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 or use our newsroom email pbcnews@pbcommercial.com to make additions or changes.
Friday, March 3
Agri Hall of Fame members to be inducted
Five new members will be inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame at 11:30 a.m. March 3 at the Little Rock Convention Center. Inductees include veteran cotton farmer and industry leader Steve Stevens of Tillar; Arkansas Century Farm owner/operator and philanthropist Ellis Bell of Forrest City; Arkansas State University professor of agricultural economics Bert Greenwalt of Jonesboro; innovative rice farmer Chris Isbell of Humnoke; and the late Jessie (J.D.) Vaught of Horatio, a pioneer in contract livestock production, according to a news release. Luncheon tickets are $80 each and available by calling (501) 228-1609 or emailing aghalloffame@arfb.com. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.arkansasaghalloffame.org/pages/induction-luncheon/. Details: www.arfb.com.
Through Friday, March 3
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Zeta Phi Beta offers
scholarships
Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. will provide a $1,000 scholarship ($500 each semester) to a young woman enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a $500 scholarship ($250 each semester) to a young woman enrolled at Southeast Arkansas College. An applicant must have a 3.0 grade point average. The application, an official transcript, and letters of recommendation on the letter writer’s official letterhead, may be emailed to epilonzz.pb@gmail.com or mailed to P.O. Box 1161, Pine Bluff, AR 71613, by March 3, 2023, according to a news release. For scholarship details or for an application, email Mary Liddell, second vice president, at marylddll@yahoo.com or call (870) 643-2383.
Beginning Friday, March 3
Knights of Columbus sets fish fry
The Knights of Columbus invites the community to its annual fish fry on Fridays at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gallagher Hall, 412 W. Sixth Ave. Meals are dine in or carried out and will be served from 5-7 p.m. March 3, 17, 24, and 31. The dinners are $15 (all you can eat) and $8 for children, according to a news release.
Underway
PB to host 5A basketball tourney
The 5A State Basketball Tournament will be held at the Pine Bluff Convention Center today through Saturday. Admission is $7 for adults and students. There’s no charge for ages 5 and younger, according to a news release. All tickets must be purchased via GoFan.com, the digital ticketing provider of the Arkansas Activities Association. Secured parking will be available for $5 or $10 payable with debit or credit cards only. Unsecured free parking is also available in outlying lots. Participants should in mind the convention center has a clear bag policy. The Boys Tournament Bracket is available at https://scorebooklive.com/arkansas/basketball/brackets/3309. The Girls Tournament Bracket is available at https://scorebooklive.com/arkansas/girls-basketball/brackets/3308. Details: https://pinebluffconvention.center/
Chamber invites non-profits to exhibit at expo
The Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for non-profits to exhibit free in the Community Spotlight at Business Expo 2023 on May 4 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Community Spotlight will be in the West Concourse near the main entrance of the arena. The Chamber is offering this space free to Jefferson County non-profit, community, and human service agencies. Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis with special consideration given to Chamber members, according to the Chamber newsletter. Details: Jennifer Kline, Chamber director, at (870) 535-0110 or jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Saturday, March 4
Southeast school group to meet
The Southeast Junior/Senior High School Historical Society LLC is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. All Southeast alumni are invited to attend. Agenda items include updates on gym status, Arkansas Historical Preservation, business plan, and securing 501 (c)(3) status. Committee progress reports will be made on finance, Alumni and Friends Survey, facility use, memorabilia and historical artifacts. The meeting will be available on Zoom at ID: 860 5799 4647; Password 136517 or phone by dialing (305) 224-1968.
New date on free childcare provider classes
Family and consumer sciences agents will conduct free classes for childcare providers through the Best Care program. The training will be held at 8 a.m. April 22 at the parish hall of St. Joseph Catholic Church, 412 W. Sixth Ave. The date was changed from March 4, according to a news release. Ten hours of training will be offered. The training will be taught by agents of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Instructors include Danielle Watson and Mary Ann Kizer, extension agents in Cleveland and Jefferson counties. Registration is required by April 17. Interested participants may contact Kizer at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office at (870) 534-1033 or by email at mkizer@uada.edu.
Sunday, March 5
Lake Village spaghetti supper set
The Ladies Altar Society at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church at Lake Village will hold the annual spaghetti dinner March 5 with the drive-thru starting at 8 a.m. and reserved tables will also be available inside the facility. Drive-thru and carryout plates will be available and dine-in seating is limited. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. To purchase tickets, call (214) 533-0227 or (870) 489-2883.
Through Sunday, March 5
WH softball registration open
White Hall Softball League registration is open until March 5 online at https://whitehallsoftball.sportngin.com/register/form/115952577. In person registration is available from 1-4 p.m. March 5 at the White Hal Softball Fields, a spokesman said. The fee is $125 per player. T-Ball, 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U/16U divisions are available.
