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.
Through Tuesday, Feb. 18
Artist grants available
Catalyze offers fellowships of $10,000 annually to 25 artists. Applications are open until Feb. 18. To apply, visit https://maaa.tfaforms.net/5112331. Catalyze is a program of the Mid-America Arts Alliance, made possible through the support of the Windgate Foundation. Artists of all disciplines from these counties are eligible apply: Arkansas, Chicot, Clay, Cleburne, Conway, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Drew, Faulkner, Garland, Grant, Greene, Hot Spring, Jefferson, Lee, Lonoke, Mississippi, Monroe, Perry, Phillips, Poinsett, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Saline, St. Francis, Van Buren, White, and Yell.
Wednesday, Feb. 19
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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.
Through Wednesday, Feb. 19
UAPB Alumni scholarship available
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Alumni Endowment Scholarship applications are available for Fall 2025-Spring 2026. The deadline to apply is Feb. 19. Applicants must be full-time and first-time degree seeking students with a 2.3 or better grade point average and 30 or more hours by the end of this semester, according to a news release. Details: UAPB.EDU/ALUMNI.
Thursday, Feb. 20
Retired teachers to meet
The Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Donald W. Reynolds Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. Lindsey Collins, assistant director of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, will speak to the group. Reservations are required for the $12 luncheon catered by Ms. Dee’s Diner. Members are asked to bring canned soup with pull tabs to be donated to Neighbor to Neighbor for local families in need, according to a news release. For more information on JCRTA and to make luncheon reservations, call Lura Campbell at (870) 543-0127.
Archwell Health sets grand opening
Archwell Health, 2801 S. Olive St., primary care for people 60 and older, will hold a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 20. The agency’s care team offers social, nutritional and health services at each center. The grand opening will include refreshments, entertainment, tours of the center and drawings for prizes, according to a flier. To RSVP, call (501) 484-9552. Details: ArchWellHealth.com/get-started/.
Women’s Connection sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 20 at Family Church, 2500 Highway 104, in White Hall. The speaker will be Linda Lee Lane of Dallas, Texas, who will discuss “One Crazy Lady-One Great God.” The luncheon costs $20, 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 and you will be charged for reservations you don’t keep.
Opera singer Kristin Lewis to perform
The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation will host its Distinguished Laureate Lecture Series XIV featuring internationally renowned opera star Kristin Lewis at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Clinton Presidential Center’s Great Hall in Little Rock. The program will be followed by a reception at Café 42. This event is free, but registration is required at https://www.clintonfoundation.org/events.
Friday, Feb. 21
PBHS students to display businesses
In observance of National Career and Technical Education Month (CTE), Pine Bluff High School will showcase their students who already have established businesses. They will be showcased in a Student Entrepreneur Fair from 9-11:15 a.m. Friday in the gymnasium. Parents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend, according to a news release.
1st Ward pantry aids county staff
The First Ward Living Grace Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will open Feb. 21 from 1-3 p.m. for all Jefferson County employees to receive free groceries, hot meals, and more. Although Jefferson County employees received long-awaited paychecks after state intervention, it’s time to celebrate, according to a news release. The event will feature Karen Wolfe, singer of the line dance single “Have A Good Time.” Details: (479) 301-1096 or https://firstwardpantry.wixsite.com/fwlgp.
UAPB sets business teachers’ event
The Arkansas College Teachers of Economics and Business (ACTEB) will host its annual conference Feb. 21. This day-long event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Business owners, aspiring business owners, employers of students and alumni are encouraged to attend, according to a news release. A meet and greet will be held the evening before for those traveling from Fayetteville and other parts of the state who would like to spend the night, according to ACTEB president Stephanie Cox, an assistant professor of accounting at UAPB. The 2025 ACTEB Conference will feature speakers, panelists, breakout sessions, a campus tour and networking opportunities. The registration fee is $50 for general participants. Lunch is included in the registration fee. Registration is free for students. The student rate with lunch included is $20. Details: coxs@uapb.edu or (870) 575-8480.
