Today City, Go Forward set press conference
The city of Pine Bluff and Go Forward Pine Bluff will hold a press conference at 9 a.m. today at the Joe T. Thomas Public Safety Complex at the civic center. The purpose is to discuss the May 9 tax election, according to a news release. Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington, city council officials, representatives from the Pine Bluff police and fire departments, and Go Forward officials are expected to participate. The public is invited to attend in person or by streaming the press conference via the GFPB Facebook page: @ Goforwardpinebluff.
PB quilters to meet today
The Pine Bluff Quilter’s Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. today at Trinity Lutheran Church, 4200 Old Warren Road, and guests are always welcome. Gay Bonner of Hot Springs Village will present the program on constructing quilted jackets. A representative from the North Louisiana Quilt Guild will be a guest explaining their upcoming shop hop, according to a news release.
PB school board virtual event set
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
A virtual community meeting, Enhancing the Pine Bluff School District, will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. April 18. Sederick Charles Rice, Zone 4 Pine Bluff School Board member, invites Pine Bluff residents to attend the session, according to a news release. Participants can register and provide feedback at https://forms.gle/Bk9v4u8bST1cp14F7. To join the Zoom meeting, the link is https://uapb-edu.zoom.us/j/81557856153 with Meeting ID: 815 5785 6153 and Passcode: ZEBRAS-BEST.
Chamber to host Go Forward CEO
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a Lunch & Learn session sponsored by Go Forward Pine Bluff and the guest speaker will be Ryan Watley, chief executive officer of Go Forward. The event will be held from noon to 1 p.m. April 18 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. Reservations are required at vera@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or (870) 535-0110.
3rd Ward group schedule meeting
The 3rd Ward Community Watch will meet at 6 p.m. April 18 at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave. All 3rd Ward residents are invited to attend, according to a news release.
Go Forward sets 4th meeting
Go Forward Pine Bluff will host its fourth community meeting to give details on the May 9 election for two tax proposals. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. April 18 at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave., according to a news release.
Wednesday, April 19 Election board to meet Wednesday
The Jefferson County Board of Election Commissioners will have a called board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Election Center, 123 S. Main St., according to chairman Michael Adam. The agenda includes new business: appointing election officials for the 2023 Pine Bluff Sales Tax elections, approving L&A testing, reviewing and approving 2022 reimbursement request.
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 Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com or shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, April 20 Shredding event set
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Clean & Beautiful Commission will host a spring shredding event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 20 at Saracen Landing. Each person is limited to having 10 boxes of documents shredded. Participants should sort items before bringing them to be shredded. Only paper will be allowed; no metal or plastic. Organizers thank sponsors and volunteers, according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.
C h ri s t i a n Wo m e n’s Connection sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 20 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Larissa Fore, director of the Pine Bluff Carl Redus Jr. Aquatic Center. There will also be a presentation by Cathie Dortch, founder and chief executive officer of the Commission Fields project at Little Rock, according to a news release. The luncheon costs $21, which includes the meal, tax and gratuity. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All reservations must be made three days in advance and participants will be charged for reservations that aren’t kept.
Beginning Thursday, April 20 “Charlotte’s Web” to be performed
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will present the classic children’s tale, “Charlotte’s Web,” based on the book written by E.B. White and adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. April 20-22, and 2 p.m. April 23. The shows will be in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at ASC’s main building, 701 S. Main St. This production is sponsored by Relyance Bank. Tickets are $13 for ASC members and seniors, and $18 for nonmembers. Tickets are available at asc701.org, by calling (870) 536-3375, or by purchasing in person at ASC. Tickets are also offered to students at $10. For more information about the show or performances for school groups, contact ASC Theater Programs Manager Lindsey Collins at lcollins@acs701.org or (870) 536-3375.
Mayors, GFPB to address retired teachers
The Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association will hear presentations at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave. At 11:30 a.m. April 20 — The State of the Cities addresses will be made by Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington White Hall Mayor Noel Foster. At 11:30 a.m. May 18 — A Go Forward Pine Bluff update will be given. Lunch will be served, according to a news release.
Through Thursday, April 20 UAM hosts Lewis’ senior art exhibit
Jamarcus Lewis’ senior art thesis exhibition, Surprisingly Uninhabited, will be held until April 20 in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Lewis’ focus is demonstrated by highly saturated watercolor applied quickly and spontaneously to evoke the feeling of being within a landscape, according to a news release.
UAM to exhibit Rodriguez’s art
Alexis Rodriguez’s senior art thesis exhibition, Ciudad de Lineas, will be held through April 20 in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Rodriguez’s drawings and ceramics use lines, designs and imagery to connect to his culture and family background as immigrants to the United States, according to a news release.
Saturday, April 22 Children’s Week party set for preschoolers
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for Jefferson County will hold an event for preschool children to recognize Children’s Week. The free event will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Service Building. Parents or guardians are encouraged to bring preschool age children out to enjoy storytelling, food, and prizes, according to a news release from Linda Bateman, executive director of Youth-Partners of Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Inc.