Monday, March 6
Mayor sets State of the City address
Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley M. Washington will deliver the State of the City address at 5:30 p.m. March 6 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Pine Bluff City Council meeting, scheduled for March 6, will proceed after the mayor’s address. Washington plans to report on the city’s accomplishments in 2022 and its goals for 2023. The public is invited to attend, according to a news release.
Tuesday, March 7
WH plans art showcase
The White Hall School District Art Showcase will be presented from 5-6:30 p.m. March 7 at the White Hall Community Center. The district art department will host the 2023 showcase. Selected works created by White Hall students from each district school will be featured at the event. The public is invited to attend, according to a news release. The event will also include art teachers, working artists, photo booth, craft stations and Richard Davies, the school resource officer.
Wednesday, March 8
Education forum set
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Omega Omega Chapter, will present a Community Education Forum from 6-8 p.m. March 9 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The event will also be held via Zoom, according to a news release. The community is invited to attend and join the discussion on ballot measures currently impacting school districts. The panelists will be state Sen. Stephanie Flowers, state Rep. Vivian Flowers, and state Rep. Ken Ferguson. The moderators will be Keidra Burrell, a lawyer, and Frank Dorsey II.
The Links to host Women’s Day
The International Trends and Services Facet of 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 11 women: Kanesha Barnes-Adams, Nyesha Aldridge, Toni Carter, state Sen. Stephanie Flowers, Phoebe London, Dr. Tochi Keeton, Pamela Moore, Ph.D; Kymara Seals, Pamela Smith, Mayor Shirley Washington, and Rosemary White. To join the Zoom meeting, visit https://zoom.us/j/98712281470?pwd=L1UxKzduUDJRQmNCWFBoSitraDlsZz09 with Meeting ID: 987 1228 1470 and Passcode: 531786 or dial by your location to +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) or +1 669 444 9171 US.
UAPB slates anti-smoking event
The 20th Clearing the Air in Communities of Color Conference will be held virtually from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8. The Minority Initiative Sub-Recipient Grant Office at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the Arkansas Cancer Coalition have partnered for a fourth year to jointly host the event, according to a news release. The theme is “New Priorities in Tobacco Control: Menthol Flavoring and Vaping,” and will spotlight the work of community organizations to reduce minority tobacco use and will include tobacco control training. The virtual event is open to the public but registration is due Feb. 28. Registration details are available at arcancercoalition.org/arkansas-cancer-summit. For questions about the conference, call Marian S. Evans, MISRGO coordinator, at (870) 575-8923.
Chamber observes International Women’s Day
The community is invited to join the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce for an evening of live music by “The Vibe,” and refreshments during the International Women’s Day celebration. The event will be held March 8 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the ARTSpace on Main in the Kline Family Foundation Gallery. Tickets are $50 per person and sponsorships are available. The attire is trendy, according to a news release. The Chamber will honor 10 women in these categories: Woman in Healthcare; Woman in Real Estate; Woman in Finance/Banking; Woman Business Owner; Woman in Education; Woman in Manufacturing; Woman in Not-For-Profit; Woman in Hospitality; Woman in Public Service; and Woman in Law. Details: Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, (870) 535-0110.
Wednesday, March 8
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 9
Parole Board to meet
The Arkansas Parole Board will hold its regular monthly board meetings at 9 a.m. March 9 in the Parole Board lobby and 9 a.m. March 23 in the Richard Lee Richardson Auditorium at the Arkansas Parole Board at North Little Rock. The full calendar of hearings and meetings can be found at https://doc.arkansas.gov/parole-board/ under Meeting Information and Hearings & Board Schedule. Details: (501) 682-3850.
Through Friday, March 10
Master Gardeners offer scholarship
The Janet B. Carson Master Gardener Scholarship is available to high school seniors planning to attend an Arkansas college or university and major in a plant science related-field, including horticulture, botany, agronomy, forestry, and landscape architecture. The deadline to apply is March 10 and the scholarship application is available at bit.ly/carson-scholarship-23. The Arkansas Master Gardener program funds the $1,000 scholarship, according to a news release.
Women’s Hall of Fame seeks nominees
The Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for the 2023 induction class. The AWHOF was created to honor women whose contributions have influenced the direction of Arkansas in their community or the state, according to a news release. Nominations must be submitted by March 10. Details are available at www.ARWomensHallofFame.com. The 2023 induction ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 24 at the Statehouse Convention Center.
Saturday, March 11
Distinguished Gentlemen’s Banquet set
The Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta will host the Delta Distinguished Gentlemen’s Banquet on March 11 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Details: Follow the chapter on Facebook, according to a news release.
