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@adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Underway
LIHEAP applications available
Entergy Arkansas customers who need help paying their winter utility bills can apply for up to $475 in assistance through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program’s regular assistance application period runs Jan. 6 through the end of March, officials said, or until funds are expended while crisis assistance applications will be accepted through April 30. An online application is available for most Entergy Arkansas customers at www.getliheap.com, but applications can also be made in person at local community-based organizations.
UAPB to audition for ‘The Color Purple’
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will present “The Color Purple, The Musical” in partnership with the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Auditions are set from 4-7 p.m. Jan. 13-17 in Dawson-Hicks Hall, room 312, at UAPB. The production is scheduled for April 9-13, according to a news release. UAPB invites participation from UAPB students, faculty, staff, the community and surrounding areas to audition. “We encourage all interested participants to showcase their talent by performing a brief snippet of a gospel song,” according to the release. “Alternatively, those who wish to prepare a piece from the musical itself are more than welcome.” For details about the audition process or more information about UAPB’s theatre program, email UAPB Theatre Instructor Taijee Bunch at buncht@uapb.edu.
Tuesday, Jan. 14
UAPB alumni group to meet
The Pine Bluff Jefferson County UAPB AM&N Alumni Chapter will meet at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the main Pine Bluff Library, 600 S. Main St. The agenda includes committee reports, the president’s report and recommendations, according to a news release. In addition to coming to the meetings the chapter would like for participants to sign up to be on one or two of the alumni committees. Details: Mary Liddell, president, PBJC UAPB/AM&N Alumni Chapter, (870) 643-2383 or pbjc.uapb.amnalumni@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
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. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, Jan. 16
Women’s Connection luncheon set
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the public to its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Donna Bogema of Danbury, Texas. Her topic will be “When A Choice Becomes A Challenge.” Bogema will also demonstrate how to make quilts from T-shirts, according to a news release. “As speaker, Donna’s faith was challenged when her high school sweetheart was killed in an automobile accident, then later the challenge of a wayward son’s incarceration,” according to the release. The luncheon is $21, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, 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 are not kept.
Beginning Thursday, Jan. 16
Kingfest observance set
Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration will present the 41st Historic Original KingFest Celebration, which honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and National Mentoring Month. Events start Jan. 16 with the KingFest celebration at Watson Chapel Junior High School including a MLK Birthday Bash featuring Jordan Sims, a PBICVR PEN OR PENCIL alumnus, as the keynote speaker. On Jan. 19 at 6 p.m., the Justice Sunday Church Commemorative Service will be held at First Missionary Baptist Church, 4500 Faucett Road. Mayor Vivian L. Flowers will be the keynote speaker. PEN OR PENCIL King Team alumni and a mentee will also speak: Kortne’ Newby-Dodds, a specialty registered nurse; Jade Sanders, a Pine Bluff High School senior; and William L. Fells III, a Pine Bluff City Council member. On Jan. 20, the celebration continues with the KingFest Parade/Marade at 2 p.m. beginning the lineup at Third Avenue and Walnut Street. The marade will be led by the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. A youth educational program is scheduled following the parade and Dr. Joey J. Gardner, a PBICVR King Team alumnus, is scheduled to speak. Details: PBICVR at (870) 730-1131.
Friday, Jan. 17
ARTx3 features movement, agility class
The ARTx3 Campus offers the community health-driven workshop Movement and Agility, led by exercise therapist Lauren Robertson. Designed for women ages 30 and older, this functional strength-building class aims to increase strength, mobility, balance, flexibility and confidence. The workshop is from 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 17 at the ARTSpace on Main. The cost is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Registration is available at artx3.org/all-events/movement-agility-jan-2025 or by calling (870) 536-3375. Details: public programs coordinator Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Pantry reschedules giveaway
Due to the inclement weather, Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., had to postpone the Jan. 11 food distribution. The church’s Raven’s Nest Food Pantry will give away food Jan. 18 from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be given away on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and an equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
Pleasant Grove to show ‘The Forge’
The community is invited to watch the movie, “The Forge,” from 2-4:30 p.m. Saturday at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1801 Indiana St. Admission is free, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. “A film directed by Alex Kendrick, ‘The Forge’ tells the story of Isaiah Wright (played by Aspen Kennedy), a 19-year-old who lives for basketball and video games,” according to a description on IMDb.com Inc. His life is changed after accepting challenges by a mentor and by the prayers of his mother and others.