Free childcare provider classes to be held
Family and Consumer Sciences agents of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension will host free in-person training for the Best Care training for child care providers. The 2023 training will be held April 22 at St. Joseph Parish Hall, 412 W. Sixth Ave, beginning at 8 a.m. Ten hours of training will be offered. Registration is required by April 18, according to a news release. All Best Care classes are offered free. Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) are available for $10. Instructors include Danielle Watson, Cleveland County, Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County, and Rebecca Simon, program associate for Early Childhood at the U of A Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension. Participants may pre-register by contacting Kizer at (870) 534-1033 or mkizer@uada.edu for the Best Care Training or for information on other options for verified training for child-care providers or foster parents.
Dialoguing With Delta set
The Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will present Dialoguing with Delta at 10 a.m. April 22, in the STEM Building at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Presenters include Kimberley Davis, Estella Bland, Latasha Randle and Jamal Gordon. Dialoguing with Delta is an annual educational activity for students ranging from ages eight to
18. It is being presented in partnership with UAPB’s School of Education, according to a news release. This year’s theme is “Level Up: Building for Success in School and Beyond.” To register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1 FA I p Q L Sf FQ P x L – J1l5y-b4C9WzwYHLY-Vp 8 W- LUCf j M L 4 B u i – wRqmjbtYA/viewform.
Auditions set for “The Last Five Years”
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host auditions for the musical, “The Last Five Years,” from noon to 5 p.m. April 22. Performances are slated for June 22-25. Auditions are open to ages 17 and older. No theater experience is required. Auditions will be in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at 627 S. Main St. This production was written and composed by Jason Robert Brown and will be directed by Bethany Ge-re. “This intimate musical chronicles a five-year relationship between Jamie, a rising novelist, and Cathy, a struggling actress,” according to a synopsis. Auditions are by appointment only. To register, visit asc701.org/auditions. For more information, contact Theater Programs Manager Lindsey Collins at lcollins@asc701.org or (870) 536-3375.
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.
Lampworking Workshop with Olivia Valentine set
Patrons are invited to create beautiful glass art with instructor Olivia Valentine during a lamp-working workshop from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 22 at The ARTSpace on Main’s studio, 623 S. Main St., a program of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The series will begin with the basics of lampworking: learning how to properly use tools, control flames and become comfortable with the physics of glass. The cost is $260 for ASC members and $312 for nonmembers. Registration includes materials and equipment. The workshop is for ages 13 and older. Details: Rachael Bynum at rbynum@asc701.org. Register at asc701.org/class/lampworking or by calling (870) 536-3375.
ASC hosts Stained Glass Class
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host Stained Glass Class with artist-in-residence Aida Ayers from noon to 2 p.m. April 22 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The event is for ages 12 and older, according to a news release. Participants will learn to safely create a copper foil project with an introduction to pattern creation, glass cutting, grinding, copper-foil application, and soldering. Patrons can check with ASC for cost. To register, visit asc701.org/class/stained-glass or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Rachael Bynum at rbynum@asc701.org .
Beginning Saturday, April 22 Center provides lunch, blessing bags
Lula Mae’s Day Center Inc. will host a free to-go lunch and blessing bags outreach at Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 22. and May 20. Lula Mae’s mission is to serve as a resource to support families and communities with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to sustain a quality, self-sufficient lifestyle while becoming positive contributors to their community and society, according to a news release. Shaneka Hamilton is Lula Mae’s executive director. Details: www.lulamaedaycenter.org.
Monday, April 24 PB school board meets
Pine Bluff School Board will have a regular meeting April 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the boardroom of the Jordan-Chanay Building, according to a news release. Details: (870) 543-4203.
Date changes for quorum court
The Jefferson County Quorum Court meeting originally set for April 10 has been rescheduled for April 24 at 530 p.m. according to a news release. The quorum court meets at the courthouse.
Thursday, April 27 VA plans virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas Veterans from 4-6 p.m. April 27. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. April 26, 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 available to answer questions about existing VA benefits claims and how to file a new one. The Little Rock VA Regional Office also operates a Satellite Office at the John L. McClellan VA Medical Center in Room 1C-151B. It is open Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to noon, and Thursdays, noon to 4 p.m.
Arts & Science Center sets Volunteer Night
Patrons are invited to join the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas as it honors the hard work and commitment of its volunteers during an awards ceremony at 6 p.m. April 27, on the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater stage at ASC’s home building, 701 S. Main St. Drinks and light hors d’oeuvres will be served during this free event. The public is invited to attend.
Friday, April 28 B e g i n n e rs J ewe l r y Workshop set
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host a beginners jewelry workshop, focused on creating beaded bracelets, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. April 28 at The ARTSpace on Main. Jeweler Mary Pat Tate will teach the craftsmanship in beaded bracelets. Tate will teach two different ways to make bracelets using the connector loop. Students will make two handmade bracelets to take home and gain the skills to make many more. The cost is $20 for ASC members and $25 for nonmembers. Participants must be 16 years or older. To register, visit asc701.org/adult-classesor call (870) 536-3375. For more information, contact Rachael Bynum at rbynum@asc701.org .