SEARK announces gala
Southeast Arkansas College will host the Sock Hopfundraising gala March 11 at Seabrook, 6808 S. Hazel St., a SEARK college and community recreation center. The VIP reception is from 6-7 p.m. and the gala from 7-11 p.m., according to the newsletter of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Through Monday, March 13
Ladd Canal work topic of meeting
The Arkansas Department of Transportation is conducting an online public involvement meeting about the proposed improvements to Highway 293 over Ladd Canal in Lincoln County. The public may view meeting materials and provide written comments until 4:30 p.m. March 13, according to a news release. To access the pre-recorded presentation and offer comments visit https://vpiph01-job-020778-en-ardot.hub.arcgis.com/ Submit online comment forms to ARDOT or print the form and mail it to: Environmental Division, 10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR, 72209. If you do not have internet access, contact Karla Sims at (501) 569-2949 or karla.sims@ardot.gov to ask questions about the proposed project.
Tuesday, March 14
TOPPS to give away food
Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service (TOPPS), 1000 Townsend Drive, will hold its monthly food distribution at 10 a.m. March 14. Food will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Only one box per household will be given away, according to a news release. Sponsors and partners include Canaan Christian Center, Zion Church of North West Arkansas, Calvary Baptist of Little Rock, Pine Bluff Police Department, Arkansas Food Bank, Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, private donors, and TOPPS, a non-profit community based organization.
Beginning Tuesday, March 14
Generator to host events
The Generator, 435 Main St., a program of Go Forward Pine Bluff, will host several community events, according to a news release. These include: March 14 — All 5th-grade students in Pine Bluff are invited to the G5 Math Competition at 5:30 p.m. Send emails to kaneshabarnes@gmail.com for the study guide. Details: (870) 663-0200 or stop by the Generator. March 15 — Starting a Side Hustle, with UAPB – ASBTDC, 6 p.m. Details: Angelisa Henry, (870) 575-8033.
Through Tuesday, March 14
Synergy grant applications available
Synergy Forum Inc. is accepting grant applications for its 2023 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. Synergy grants fund projects for the benefit of residents in Jefferson County in the areas of the arts, education, and social services, according to a news release. Applications should be requested by March 14, completed and then submitted by April 6. For an application and details, email synergyforumgrants@gmail.com. Applications will only be accepted by email.
Through Wednesday, March 15
UAMS Pathways accepts applications from youth
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is accepting applications for its Pathways Academy program for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Applications will be accepted through March 15 a part of the program will be held at Pine Bluff. Pathways Academy focuses on preparing K-12 students for opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health sciences (STEM-H) disciplines, according to a news release. Details: ddei.uams.edu/outreach-programs/pathways-academy.
Applications available for USDA/1890 Scholars
The application deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture/1890 National Scholars Program is March 15, said Belinda Demmings, USDA liaison for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The program awards scholarships to students attending one of 19 historically black land-grant universities. High school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. USDA/1890 National Scholars receive full tuition towards a bachelor’s degree, books and the cost of room and board, Demmings said. During the summer months while in college, the students will receive an internship with a USDA agency, including employee benefits. After graduation, all USDA/1890 National Scholars are employed by their selected agency and must commit to at least one year of service to USDA for each year of financial assistance provided. Applicants must apply using the e-application form, which can be found at https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/1890NationalScholars.
Foundation scholarships available
Beginning Feb. 1, Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation will accept applications for scholarships from high school seniors in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County. The deadline to apply is March 15. These scholarships are for local students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Details: www.arcf.org/scholarships or Lawrence Fikes, executive director of Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation, at pinebluffarea@arcf.org or (870) 850-7934.
Thursday, March 16
Christian Women slate luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection will host its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Juanita Buckmaster of Pine Bluff. There will also be a presentation by Ricky Williams, director of the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System, according to a news release. The luncheon is $21, which includes meal, tax and gratuity. Everyone is invited to attend. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All reservations must be made three days in advance. Participants will be a charged for reservations not kept, according to the release.
Friday, March 17
Moscow pantry to open
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Moscow will open its food pantry at noon March 17. The pantry won’t open in February, according to a news release.
Through Sunday, March 19
Grand Prairie sets arts events
The 67th Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts 2023 will hold its Photography and Decorative Arts exhibits for adults and youth at the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie at Stuttgart. Exhibit dates are through Feb. 23 for the photography contest, according to a news release. Entries may be picked up Feb. 24-25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Decorative Arts entries are to be delivered to the arts center on March 10 from noon to 5 p.m. and March 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Decorative Arts Exhibit will be at the center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays March 17-19 and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The awards reception and presentation will be March 19 at 3 p.m., according to the news release. To register or for details visit www.grandprairiearts.com or email artscenter001@gmail.com.
