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.
Wednesday, May 17
Broadband officials to meet at courthouse
The Arkansas State Broadband Office will host a meeting May 17 at 2 p.m. at the Jefferson County Courthouse in the quorum courtroom. Officials are inviting people to join Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson and the Arkansas State Broadband Office to hear about what the Broadband Office is working on in 2023 and beyond. Plans include creating a County Broadband Committee, according to a news release. Details: Laurie Ringler, Broadband Project manager, at Laurie.Ringler@arkansas.gov or (501) 682.5903.
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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.
Underway
The Juneteeth Celebration at Pine Bluff will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 17 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Interested vendors should submit applications by June 2, according to Mary Liddell, Pine Bluff Juneteenth/city coordinator. Details: Liddel, (870) 643-2383 or marylddll@yahoo.com.
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.
Thursday, May 18
Art league sets Abernathy exhibit, reception
The Pine Bluff Art League will host an art exhibition featuring work by Pine Bluff native Melissa Abernathy in May at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The league invites the public to attend an open reception from 5-7 p.m. Thursday. Refreshments will be served, according to a news release.
Christian Women’s luncheon set
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 18, 2023 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speakers will be Beth and Hal Walker of Bella Vista, who will discuss “Second Time Around,” according to a news release. Jill Corbitt, a registered dental hygienist, will also make a special presentation on “A Day In The Life of A Dental Assistant.” The luncheon cost is $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. Participants will be charged for reservations that aren’t kept.
Friday, May 19
Exhibition: “Arkansas Women to Watch: 2023” opens
The exhibition “Arkansas Women to Watch 2023: New Worlds” will be open from May 19 to Aug. 12 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. “New Worlds” is the latest exhibit in the Women to Watch exhibition series, conceived by the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts organizes the statewide tour of the art by the Arkansas nominees.
Saturday, May 20
House of Bread to open pantry
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will open its food pantry Saturday from 11 a.m. until all food boxes are gone, according to a news release. Each participant will need photo identification along with a utility bill if they are new clients. All others will only need to show their photo identification. Details: Saint Mary Harris, pastor/apostle at House of Bread, (870) 872-2196.
Antique/Classic Car Show set
Hardin Baptist Church will present its eighth annual Antique/Classic Car Show from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 20 at Highway 270 and Todd Lynn Drive at White Hall. “Come check out the rides of our past!,” a spokesman said in a news release. “No entry fee to show your car (donations appreciated).” Festivities will include antique and classic cars and trucks on display; trophies awarded for “Peoples Choice,” 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place; and concessions: baked goods, hotdogs, popcorn, drinks and more (benefiting the youth.) Details: (870) 247-1258.
ACO holds dinner fundraiser
Arkansas Community Organizations will have a fish fry/rib tip fundraiser Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the NTPFC church, 2101 E. Sixth Ave., according to a news release. The fish dinners will cost $12 without dessert and $15 with dessert, and they will include baked beans, coleslaw, slice of cake and soda or water. The rib tip dinners will cost $15, and they will include baked beans, potato salad, slice of cake and soda or water. Details: (870) 536-6300.
County announces fun day
The first Jefferson County Community Fun Day will be held from 8 a.m.to 3 p.m. Saturday at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Community Day will bring together families, businesses, and citizens from all over Jefferson County for activities and fellowship. Activities for youth and children include a fishing derby from 8-10 a.m.; games from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and prize giveaways from 2-3 p.m. There will also be rides and free food. The event is sponsored by Jefferson County, Youth Engagement Services, and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, according to a news release.
Morgan Farms retreat center sets open house
The community is invited to an open house at Morgan Farms PB Retreat Center, 8309 Old Warren Road, May 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Revs. David and Edna Morgan co-founded Morgan Farms in 2000, according to a news release. Morgan Farms is available for various gatherings. For registration and details: (870) 718-3324 or morgandavid72@yahoo.com or www.Morgan-Farms.org.
Yoga in The Loft set at ASC
Ages 13 and older are invited to exercise and to relax with certified yoga instructor FloEssence every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-3 p.m. during Yoga in the Loft. The next session is May 20. This class is part of ASC’s Flex Pay program, with $15 being the recommended price. Yoga in the Loft takes place in the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Advanced registration is required at asc701.org/yoga or by calling (870) 536-3375.
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. 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.
Sunday, May 21
Mt. Harmony honors pastor, wife
Mt. Harmony Missionary Baptist Church, 812 East Harding Ave., will celebrate the 46th anniversary of the pastor and wife, the Rev. Robert L. Handley and Carrie L. Handley, on May 21. The 10 a.m. guest speaker will be Judge Jackie Harris of New Fellowship Baptist Church at Pine Bluff. The 3 p.m. guest speaker will be the Rev. Eddie Handley, pastor of Bailey Chapel Missionary Baptist Church at Tillar.
