by the church’s Rosie A. Foster Willing Workers Ministry & Youth Department, according to a news release.

Barraque Street church plans block party

Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church and Barraque Street Community Foundation will present a community block party from 3-7 p.m. Aug. 20 at the church, 1800 W. Pullen St. School supplies will be distributed and the event will include bounce houses, music, food trucks, vendors, and giveaways. Community resources and voter registration will also be available, according to a news release. Visit www.barraquestmbc.org or follow Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church on social media.

Sounds of Blue to host Horton Band

“Sounds of Blue,” Blues from the Highway, will feature the John Horton Band with Jerry McCoy as well as an art exhibit on Aug. 20 at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The event is hosted by the Port City Blues Society and RJ’s. Patrons can begin the evening at 6 p.m. by meeting the artists and viewing the Delta Art Exhibit. In addition, special presentations will be made followed at 8 p.m. with music from the Horton Band with McCoy. This special program was funded by a grant from Synergy Forum, Inc., according to the newsletter from Pine Bluff Downtown Development.

Yoga in The Loft with Florence Love set

Ages 13 and older are invited to exercise and relax with certified yoga instructor Florence “FloEssence” Love every third Saturday from 1:30-3 p.m. during Yoga in the Loft. The next session is on Aug. 20. The cost is “pay-what-you-can” with $15 being recommended. This program takes place in the Loft Gallery at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Details: Kourtlynn Pinkins at kpinkins@asc701.org or (870) 536-3375.

Monday, Aug. 22

UAPB to host free covid shots

Free covid-19 vaccinations will be available to anyone 5 or older Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the student union game room at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Those between 5-17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. People needing a second dose or booster shot should bring their vaccine cards. Cards are also available at the local health department, according to a news release. UAPB is in partnership with AFMC (Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care) and the Arkansas Department of Health to provide the shots. Although shots are free, people should bring insurance cards if they have them.

A&P panel to meet

The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission finance committee will meet Monday at noon at the A&P Office, 623 S. Main St. Participants should let the staff know if they plan to attend. Details: (870) 534-2121.

Tuesday, Aug. 23

Civic panel to hold conference call

The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission will hold a conference call meeting at noon Aug. 23. Those interested in being a part of this conference call should call the Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600, or email tlrash@pinebluff.com, requesting to join the call. The staff will email the details, a spokesman said.

Manufacturing council sets job fair

The Jefferson County Manufacturing Council (JCMC) will host Manufacturing Made Easy Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 23 at the White Hall Community Center, 9301 Dollarway Road. The event will target industrial job seekers throughout the county and surrounding areas. The event is free to people seeking jobs. A $500 fee is for manufacturers that want to have a spot/table at the fair, but are not members of the JCMC. Registration is free to JCMC members. Details: Felicia@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or the the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce at (870) 535-0110.

ARTSpace hosts Game on Main

Youth in grades 5-12 are invited to Game on Main, a biweekly program at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Events continue Tuesday, Aug. 23, from 3:30-6 p.m. “This event will feature strategy and role-playing games as well as classic games like Guess Who, Uno, and chess,” according to the release. This is a free community program and no registration is required. Details: Matthew Howard at mhoward@asc701.org or (870) 536-3375.

Wednesday, Aug. 24

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.

Through Wednesday, Aug. 24

ASC hosts Small Works

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host the 35th annual “Small Works on Paper” exhibition through Aug. 24. The 2022 exhibition features artwork from 28 artists from across the state with 39 pieces on display. ASC volunteer Crystal Jennings of Rison and Pine Bluff native and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff graduate Rashawn Penister are among featured artists, according to a news release.

Thursday, Aug. 25

Jones-Dunklin center plans open house

The Jefferson Regional Jones-Dunklin Cancer Center, 1609 W. 40th Ave., will hold a ribbon cutting and open house. The event will be held at 5 p.m. Aug. 25, according to the newsletter of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.

GOP panel to meet

The Jefferson County Republican Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 25 at Larry’s Pizza, Dollarway Road, at White Hall. The guest speaker will be Secretary of State John Thurston. The agenda includes discussions on proposed fund-raising programs, White Hall Founders Day, reports on campaign efforts, and election plans, according to David L. Singer, chairman.

Saturday, Aug. 27

Center to give away school supplies

Lula Mae’s Day Center will host a back-to-school giveaway from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Pine Bluff Community Center, 1000 S. Ash St. They will give away school supplies, backpacks, hygiene supplies, snack packs, and other items, according to a news release.

Ivy Center sets free ACT Boot Camp

The Ivy Center for Education Inc. will host a free “ACT Boot Camp” beginning at 8:45 a.m. Aug. 27 in the Rust Technology Building at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The session will help prepare students for the Sept. 10 exam, according to a news release. The 4-hour group session will feature live training by Charity Smith-Allen, founder of the Arkansas College Prep, and staff. Students may register for the boot camp by sending an email to mattie1908@gmail.com by Aug. 25. The ACT Boot Camp is for 7-12 graders. (High school seniors are top priority.) Covid 19 Protocol – Masks are required to enter the building. Students who plan to take the Sept. 10 exam must register with ACT by Aug. 5 at www.act.org or www.actstudent.org. Students must show their school ID to be admitted to the boot camp. Students from all school districts may attend. Those who cannot attend in person may join on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85682964187?pwd=QlJ4REF5NFp5WGFLblJHWXFTdC8rQT09.

Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 30

UAPB slates virtual land conference

The second annual Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Joint Regional Conference will be held virtually from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 30 and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 31. The free event is co-sponsored by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Small Farm Program and Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Cooperative Extension Program, according to a news release. Attendees will learn about timely forestry and conservation topics and receive educational resources that can help resolve heirs’ property issues and build generational wealth through forestland management, said Kandi Williams, UAPB Keeping it in the Family outreach coordinator. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3byg8XZ. To have the link to the registration form sent to an email address, email williamska@uapb.edu.

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.

Beginning Saturday, Sept. 3

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 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.

Friday, Sept. 9

Governor’s Arts Awards deadline set

The Arkansas Arts Council is accepting nominations for the 2023 Governor’s Arts Awards. Recipients are nominated by the public, then selected by an independent panel of arts professionals from around the state, according to a news release. Nominations are open in the following categories: Arts Community Development, Arts in Education, Corporate Sponsorship of the Arts, Folklife, Individual Artist, Patron and Lifetime Achievement. The nomination deadline is Sept. 9. Details: https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-art-council/aac-programs/governor’s-arts-awards .

Tuesday, Sept. 13

Trinity Village sets style show, lunch

Trinity Village, 6400 Trinity Drive, will host a style show and luncheon at noon Sept. 13. The event will be held at the facility’s Great Hall. Tickets are $20 and proceeds will go toward upgrading their entertainment center, according to the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter. Details: (870) 879-8221.

House of Bread pantry opens

House of Bread Deliverance Church will open its pantry at the church’s new location, 1501 W. Second Ave., on Sept. 17. Food will be handed out from 11 a.m. to noon or until all food boxes are gone, according to a news release.

Thursday, Sept. 22

Foundation slates golf tourney

The Jefferson Regional Foundation will host its second annual golf tournament Sept. 22 at the Pine Bluff Country Club, according to the newsletter of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.To register or for sponsorship details, contact Laura Beth Shaner at (870) 541-7210 or shanerl@jrmc.org.

Taste of Southeast Arkansas set

The Taste of Southeast Arkansas will be held Sept. 22 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and the tasting starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 each, according to the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce newsletter. “Join us for an evening of delicious food as you enjoy samplings from chefs from across Southeast Arkansas. This event is put on by the Jefferson County Young Professionals Network,” according to http://pinebluffchamber.chambermaster.com/ Details: Chamber: (870) 535-0110.

Saturday, Sept. 24

Seals Suicide Prevention sets gala

The community is invited to the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project Inaugural Gala on Sept. 24 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. A silent auction will begin at 5 p.m. and the gala starts at 6 p.m. Gala tickets are $50 per person. Tables are $400. A souvenir journal with advertising opportunities will be available. Ads are $100 for a full page, $50 for a half page, $40 for a fourth page and $25 for a business card. The attire is semi-formal. Lorenzo Lewis of The Confess Project will be the keynote speaker and the Rodney Block Collective will provide entertainment. Honorary co-chairs are Calvin and Janetta Booker, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The deadline for all purchases is Sept. 1. Details: Kenetta Ridgell, at (870) 818-7993. “The D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project (DSOP) is a non profit, 501c3 organization,” according to their Facebook page.

Through Friday, Sept. 30

LIHEAP available for utility aid

Officials with the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) began accepting applications July 25 for help with summer cooling bills, including those from Entergy Arkansas and other utilities. This assistance will be available through Sept. 30 or until funds run out. LIHEAP is funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is designed to lower the energy burden for low-income households, according to a news release from Entergy. The program is offered in all 75 counties through community-based organizations. Details: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/caad.aspx .

Fire suppression applications available

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is accepting applications for Wildland Fire Suppression Kits through Sept. 30. The forestry division received $293,600 through a U.S. Forest Service grant to provide 89 kits this year to rural volunteer fire departments across the state, according to a news release. Rural volunteer fire departments interested in applying should apply online and the applications is available at cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/ApplicationForWildlandFireSuppressionKit. Paper applications are available upon request. Details: Kathryn Mahan-Hooten at Kathryn.mahan@agriculture.arkansas.gov, (501)679-3183 or agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/rural-fire-protection-program/.

Friday, Oct. 21

NAACP plans annual banquet

The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP will present its 30th Dove Freedom Fund Banquet, in person, at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Pine Bluff Convention. The keynote speaker will be Jackie Harris, circuit judge-elect for 11th West Judicial District of Arkansas, 4th Division, Sub District 11w.1, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The attire is semi-formal. The cost of the banquet is $40 per person. Tables are available for $400. The deadline to purchase tickets and tables is Oct. 11. To purchase tickets, tables or for more details, contact event chairmen Sharon Sergeant at (870) 718-4164 or Marikka Bender at (256) 513-1667, or NAACP President Wanda V. Neal at (870) 536-3141.

Through Saturday, Oct. 22

ASC to open Casiano exhibit

A new exhibition filled with unique portraits by Batesville-based artist Eliseo Casiano is open at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. ASC will host the Color, Faces, People exhibit in the William H. Kennedy Jr. Gallery through Oct. 22. Details: asc701.org or eliseocasiano.com.

Through Thursday, Oct. 27

Conservation education grants available

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services will award $808,146.04 to Arkansas schools and educators to support conservation education programs in the 2022-23 school year. Grant funds come from wildlife fines collected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, according to a news release. Any school or conservation district in Arkansas may apply through Oct. 27. Details: https://www.arkansasedc.com/Rural-Services/division/grants/wildlife-education-grant.

Underway

Farmer’s Market open Saturdays

The Farmer’s Market at Saracen Landing, 200 Lake Saracen Drive, 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.

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 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.