Beginning Tuesday, March 28
Skilled technical career event set
Be Pro Be Proud will host its Draft Day, an event designed to match employers with high school seniors across Arkansas. In the region, Draft Day Arkansas will be held at the Grand Prairie Center at Stuttgart March 28-30, according to the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce newsletter. The purpose of Draft Day is to coordinate engagement and interview opportunities between companies and graduating seniors whose interest and experience match hiring needs. Details: https://beprobeproud.wufoo.com/forms/employerpartner-participation/?blm_aid=202754.
Through Friday, March 31
UAPB accepts AgDiscovery applications
AgDiscovery, a residential career and science exploration program for teens, is scheduled for June 10-23 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. March 31 is the application deadline, according to a news release. The program allows participants, ages 14-17, to live on the UAPB campus and learn about agricultural science, environmental biology, industrial health and safety, plant and soil science, animal science, aquaculture and fisheries, and human sciences. The sessions is offered at 20 other unversities as well. A complete list of host universities, brochures, information and application forms and instructions are available at www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery. Details: Christopher C. Mathis Jr., UAPB AgDiscovery program director, at (870) 575-8543.
Through Saturday, April 1
Black Hall of Fame grants available
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation, will award grants to programs that benefit African American or underserved populations in Arkansas. Nonprofits with programs focusing on education, health and wellness, youth development, strengthening families and economic development are eligible to apply. Proposals will be accepted online through April 1, according to a news release. All geographic sections of the state are eligible. Details: www.arcf.org/ABHOF.
Saturday, April 22
City of Pine Bluff sets cleanup
The city of Pine Bluff will host its 2023 spring cleanup from 8 a.m. to noon April 22. The meeting location for volunteers will be the Detective Kevin D. Collins Center at the Pine Bluff Civic Center, 200 E. Eighth Ave. Cleanup sites will be positioned throughout the community. Volunteers will be responsible for providing their own transportation to cleanup sites. However, volunteers may collect supplies at the meeting location, starting at 8 a.m., according to a news release.
Thursday, May 4
Chamber plans Business Expo
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present Business Expo 2023 on May 4. The Business Expo Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the banquet hall and the breakfast program will be held from 8-9 a.m. Tickets are $20 each. Table sponsorships are $250. The Business Expo Trade Show starts with the VIP Hour from 9-10 a.m. and opens to general public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Business Expo Committee selected a casino theme for this year’s event with the slogan, ‘We’re Betting on the Bluff!'” according to the Chamber newsletter. The Chamber is accepting booth reservations for Business Expo 2023 and encourages participants to come up with a casino-style game for their booth. Booth rates are $250 for members and $360 for non-members. Details: (870) 535-0110 or email Jennifer Kline, Chamber director, at Jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Friday, May 5
JRMC golf tourney set
Jefferson Regional Medical Center will host its third annual golf tournament May 5 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. To register or for sponsorship details, contact Laura Beth Shaner at (870) 541-7210 or shaner1@jrmc.org.
Through Monday, May 15
SBA disaster loans available
Small nonfarm businesses in 75 Arkansas counties are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2023, according to a news release. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by excessive heat and drought that began on May 30. Details: https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Beginning Wednesday, May 17
Nutrition education conference set
The virtual 1890s Multi-State Community Nutrition Education Conference is set for May 17-18, according to Teresa Henson, Extension specialist-program outreach coordinator for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The event will be jointly hosted by UAPB, Tennessee State University, Alabama A&M University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. the purpose of the conference is to pool resources related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) at the four 1890 land-grant universities. The overall mission is to build nutrition security and partnerships in communities. To register, visit www.multi-state-conference.com.
Through Wednesday, May 31
Century Farm applications available
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2023 Arkansas Century Farm Program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years, according to a news release. Applications are available at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/. There is no cost to apply. The deadline is May 31. Details: Beth Moore, (501) 539-4027 or beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov.
Through Thursday, June 1
ASC accepts entries for Rosenzweig exhibit
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is accepting entries for the 2023 Irene Rosenzweig Biennial Juried Exhibition. The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. June 1. The exhibition is open to artists 18 years or older who reside in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee or Texas, according to a news release. The Rosenzweig exhibition opens July 20 with a free, public reception from 5-7 p.m. and an awards presentation at 6 p.m. The works will be on view in the William H. Kennedy Jr. Gallery through Oct. 14. Visit asc701.org/rosenzweig for the submission guidelines and entry portal. The cost is $25 per entry, with a maximum of five entries accepted per artist. Details: Visitor Relations Coordinator Matthew Howard at mhoward@asc701.org or (870) 536-3375.
Underway
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.