Reynolds Chapel sets mission program
Reynolds Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 706 S. Cypress St., will celebrate the annual Mission Program at 3 p.m. May 21. Rosilynd Jackson of the Greater New Bibleway Church of God in Christ at North Little Rock will be the guest speaker. The Rev. Andrew L. Williams is pastor of Reynolds Chapel.
Grapevine Cemetery event set
The annual meeting for the Grapevine Cemetery Memorial is scheduled at Sardis Baptist Church following the worship service at 11 a.m. May 21. After the memorial, there will be a potluck fellowship meal and time to visit. Grave decorations will be held before service, according to a news release. “We encourage anyone connected to the Grapevine Cemetery to come join in the celebration,” a spokesman said. The Grapevine Cemetery Association is a registered tax-exempt organization, and donations are tax deductible. If donors are unable to attend and wish to contribute to the upkeep of the cemetery, they may send contributions to: Grapevine Cemetery/Treasurer, 9310 Grant 14, Pine Bluff, AR, 71603.
Tuesday, May 23
DAV sets virtual job fair
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the Virtual Veterans Job Fair, May 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active-duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve. More than 65 employers will be on-site representing a range of industries. Veterans can also utilize career counseling and resume assistance, network with fellow veterans and military personnel, and get support with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and claims assistance — all at no cost, according to a news release. To register for the virtual job fair and access free resources visit jobs.dav.org.
Wednesday, May 24
Center to celebrate Mental Health Month
Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare Systems, 2500 Rike Drive, is celebrating “May is Mental Health Month.” A special observance will be held at 3 p.m. May 24. SEABHS’ event will feature several speakers including the peer specialist and clients who will be sharing their stories and experiences around their mental health journey, according to a news release. The community is invited to attend and all ages are welcome. The event will also include vendors, refreshments, a questions and answer segment and the ability to learn more about the center, according to the release.
Housing Authority board to meet
The Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will hold its board of commissioners meeting at the Colonial Steakhouse, 111 W. Eighth Ave., at 6 p.m. May 24. Details: Housing Authority, (870) 541-0706.
Thursday, May 25
VA hosts virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas Veterans from 4-6 p.m. May 25. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. May 24, 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.
County GOP to meet
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will meet May 25 at 6 p.m. at Larry’s Pizza, 7401 Dollarway Road, at White Hall. New members are always welcome, according to a news release.
Through Thursday, May 25
Opening Reception set for “A Cast of Blues”
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host “A Cast of Blues” exhibition on view through May 25. The exhibition highlights the rich musical heritage in the Delta. “A Cast of Blues” features 15 resin-cast masks of blues legends by Sharon McConnell-Dickerson and 15 color photographs of performers and of juke joints by Ken Murphy. McConnell-Dickerson, who is visually impaired, set out to discover the face behind the music she loves. Her work “captures the flesh, muscle, bone, hair and subtle expressions of emotion,” according to a news release.
Through Saturday, May 27
ASC hosts Small Works
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host the 36th annual “Small Works on Paper” exhibition from May 4-27 at ASC’s home building, 701 S. Main St. The exhibition is organized and sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council. Southeast Arkansas artists selected for this year’s exhibition include Rashawn Penister of Pine Bluff and Tom Richard of Monticello. The traveling juried exhibition showcases two-dimensional artwork no larger than 18-by-24 inches and spotlights artists who are members of the Arkansas Artist Registry. “Small Works on Paper” travels to up to 10 venues throughout the state in a yearlong show, according to a news release.
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.
Saturday, June 3
Summit to address mental health, suicide
A Mental Health Wellness and Suicide Prevention Summit will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 3 at Southeast Arkansas College in the McGeorge Building, 1900 S. Hazel St. The free summit is for ages 8 to adult and hosted by the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project, according to a news relase. The age groups, presenters and topics will include: AGES 8 TO 12 — Dr. Nicole Baughnight Boles; “What is Mental Illness and How Do You Handle Stress?” AGES 13 TO 18 — Dr. Karma Mays; “How to Recognize Symptoms and What Signs to Look For.” AGES 19 TO 30 — Janie Cotton; “Trauma Informed Care.” AGES 31 AND UP — Panelists: Dr. Stephen Broughton, Mary Meacham and Bessie Lancelin; “Stigma, Anxiety, Depression and our Toolbox.”
Beginning Saturday, June 3
ASC sets Fused Glass Class with Aida Ayers
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host a two-part Fused Glass Class with artist-in-residence Aida Ayers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, June 3 and June 10 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The cost is $185 for ASC members and $222 for nonmembers. Attendees can save 25 percent with the discount code “GLASS25.” To register, visit asc701.org/class/fused-glass or call (870) 536-3375. For details, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@asc701.org.