Barraque Street hosts Prayer Breakfast
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will host a Prayer Breakfast at 9 a.m. Jan. 18. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. The guest speaker will be Angie Gatlin, an evangelist and member of Calvary Baptist Church in North Little Rock. The worship leader is Maurice Tatum, a pastor. The Rev. Sidney Milton Sr. is pastor of Barraque Street church. The community is invited to attend.
FunDay features Chromagraphy, Bubble Rainbow Foam
The community is invited to the ARTx3 Campus’ free Second Saturday Family FunDay: Chromagraphy, Bubble Rainbow Foam. The event is from 1-3 p.m. Jan. 18, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Participants can enjoy a colorful time with sensory play. Using their hands, participants will mix foam in various hues and explore the world with sight, touch and scent.Details: program director Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
ASC sets Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class
Ages 3-6 are invited to Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me! with Melanie Madkin from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. “Madkin, of Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Program, aims to foster a love of the wonderful world of literacy in a quiet and nurturing environment with this monthly event,” according to the release. Patrons can register at artx3.org/all-events/ms-madkins-literacy-class-jan-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: public programs coordinator Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
Sunday, Jan. 19
Historical Society to meet
The Jefferson County Historical Society will hold its semi-annual meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The speaker will be Todd R. Gold, senior director of hospitality at Saracen Casino Resort. “Gold, a former chef, is one of the most accomplished and acclaimed culinary names in Arkansas,” according to a news release. “He has a very interesting program to present on his personal journey in the culinary world, Saracen Casino Resort and its relevance to Pine Bluff.” The public is invited to attend. Entrance to the meeting is on the Third Avenue side of the Reynolds Center.
Fells to appear on national program
William Fells III, newly elected 3rd Ward council member, will be featured in the virtual program Justice Sunday Service Around the Clock. Fells will be among guests on the program that will be streamed nationally from noon Jan. 19 until 12:05 a.m. Jan. 20, the federal MLK Day of Service. Fells was elected to the Pine Bluff City Council, becoming the youngest member to serve on the council.
Monday, Jan. 20
NAACP to host MLK Breakfast
The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP will host a Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast at 8 a.m. Jan. 20 at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 W. Hill St. The breakfast is free and open to the general public. The Rev. Kevin Crumpton, the host pastor, will be the guest speaker, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Ivan Whitfield is the president of the Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP.
City Wide Mission meets
The monthly meeting of the City Wide Mission will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 20 at Eighth Avenue Missionary Baptist Church. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Renice Davis, pastor of Bethany Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Kirby Gulley is pastor of Eighth Avenue church.
Kingfest Marade/Parade set
Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc. will present the 41st PBICVR Original KingFest MLK Marade/Parade on Jan. 20. The parade starts at 2 p.m. and lineup time is 1 p.m. at Third Avenue at Walnut Street. Parade applications are available and the deadline to sign up is Jan. 17, according to a news release. The marade/parade honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through interracial cooperation and community service. The MLK Executive Committee asks groups and elected officials to participate in the marade/parade. Applications can be picked up at the PBICVR office in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., suite 109, or requested via email at pbicvr@aol.com. The 2025 PBICVR Original KingFest Celebration theme is “One Dream, One Voice, One Future.” Awards will be given for the Best Banner and the Lorenzo Smith Battle of the Bands. Parade entry forms can be emailed to pbicvr@aol.com or npelinorr8@hotmail.com. Details: The Rev. Jesse C. Turner, executive director, Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc., (870) 692-8579 or (870) 730-1131.
Art League sets workshop
The Pine Bluff Art League will host an Acrylic Pouring Workshop led by member Vickie Coleman from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 20 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Avenue. New and experienced artists are welcome to attend the event, according to a news release. Participants will learn how to create unique pour paintings and develop new techniques. The cost is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. This workshop is for artists 15 years old and older, unless accompanied by a member. Details: Vickie Coleman at (870) 540-9975.
