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.
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
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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.
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.
Sunday, Feb. 23
Opera singer’s appearance rescheduled
The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation will host its Distinguished Laureate Lecture Series XIV featuring internationally renowned opera star Kristin Lewis at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Clinton Presidential Center’s Great Hall in Little Rock. The event was originally set for Feb. 20 but was changed because of the wintry weather. The program is free, but registration is required at https://www.clintonfoundation.org/events. “Join us to celebrate Black History Month in partnership with the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame,” according to a notice on the Clinton Center website.
Pilgrim to observe Black History
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 W. Hill Ave., will host a Black History service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The guest speaker will be former United States Surgeon General, Dr. Joycelyn Elders, of Little Rock. Latonya Richardson of Mount Harmony Missionary Baptist Church Church will present “The Negro Mother” by Langston Hughes. The youth of Pilgrim will also present readings and special music. The theme is “We’ve Come this far by faith” (James 2:17.) The pastor is the Rev. Kevin L. Crumpton Sr.
New United MBC observes Black History
New United Missionary Baptist Church, 5601 Cheatham St., will celebrate Black History at 11 a.m. Sunday. The pastor is the Rev. Woodrow Jackson Sr.
Breath of Life hosts youth service
Breath of Life Church, 1313 S. Pine St., will host its monthly youth services at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The Celebrating Black History theme is “How Far Have We Really Come?” The speaker will be Artez Henderson. A special drama presentation will take place. Awards will be given in the field of agriculture by Henry English, director of the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; military by retired Army Col. Nate Todd; and youth services by Louis Moss, a long-time track coach. The church’s Youth Department is the event sponsor.
Beginning Sunday, Feb. 23
Old St. James plans programs
Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., will host several upcoming events. The annual Youth Day will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday and the guest speaker will be Dominque Thomas, a minister at St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock. College & Greek Sunday will be held at 10 a.m. March 2 featuring the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Vesper Choir. Old St. James Women’s Ministry will also host Paint & Pray at 2 p.m. March 8 and the cost is $15. The Rev. David Smith is pastor at Old St. James.
Monday, Feb. 24
McGehee board to meet
The McGehee School Board will meet Monday at 5 p.m. at the high school library. The agenda includes invoices and financial statement, personnel policy revisions, school board election resolution, student academic data or performance, and administrator’s reports, according to a news release.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Black History Knowledge Bowl set
The St. John AME Church Lay Organization will sponsor its second annual Black History Knowledge Bowl at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The event will occur at the Boys and Girls Club satellite site at First Methodist Church, 200 W. Sixth Ave., according to a news release.
Ivy Center to host law school dean
The Ivy Center for Education will host Sarah Harbour, interim assistant dean for enrollment management at the Universtiy of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. The session will be held from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Generator, 425 S. Main St. Seventh-12th graders may join virtually on Zoom using meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and passcode: 351061. Scholars and parents are encouraged to attend. Judge Earnest Brown Jr., the circuit judge for the Sixth Division of the 11th Judicial District West and founder of Sixth Division Juvenile Teen Court Diversion Program, will also be a part of the discussion. Details: mattie1908@gmail.com or the Ivy Center on Facebook or website at ivycenterforeducation.com.
CACC to meet
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission’s in-person meeting has been scheduled for noon Feb. 25, according to a news release. Details: Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600.
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
Lock 4 closes for on-going work
Boaters are advised that Emmett Sanders Lock and Dam (No. 4) at Pine Bluff will be closed to traffic from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Feb. 26. The lock closure is required to facilitate ongoing work on the hydraulic system, according to a news release. Details: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District Office, (501) 324-5096 or CESWL-OP-OM@usace.army.mil.
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.
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. 26
City plans Hidden Figures celebration
The city of Pine Bluff will present the 2025 Hidden Figures Women’s History Month Celebration at 6 p.m. March 29 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The city is accepting nominations for outstanding women who deserve recognition for their efforts and influence. To nominate an individual, visit www.tinyurl.com/HiddenFiguresPB. The nomination portal will close at 11:59 p.m. Feb. 26. Details: Mar’Tavius Proctor, (870) 730-2185 or mproctor@cityofpinebluff-ar.gov.
Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 26
Hip Hop Farmers film rescheduled
The planned screenings of Hip Hop Farmers at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff have been changed due to winter weather. The first screening will now be Feb. 26 from 4-5 p.m. at the Woodard Hall Auditorium, 1200 N. University Drive. The second screening is set for Feb. 27 from 3-4 p.m. and a location to be announced. Hip Hop Farmers video series encourages minority youth to consider agricultural careers and highlights the broad services of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Following the screenings, the filmmakers and cast will speak with the public. Snacks will be provided. The project is the brainchild of James Bunch, a UAPB agriculture alumnus who went on to have a 35-year career with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), according to a news release.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Black History event set in Dumas
A Black History forum entitled “Who is the Real Target?” will be held at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Dumas Community Center, 18 Belmont Drive, in Dumas. The event opens with a reception. Dale Charles, former state president of the NAACP will be the keynote speaker. The forum will be moderated by the Rev. Arthur L. Hunt Jr., and other panel members. “The forum format is to reveal in open discussion about what’s happening in Dumas, Desha, the Delta as it relates to things that are unjust and need to be called out. It’s about who is the real target,” Hunt said in a news release. Registration is not required. If you wish to be on the program or confirm attendance, send email to: allofdumasunited@gmail.com.
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. Feb. 27. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Feb. 26, 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.