Beginning Friday, April 28 E n c o u n te r Wo m e n s’ Conference set
Host Gail Stith invites the community to the Encounter Womens’ Conference at Breath of Life Church, 1313 S. Pine St. On April 28, the conference begins at 6 p.m. with prayer led by Saint Mary Harris of Pine Bluff. Service starts at at 6:30 p.m. with guest speaker Louise J. Lyas and guest psalmist Carolyn Traylor. Other guests include Vernola Armour of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Eleanor Philpher of Louisville, Ky.; Mary Braxton of Pine Bluff; and Deitra Boyd of Fort Worth, Texas. On April 29, prayer begins at 9 a.m. and workshops begin at 9:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be Brenda Jefferson. Other guests include Barbara Deloney, Monica Anderson, Aretha Fulcher, and Valerie Raspberry.
Saturday, April 29 City sets walking challenge
The city of Pine Bluff will host the Step into Spring Walking Challenge from 10 am to noon April
29. All ages are welcome, according to a news release. The city’s Advancing Health Literacy Program will hold the challenge at the Saracen Walking Trail, starting at the Saracen Landing entrance. Participants will be awarded medals for completion of the following: Gold — The 3.6 mile trail within 30 minutes; Silver — The 3.6 mile trail; Bronze — 1.8 miles of the trail. Details:
(870) 730-2004.
VFW Auxiliary sets headstone cleaning
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 4455 will host a headstone cleaning in the Veterans’ Section of Graceland Cemetery from 9 a.m. to noon April 29, according to a news release. Participants will include members from area Boy Scouts of America troops and Jefferson County 4-H students. Anyone interested in participating should call (870) 692-1951.
Beginning Saturday, April 29 Carpe’ Diem reopening
Carpe’ Diem women’s boutique at White Hall is reopening under new owners Matt and Laura Golden, according to a news release. Located at Dogwood Village, 7106 Dollar-way Road, Suite 120, the business will hold a grand reopening April 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature giveaways as well as refreshments. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. May 1 with the White Hall Chamber of Commerce.
Sunday, April 30 PB Live to spotlight talent, jobs, youth programs
At 5 p.m. April 30, the city of Pine Bluff will host the second exhibition of Pine Bluff Live on Sunday Five. It will be held at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The public is invited to attend for an evening of performances by local talent, according to a news release. Local employers and summer camp organizers will also have booths available. Individuals are welcome to visit booths to find local job opportunities for all ages and summer programs for children and teens. Employers and organizations who are interested in setting up a booth should contact the mayor’s office at (870) 730-2004.
Word of Faith hosts family service
Word of Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1108 S. Poplar St., invites the community to the Family and Friends Day on April
30. Sunday School begins at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:45 a.m. The speaker will be the pastor, Henry Land Jr.
Through Monday, May 1 Superintendents’ scholarships available
The Anthony, Gathen, Rainey and Tolbert Scholarship applications are available. The deadline to apply is May 1, according to a news release. The scholarship was created by former school district superintendents Frank Anthony – Pine Bluff; Thomas Gathen – Dollarway; David Rainey —Dumas; and Andrew Tolbert — Warren. The $1,000 scholarship, to be given at each school district, was developed to assist students from low-income families in going to college. The student must be a graduating senior, have a minimum grade point average of 2.50, and provide a letter detailing what makes them deserve this honor and their career education choice. Applications are at the high school counselor’s offices of each school district.
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. The Expo Breakfast speaker will be Carlton Saffa, chief market officer of Saracen Casino Resort. Breakfast tickets are $25 each or $300 for a table of eight. 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. Businesses interested in being in trade show may obtain booth space for $250 for Chamber members and $360 for non-members. Details: (870) 535-0110 or email Jennifer Kline, Chamber director, at Jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Chamber invites non-profits to exhibit at expo
The Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce is 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.
Friday, May 5 JRMC golf tourney set
Je ffe rs o n Re g i o n a l 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.
Saturday, May 6 Brunson sets first ward event
Fi rs t Wa rd Co u n c i l Member LaTisha Brunson invites residents to a Friends of the First Ward event at 6 p.m. May 6 at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. “It will be my official welcome and I will be highlighting small businesses in my ward,” Brunson said in a news release on Stuff In The Bluff.com. The attire is socially after
5. Food will be provided by Ward 1 restaurants. Participants are asked to RSVP by April 21 through email to brunsonward1@gmail.com.
VFW’s National Day of Service set
The Veterans of Foreign Wars National Day of Service will be held for all veterans from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 6 at the Elga Lee Roberts Jefferson County Veterans Service Center, 114 S. State St. The celebration will be presented by the Pine Bluff Post 4455 VFW & VFW Auxiliary in partnership with the veteran service center and Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs will assist, according to a news release. Speakers will be Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington and Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson. There will be a special Vietnam Veterans Certificate Recognition by retired U.S. Army Col. Nathaniel Todd, former Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. There will be service related vendors for the veterans, food trucks, health screenings, patriotic dances and other events. The community is invited to attend. For booth information or details, contact Theresa Orso, president of the VFW Auxiliary, Post 4455, at (870) 692-1951.