Beginning Monday, Jan. 20
Drew County NAACP honors MLK
Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Monticello will host the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration at 6 p.m. Jan. 20, presented by Drew County NAACP Branch 6042 President Clarissa Pace and the executive committee of the branch. The special guest speaker will be Tonya Floyd Chambers, a lawyer from Little Rock. The celebration’s theme is “Mission Possible,” according to a news release. Chambers is a speaker, business owner, author, political commentator, playwright and poet. Also on Jan. 20, there will be Meet the Greeks event at 10 a.m. at the Wilmar Community Center in Wilmar. Contact Stacey Smith at (870) 224-6368 for details. The Economic Development Committee will host a Beginners Investment Seminar on Jan. 25 at the Monticello Branch Library from 10 a.m. until noon. The event is open to the public.
Thursday, Jan. 23
PB Chamber dinner to feature Flowers
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner will be held Jan. 23 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. This year’s featured speaker is Pine Bluff Mayor-Elect Vivian Flowers. “Join us as we welcome the mayor-elect and hear her vision and plans for her upcoming term in office,” according to the Chamber newsletter. “This is a unique opportunity for the business community to engage with our city’s new leadership and be part of shaping Pine Bluff’s future.” Tickets to the dinner are $60 each. Tables are $600 and seats eight people. For details, to purchase tickets or become a table sponsor, call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110 or email Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com .
GOP to meet
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at Larry’s Pizza in White Hall. “We will also be holding elections for county committee executive officers. chairman, 1st vice chair, 2nd vice chair, treasurer, and secretary, additionally will vote to reauthorize and elect a fundraising chairman to be placed on the executive committee,” according to a news release.
VA sets virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas veterans from 4-6 p.m. Jan. 23. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Jan. 22, according to a news release. Veterans may speak one-on-one to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office regarding their claims for VA benefits. Staff will also answer questions about PACT Act benefits, existing VA benefits claims and assist with filing new claims. Details: http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
Friday, Jan. 24
ARTx3 hosts Afternoon at Movies
The ARTx3 Campus will host Golden Hour: Afternoon at the Movies from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. This free event is for ages 50 and older. “Couples can unwind and enjoy the 1952 musical comedy ‘Singin’ in the Rain,'” according to a news release. Patrons can register at artx3.org/all-events/golden-hour-afternoon-at-the-movies or call (870) 536-3375. For more information, contact public programs coordinator Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
Auditions set for ‘Prometheus Bound’
The ARTx3 Campus will host auditions for “Prometheus Bound” at 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater, 627 S. Main St. Auditions are open to ages 18 and older. No experience is required. Performances are slated for March 13-16. This ancient Greek tale was written by Aeschylus and translated by Bryan Doerries for modern audiences. J. Tyler directs. “This innovative production reimagines the story of Prometheus imprisoned for giving humanity the spark of life — as a reflection of the social injustices faced by Black men in America. With themes of courage, resilience, and inequitable justice, this performance aims to create a poignant tribute to the ongoing struggles and triumphs of Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities,” according to the release. Interested participants may register to audition at artx3.org/all-events/prometheus-bound-auditions. Details: interim director Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Beginning Friday, Jan. 24
Grand Prairie plans photo contest
The 68th Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts will accept entries in the photography at the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie in Stuttgart. This juried competition is open to adults and youth, according to a news release. The center will receive entries Jan. 24 from noon to 5 p.m. and Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The reception/awards event will be held Feb. 4 from 5-6:30 p.m. and the exhibit will be open Feb. 1-28. To register and for details, visit www.grandprairiearts.com or contact the center at artscenter001@gmail.com.
Thursday, Jan. 30
Mental health first aid courses set
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is continuing its free Mental Health First Aid Certification courses. The session in White Hall is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 31 at White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. “Participants learn how to recognize signs that someone is struggling with mental illness or addiction, how to talk with them about it, and connect them to appropriate care,” said Kerri Nettles, a mental health first aid instructor with Arkansas Blue Cross. “The struggles people are experiencing are common, and we have to get rid of the stigma, empowering them to get the care they need.” Lunch will be provided. To reserve a seat, complete the free registration or for more information visit arkansasbluecross.com/firstaid.