Free grant writing event set in Fordyce
The Arkansas Arts Council will host Grant Writing 101, a free Lunch & Learn event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Fordyce Civic Center, Melvin Collin Annex, in Fordyce. Led by Shunqetta Cunningham of KHARIS Group Consulting, this hands-on workshop will guide participants through the essentials of crafting a winning grant application, according to a news release. Lunch is provided free. Seats are limited. Register now to save a spot. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-learn-grant-writing-tickets-1113080667239?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. Details: chloe.cunningham@arkansas.gov.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Turkey federation sets Star City banquet
The Cane Creek Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation-Star City will host its 30th annual Banquet and Auction Feb. 22 at the Star City Civic Center. The doors open at 6 p.m. to view merchandise and games. Dinner is at 7 p.m. and will be catered by Woods Place with catfish chicken, barbecue and fried pies, according to a news release. The live auction will follow dinner with the silent auction ongoing through dinner. Tickets are on sale at Ratterree’s Pawn & Surplus, (870) 628-4767, at the corner of Highway 425 and Highway 11 S in Star City. Sponsor memberships are $275, couples are $75, single tickets are $55 and for children (16 and under) tickets are $20. Attendees must have purchased tickets.
Trinity Episcopal sets AI workshop
Trinity Episcopal Church, 703 W. Third Ave., will present a free workshop on “AI Made Simple: A Friendly Introduction to ChatGPT” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 22. “This full-day workshop, led by Arkansas AI expert Allyson Lewis, aims to make artificial intelligence accessible to Pine Bluff residents of all ages and technical abilities,” according to the newsletter from Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. Participants are encouraged to bring a smartphone as laptops cannot be supported by system download speed. There is no fee to attend, however, donations are accepted for the provided lunch. Space is limited to ensure personal attention for each participant. To reserve a spot, call the Trinity parish at (870) 534-3832 or email office@trinitychurchpb.org.
ARTx3 sculpting postponed
The ARTx3 Campus’ workshop, Sculpting with Angi Cooper — originally set for Feb. 22 — has been moved to April 19, according to a news release.
Irby sets Black History program
The Arkansas Heritage Celebration of Black History Month Legend Among Us recognition will be held at the City Center in Little Rock on Feb. 22. Exhibits will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a banquet and presentations at noon. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, which is presented by author and Jefferson County native Jason Irby and the Jason Irby Innovation Foundation, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Tickets are $50 per person. To RSVP or for details, send an email to jasonirbyinnovationfoundation@gmail.com.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Hospice sets volunteer training in PB
Arkansas Hospice will host a volunteer training session at 10 a.m. Feb. 25 for anyone wanting to learn about the organization and its volunteer opportunities. The training will be held at the Arkansas Hospice office at 1301 Ridgway Road, Suite 2A, and lunch will be provided. Volunteers must be trained and certified, must pass a background check and driving record check and provide evidence of a current driver’s license and automobile insurance. A flu shot and tuberculosis skin test are also required. To register for the volunteer training, email Linda Bateman, volunteer coordinator, at lbateman@arkansashospice.org or call (870) 850-6195, or 800-596-6195 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
UAPB plans Career Summit
The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff’s Office of Career Services will host the Spring 2025 Career Summit on Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Kenneth L. Johnson Sr. Health Physical Education and Recreation Complex. Ninety-three organizations representing business/industry, government agencies, graduate/professional, and school districts will be in attendance and the list continues to grow, according to a news release. The career fair is open to alumni and students at the UAPB. Participants should bring copies of a well-prepared resume. Professional dress is preferred but not required. Attendees shouldn’t wear jeans, sweats, or mini-skirts. For additional information, contact Shirley Hampton at the UAPB Office of Career Services, (870) 575-8461.
100 Families event set
The 100 Families Alliance Jefferson County Launch will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 26 at Southeast Arkansas College’s Welcome Center, 1900 S. Hazel St. 100 Families is a community-led initiative, according to a news release. The project aims to help families move from crisis to career. The community is invited to attend the launch and to hear speakers: Judge Earnest Brown, Mayor Vivian Flowers, state Rep. Kenneth Ferguson, SEARK President Tyrone Jackson, and Paul Chapman, director of Restore Hope.