GOP to meet
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at Larry’s Pizza, 7401 Dollarway Road, in White Hall, according to a news release.
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.
Saturday, March 1
Zeta Phi Beta to honor retired educators
Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. will honor 12 retired educators during their 36th Retired Educators Banquet at 7 p.m. March 1 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The honorees are recognized for providing their students with a wealth of knowledge necessary for them to pursue their endeavors in life, according to a news release. The honorees and years of service are: W. Andranette Anderson-Gragg (19 Years), Tessie Bullock (27 Years), Bonita Corbin (48 Years), Taffany Davis (28 Years), Bettye Fields (41 Years), Carson Fields (46 Years), Lisa Hayes-Wesley (24 Years), Frankie Hemphill (53 Years), Napoleon Hilson (36 Years), Ferdinanda Shepherd (32 Years), Lois Shorter (37 Years) and Kathy Tatum (39 Years). Banquet tickets may be purchased from members of the chapter or by calling Genevia Thomas at (870) 489-1262. The event is semi formal and the deadline to buy tickets is Feb 26.
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 Monday, March 3
Gould church sets revival
Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church at Gould will host spring revival at 7 p.m. March 3-5. The Monday night guest speaker will be the Rev. Brandon Dyer, pastor of Christ Temple Baptist Church, Ruston, La. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the speaker will be the Rev. Joshua Pickett, pastor of Grace and Mercy Baptist Church at Pine Bluff. Everyone is invited to attend. The Rev. Phillip Puckett is the pastor of Mount Moriah.
Tuesday, March 4
Affordable housing seminar set
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) will present the Introduction to Affordable Housing for Local Governments and Rural Leaders. The session will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 4 at The Generator, 435 S. Main St. This session is designed to equip elected officials, community leaders and organizations with the knowledge and tools to develop and support affordable housing development initiatives, according to a news release. Seating is limited. To register, visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/976ae19f6c0f41938eb05d26d06086a6 . Details: India Turner at iturner@lisc.org.
Beginning Tuesday, March 4
Annie JR. to be performed
The Southeast Arkansas Concert Association will host the performance of Annie JR. beginning with the premiere night fundraiser for the University of Arkansas at Monticello Fine Arts Center on March 4. A reception will be held at the chancellor’s home at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. at the fine arts center, according to a news release. Annie JR. follows the story of an orphan named Annie living a “hard-knock life” at The New York City Municipal Orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Tickets for the premiere night are $100 and proceeds will be used to improve the fine arts center, according to the release. Annie JR. will also be performed March 6-7 at 7 p.m. and March 8 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. Ticket prices are adults $30, and military $25. For children’s prices and details, visit www.searkconcert.org or call (870) 460-1888.
Wednesday, March 5
Chamber slates March luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 5 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The guest speaker will be Adam Head, president/CEO of CARTI Cancer Center, according to the Chamber newsletter. Lunch, catered by Chick-fil-A, is $15 and must be paid for in advance. To RSVP, call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
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.
Thursday, March 13
Agency sets ombudsman training
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will host volunteer ombudsman training from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 13 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. A volunteer ombudsman is an advocate for residents in nursing homes. After training, candidates will become certified ombudsmen. Details: Brenda Brown or Lauren Bland, at (870) 543-6300.
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
AGFC seeks interns
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
Sigma Gamma Rho offers scholarships
The Alpha Chi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. extended the deadline for its scholarship applications to March 21. The sorority is offering a scholarship to to one graduating student at Friendship, Pine Bluff High and Watson Chapel high schools. Applications are available at the counselor’s office at school. Applications must be postmarked by March 21. For details, email Mary Harvey-Evans at alphachisigma1945@gmail.com.
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.
Beginning Thursday, March 27
Progressive Women set fundraiser
The Progressive Women’s Association of White Hall will hold its annual spring Rummage Sale Scholarship Fundraiser from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. March 27-29 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Until then, they are accepting donated items from the public, which can be dropped off at the White Hall Museum, 9009 Dollarway Road. Each year, the spring sale signals the start of the PWA’s scholarship fundraising season, which includes a second rummage sale in the fall, a scholarship auction, and usually a raffle for handmade items. All the proceeds from these sales go into the PWA’s Scholarship Fund.
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
Nominations open for historic places
Preserve Arkansas is seeking nominations for the 2025 list of Arkansas’s Most Endangered Historic Places. The nomination deadline is March 31. Preserve Arkansas accepts nominations year-round, but those submitted after March 31 will be considered for the following year’s list, according to a news release. Nomination information, program guidelines, and an online nomination form may be found at PreserveArkansas.org. Details: (501) 372-4757 or info@preservearkansas.org.
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/.
Saturday, April 5
Kids Fest plans underway
The Jefferson County Foster Care Coalition is inviting the community to be part of Jefferson County Kids Fest 2025, a free event for families from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at White Hall City Park. In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, this annual event raises awareness about foster care and child abuse prevention while bringing the community together for a day of activities, learning, and support. To host a free booth or become a sponsor, visit https://arfoster.care/kids-fest .
Saturday, April 19
Sculpting event set
The ARTx3 Campus’ workshop, Sculpting with Angi Cooper — originally set for Saturday, — has been moved to April 19. The free mixed-media workshop will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Participants will learn how to create nature-inspired sculptures from materials such as cardboard. There is no cost to participate and all supplies are provided, according to a news release. Cooper is the ARTx3 Campus’ teaching artist-in-residence for February. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/sculpting-with-angi-cooper or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Programs Director Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.