Friday, Jan. 31
ARTx3 presents Karaoke Night
Patrons are invited to join the ARTx3 Campus for a night of musical magic during ART WORKS Presents: Karaoke from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 31 at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. This program is for ages 16 and older. “Participants will step into the spotlight and have a moment to shine. Seasoned performers and first-timers are welcome to belt out their favorite tunes solo and grab friends to sing their hearts out and dazzle the crowd,” according to a news release. Interim director Lindsey Collins will host the event. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Details: Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Saturday, Feb. 1
ARTx3 to hold panel on activism, outreach
The ARTx3 Campus will host a panel discussion in conjunction with the exhibition “Parking Lot Space: Artworks by Kenneth Reams,” touching on topics dealing with the arts, activism and community outreach. The panel is at 3 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. It features panelists from across Arkansas, as well as from New York and Colorado. The exhibition, also opening Feb. 1, includes a collection of artwork created by incarcerated artist and Pine Bluff native Kenneth Reams, and developed and designed by ASC curator Kevin Haynie. A reception for the exhibition will follow at 5:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend and the events are open to the public, according to a news release. “Parking Lot Space” is on view from Feb. 1 to July 26 in ASC’s William H. Kennedy Jr. Gallery. Those planning to attend the panel discussion are asked to RSVP at artx3.org/all-events/kenneth-reams-panel-reception or by calling (870) 536-3375. Details: Kevin Haynie at khaynie@artx3.org or call.
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 1
Blues concert series set
The “Blues By Budweiser” concert series for 2024-2025 include: Feb. 1, Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain. The series is held at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors will open at 7 p.m. and the music will begin at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. Admission is $5 for others. The concert series is being sponsored by MK Distributors, according to a news release.
Friday, Feb. 14
Alphas plan scholarship fundraiser
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, will present the Valentine’s Scholarship Fundraiser at 7:06 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The community is invited to attend the gala which funds thousands of dollars in scholarships for area students. The theme is “All Black Affair.” Tickets are $40 per person. Tables are $400 each, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Scholarship sponsorship opportunities are also available. The Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation and mailed by Feb. 10 to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, P.O. Box 3159, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Details: Arzo Knox, (501) 351-7336 or arzo.knox@hotmail.com.
Saturday, Feb. 15
WH host chili, gumbo cookoff
The Battle of the Bowls Chili & Gumbo Cookoff will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road, in White Hall. Awards will be presented for the #1 Best Chili and #1 Best Gumbo. Tickets are $50. For a team of six and a booth it’s $500, according to a flier. All proceeds benefit the Jefferson Regional Foundation. To purchase a ticket or enter a team, contact Laura Beth Shaner at (870) 541-7210.
Through Saturday, March 1
ARTX3 hosts ‘Matters of Abstraction’ display
The ARTx3 Campus invites the community to view its new Permanent Collections exhibition “Matters of Abstraction,” featuring decades of distinct two-dimensional and three-dimensional abstract art styles. Visitors will be welcomed to a breadth of abstract works that include subjects and non-representational art. Discover various mark-making techniques that create textures on the canvas, careful color choices that provide subtle gradation, focus and repeating patterns and the use of a variety of lighting situations, according to a news release.
Beginning Thursday, March 6
Workforce youth program sets events
Be Pro Be Proud, a workforce development initiative led by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, announced dates and locations for the 2025 Draft Day Series. Be Pro Be Proud will travel to 11 locations across Arkansas, providing career exploration and interview opportunities to high school students by matching their interests and skill sets with relevant career options, according to a news release. Area events will be held: March 6: Southeast Arkansas Education Cooperative, Monticello. April 1: Grand Prairie Center, Stuttgart. April 3: Pine Bluff Convention Center, Pine Bluff. April 8: University of Arkansas at Hope/Texarkana, Hope. April 29: El Dorado Conference Center, El Dorado. For other dates and locations or details visit AR.BeProBeProud.org.