Through Wednesday, Feb. 26
Sorority accepts scholarship applications
The Alpha Chi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. will offer a college scholarship to one graduating high school student at Friendship Aspire Academy, Pine Bluff High School, and Watson Chapel High School. Applications are available at the school’s counselor’s office. Applications must be postmarked by Feb. 26. Recipients will be announced April 12. Details: Mary Harvey-Evans at alphachisigma1945@gmail.com.
Thursday, Feb. 27
UAPB sets African American Read-In
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of English, Humanities & Foreign Languages will present the 40th annual African American Read-In with Dramatic Readings at 11 a.m. Feb. 27 in the auditorium of John Brown Watson Library at UAPB. The event will feature original spoken word, poetry, and literature pieces from African American writers/dramatists. The community is invited to attend, according to a news release. For the UAPB read-in Feb. 27, register free at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/mydgk38 and join the local participants and more than 1 million readers in the 40th National African American Read-In. Participants interested presenting at the UAPB event can send selections to Kevin Sanders, UAPB School of Arts & Sciences, Interim EFHL chair, by Feb. 14, at sandersk@uapb.edu or (870) 575-8617. For details, also contact Sanders or Tasha Strong at strongr@uapb.edu, (870) 575-8624.
Through Thursday, Feb. 27
Brian Kelly exhibit open at UAM
An exhibition of prints from Marais Press, a printmaking studio led by Professor and Master Printer Brian Kelly at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, can be viewed at the University of Arkansas at Monticello through Feb. 27. The exhibition is open in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at UAM. On Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. Kelly will give a presentation on his art and life in the UAM Visual and Performing Arts Center. The exhibition and presentation are free and open to the public, according to a news release.
Beginning Saturday, March 1
Blues by Budweiser concerts set
The 2025 Blues by Budweiser concert series will be held at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members, according to a news release. The line-up includes: March 1 — Jerry McCoy and the Groove Diggers; April 5 — Fonky Donkey; May 3 — The Arkadelics; June 7 — Chad Marshall Band; July 12 — Tina Cossey Band; Aug. 2 — Kent Burnside Band; Sept. 6 — Big Al & The Heavy Weights; Oct. 4 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
Through Saturday, March 1
USDA/1890 scholars applications open
The application deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture/1890 National Scholars Program is March 1, said Obadiah Njue, interim dean for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences. 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. Scholars receive full tuition towards a bachelor’s degree, books and the cost of room and board, Njue said. During the summer months, the students will receive an internship with a USDA agency. After graduation, scholars are employed by their selected agency. Learn more and apply online at USDA 1890 National Scholars Program. Details: partnerships@usda.gov.
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.
Monday, March 3
UAM sets College Preview Day
The University of Arkansas at Monticello Office of Admissions will host Weevil Welcome: College Preview Day on March 3, beginning at 9 a.m. on UAM’s Monticello campus. Registration will be held in the Gibson University Center. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the program will run until noon. Prospective high school juniors and seniors who are interested in attending UAM’s Monticello campus, the UAM College of Technology-Crossett or the UAM College of Technology-McGehee are invited to attend the free event to learn about programs of study, financial aid, new scholarship opportunities, residence life, student organizations and more. Parents are also welcome to attend. Students should register for Weevil Welcome through the Admissions Events webpage. Details: the UAM Office of Admissions at admissionsoffice@uamont.edu or 870-460-1026.
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.
Beginning Saturday, March 8
UAM sets free workshop for artists
Artist INC Express, a hands-on career development workshop for artists, will be held at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. The sessions are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 8 and noon to 5 p.m. March 9 in the Gibson University Center Caucus Room. The workshop is free and lunch and supplies will be provided. Artists 18 or older and live within a 75-minute radius of Monticello are eligible to attend. Space is limited and artists must register by 5 p.m. March 6. The event is organized by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, in partnership with Arkansas Arts Council, according to a news release. Details: https://www.maaa.org/event/artist-inc-express-monticello-in-person/ or artistservices@maaa.org.
Through Tuesday, March 11
Synergy grant applications available
Synergy Forum Inc. is accepting grant applications for their 2025 grant cycle. Registered non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. These include IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, government agencies, and the hospital in Jefferson County, according to a news release. Synergy grants fund projects for the benefit of residents in Jefferson County in the areas of the arts, education and social services. Synergy grant applications should be requested by March 11 and completed and submitted by April 3. For grant applications and details, email Amy Hunt at synergyforumgrants@gmail.com.