Blues concert series gets 2nd season
The “Blues By Budweiser” concert series will be back for a second season. In collaboration with MK Distributors and RJ’s Grill & Bar, Port City Blues Society will again host live blues concerts the first Saturday of the month at RJ’s 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 free. It’s a $5 cover charge for non-members. The 2023-2024 concerts include: June 3 — Kent Burnside Band; July 8 — Big Al and the Heavyweights; Aug. 5 — Fonky Donkey; Sept. 2 — Robert Kimbrough Sr. Bluesconnection; Oct. 7 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 4 — Big “A” and the Allstars Blues Band; Dec. 2 — Johnie B and Queen Iretta Sanders Blues Review; Jan. 6, 2024 — Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain; and Feb. 3 — Chad Marshall Band. Details: pc-blues.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.
Beginning Monday, June 5
Trinity sets summer camp
Registration is underway for Trinity’s Learning Center Summer Camp 2023 to be held at Trinity’s Annex Building, 2900 W. Sixth Ave. The camp will take place Monday through Friday, June 5 through Aug. 11. Daily sessions will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and a snack will be served, according to a news release. There is a participant limit of 30 to 40 students. The registration fee is $25 per child plus $10 weekly. Details: (870) 534-5669 or (870) 692-1127.
Saturday, June 10
Festival to host tomato luncheon
As part of the Pink Tomato Festival at Warren, the annual All Tomato Luncheon will be held at 12:30 p.m. June 10 at the First Baptist Church Activities Center at Warren. The Bradley County Extension Homemakers Clubs started the All Tomato Luncheon one year after the first Pink Tomato Festival. The luncheon has grown over the years and is now one of the highlights of the festival, according to a news release.Tickets are $15 and limited. Tickets are available at the Bradley County Cooperative Extension Office. Details: Michelle Carter, county extension agent-family and consumer sciences, (870) 226-8410.
Sunday, June 11
New Community hosts Women’s Day
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will present its annual Women’s Day on June 11. At 11 a.m., the featured speaker will be Janice Lockett, first lady of New Community. At 3 p.m., the keynote speaker will be Willie Ann Martin, a missionary at New Community. The guest choir director will be Donna Williams Huskey and the worship leader will be Dee Clay.
Through Sunday, June 11
Garden contest open until June 11
Entries are being accepted for the 10th annual Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest, sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas. Applicants may be any school, early childhood education facility, or alternative learning environment that had a school garden during the 2022-2023 school year or is planning to start a garden in the 2023-2024 school year, according to a news release. Entries for the contest will be accepted through June 11. The application can be found at cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/arkansasgrownschool gardenoftheyearcontest2023. Winners will be announced in the fall of 2023.
Beginning Monday, June 12
Fire department to host junior camp
The Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department will sponsor a Junior Fire Camp from June 12-16 for boys and girls 11-13 years old. The free camp will be held Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Detective Kevin D. Collins Center (old public library) at the civic center, #1 Convention Center Drive. The camp is designed for youth to experience what it’s like to be a firefighter as well as learn about fire safety. The session will be taught by Pine Bluff firefighters and will feature hands-on activities and interactive learning sessions. Details: www.pineblufffire.com or (870) 730-2048. The contact person is Lt. Larry Murray.
Through Thursday, June 15
Grants available for public school educators
Arkansas public school employees are invited to apply for the 2023-24 Arkansas Retired Teachers Association grants, according to a news release. The Parsons-Burnett Grants are for current certified educators to further their education and the Mitchell-Fair Grants are for current classified employees who are pursuing teacher licensure. The grants are funded by contributions from members ARTA, a professional organization of Arkansas’s public education retirees. Grant applications must be submitted online by June 15. For the details and the application link, visit www.artanow.com.
Through Saturday, July 8
“A Simple Heart” exhibit on display
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansasa presents a new exhibition by artist Kim Kwee. “‘A Simple Heart’ is a series of paintings, fabric works and assemblages representing a series of investigations into family, specifically mothers and daughters, and the shifting ontological status of dolls, decorative objects and ephemera like the vintage paper dolls the artist used,” according to the news release. This exhibition will remain on view in the William H. Kennedy Jr. Gallery through July 8. Gallery admission is always free.
Beginning Monday, July 10
UAM Kids’ University set
UAM Kids’ University will be held from July 10-13 at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. The day camp aims to cultivate new interests, expand knowledge and spark imagination and creativity in children in grades 1-6, according to a news release. Early registration is open through May 31. If people sign up and pay by May 31, the registration fee is $80. If people sign up and pay between June 1-22, the registration fee is $100. After June 22, the registration fee is $125. The fee includes a T-shirt and all supplies. Register online at https://www.uamont.edu/about/kids-university.html. Details: Rebecca Newton at kidsu@uamont.edu or call (870) 460-1596.
Friday, July 14
Women of Faith set trip
The Women of Faith will sponsor a turn-around trip to Branson, Mo., on July 14 to see the stage presentation of “Ester” at the Sight and Sound Theatre. A detailed itinerary can be obtained by contacting Jessie Clemmons at (870) 692-2194.
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.