Through Friday, March 14
UAMS career program seeks locals
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is accepting applications for the 2025 session of the Arkansas Delta Health Careers Opportunity Program Academy, an initiative that supports students in the Delta and South Arkansas as they pursue careers in health care. The program is open to rising high school seniors. Applicants must be enrolled at a school in Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Cleveland, Columbia, Crittenden, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, Lee, Lincoln, Monroe, Ouachita, Phillips, Sevier, St. Francis and Union. The deadline to submit applications is March 14, according to a news release. For details, parents and students may attend one of HCOP Academy’s virtual informational sessions at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25 and March 4 and 11. To sign up for a session or to apply for the academy, visit partnerships.uams.edu.
Through Saturday, March 15
College students looking for hands-on experience in conservation have until March 15 to submit an application for a summer internship with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Internships are available for a broad range of academic majors, including forestry, wildlife management, fisheries management, environmental interpretation, environmental science, biological research and law enforcement, according to a news release. The deadline to apply is March 15. Details: www.agfc.com/jobs. Attach a current resume, one page cover letter and official college transcript to your application.
Foundation takes scholarship forms
Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships for students in Jefferson County from Saturday through March 15. These scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, according to a news release. To see the available scholarships and to begin the application process, students may visit www.arcf.org/scholarships. For details, visit the website or contact Lawrence Fikes at pinebluffarea@arcf.org or (870) 850-7934. The deadline to apply is March 15.
Friday, March 21
ARTx3 plans Kicks and Culture Sneaker Ball
The community is invited to celebrate the intersection of art, culture, and community with the Kicks and Culture Sneaker Ball fundraiser from 6-9 p.m. March 21 at the Loft Gallery in The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The ball celebrates urban sneaker culture. It features a pop-up exhibition by artist Aneesah showing mixed-media works featuring the footwear. The program is for ages 14 and older, according to the news release. Tickets are $10 for ARTx3 members and students, and $15 for nonmembers. Tickets and event details are available at artx3.org/all-events/sneaker-ball. Donations to the sneaker ball fund may also be made at artx3.org/donate. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org, or call (870) 536-3375.
Through Thursday, March 27
Heritage grants available
Community-based non-profit groups interested in supporting the mission of Arkansas Heritage are encouraged to apply for Arkansas Heritage Grants. The spring deadline for submitting a proposal is March 27. For additional information and access to the online applications, visit ArkansasHeritage.com. The grants are designed to help groups promote awareness and enjoyment of Arkansas’ heritage; increase community-based non-profit groups’ ability to create heritage-related programs, especially in places where they would otherwise not occur; foster cooperative efforts among organizations, businesses and government to increase the size and scope of events; and create ongoing components to existing heritage-related celebrations, according to a news release. Details: Debra Fithen, grants manager for Arkansas Heritage, at debra.fithen@arkansas.gov.
Through Monday, March 31
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 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.
Through Tuesday, April 1
Black Hall of Fame grants available
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation, is providing funding opportunities for nonprofits that serve African American or underserved populations in Arkansas. Eligible nonprofits with programs focused on education, health and wellness, youth development, strengthening families and economic development are encouraged to apply, according to a news release. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, hospitals, public schools, and government agencies are eligible to apply now through April 1 at www.arcf.org/ABHOF. Organizations that do not qualify for tax-exempt status are not eligible.
Wednesday, April 2
Chamber to honor women
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host the International Women’s Day Event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 2 in the Kline Family Foundation Gallery at ARTSpace on Main. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres catered by Pine Bluff Country Club, beverages provided by MK Distributors Inc., and live music. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by calling the Chamber at (870)535-0110 or emailing Jennifer Kline at Jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Through Friday, April 4
Trucking group offers scholarships
For the ninth year, the Arkansas Trucking Association plans to award scholarships of up to $7,500 to students interested in pursuing careers as medium- and heavy-duty truck technicians. Applications will be accepted through April 4 for students beginning coursework in August 2025 or January 2026. ATA plans to name the 2025 recipients in May. Details: Sarah Newman at sarahnewman@arkansastrucking.com. Find the application at https://www.arkansastrucking.com/scholarship/.