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.
Tuesday, May 6
DAV plans virtual job fair
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the Military Spouse Virtual Veterans Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 6. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve. More than 35 employers will be on-site. Also, veterans can 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 free, according to a news release. To register for the Military Spouse Virtual Veterans Career Fair and access additional free resources for veterans and their families, go to jobs.dav.org.
Wednesday, May 7
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Chamber slates luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7 at the UAPB Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The guest speaker will be District 64 state Rep. Kenneth Ferguson of Pine Bluff. Lunch is $15 and will be catered by Grider Field Restaurant. Lunch must be paid for in advance. RSVP to the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Commercial sets Church News Deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Fridays. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesdays. 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 and announcements for church news are accepted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Friday, May 9
UAM plans commencement
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will hold its spring commencement exercises on May 9 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Steelman Field House. The doors will open at 9 a.m. for the 10 a.m. ceremony and open at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. ceremony. Guests are encouraged to be seated by 9:50 a.m. and 1:50 p.m., according to a news release. The 10 a.m. ceremony will include the School of Arts and Humanities, School of Business, the School of Computer Information Systems and the School of Education. The 2 p.m. ceremony will include the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, the School of Nursing, the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Division of General Studies. Speakers include UAM Chancellor Peggy Doss and Michael Moore, vice president for Academic Affairs for the University of Arkansas System. A clear bag policy is in place for all guests. Commencement will be livestreamed on YouTube, accessible from the university’s homepage. Details: www.uamont.edu or the Office of Academic Affairs at (870) 460-1033.
Saturday, May 10
UAPB graduation features Smokie Norful
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will present Smokie Norful, renowned pastor, Grammy Award-winning recording artist, educator, and UAPB alumnus, as speaker for its 171st commencement. The graduation will be held at 10 a.m. May 10 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The procession will begin at 9:45 a.m. For the safety and security of all attendees, UAPB will enforce a clear bag policy at the commencement. Details: uapbcommencement.com or contact Registrar Aretha Lacefield at registrar@uapb.edu. The full ceremony will be livestreamed at youtube.com/@UAPBTV.
Union Hopewell hosts women’s conference
Union Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 1121 S. Persimmon St., will host its 2025 annual Women’s Conference May 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Featured speakers will be Robbie Williams, Laetta Williams, Cynthia Howard and Denise Roaf-Lawrence. The theme is Body, Soul and Spirit from scriptures Matt. 6:22, Ps. 62:5, John 4:24, and Gal. 5:16-17. The colors are lavender and white. The pastor is the Rev. Antonio Gayden Sr.
Pilgrim offers free food
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will give away food May 10 from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been distributed. Food will be given away on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The program is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and an equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
St. John to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to those in need May 10 from 9 a.m. until all food has been handed out. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. Pickup will be in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks.
Child care training set
Free Best Care Child Care provider in-service training is set for 8 a.m. May 10, at St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall, 412 W. Sixth Ave. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch. Healthy snacks will be provided, according to a news release. This training session will be provided free by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture extension family and consumer sciences agents in Jefferson, Lincoln, and Grant counties: Mary Ann Kizer, Amy Shepherd, and Susan Thomason, along with Arkansas Best Care Coordinator Rebecca Simon. A total of 10 credit hours can be earned for attending. The pre-registration deadline is May 8. To pre-register or for details, contact Mary Ann Kizer at (870) 534-1033 or mkizer@uada.edu.
Fingerprint Glass Magnet event set
The ARTx3 Campus hosts Second Saturday Family FunDay: Fingerprint Glass Magnets from 1-3 p.m. May 10, at the Arts & Science Center, for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is free and open to the public. “Perfect for Mother’s Day or another special occasion, fingerprint glass magnets are fun, one-of-a-kind gifts. Create designs using fingerprints with ink on clear glass gems,” according to the news release. This event is sponsored by the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation and McFarland Eye Care. Details: Lindsey Collins, assistant director, at lcollins@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
ASC sets Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class
Ages 3-6 are invited to Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class: Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me! from noon to 1 p.m. May 10, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is free to attend. “Melanie 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. The program is sponsored by McFarland Eye Care. Participants should register by May 6 at artx3.org/all-events/literacy-may-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call the center.
Thursday, May 15
Pine Bluff AI Summit set
ReMix IDEAS and the Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce will host an AI Summit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 15 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. “Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) can help grow your business,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. “The Pine Bluff AI Summit is a must-attend event for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to enhance marketing strategies, streamline operations, and unlock new levels of efficiency and scalability.” Speakers include: David Hailey – CEO amd founder, Countifi Inc.; Don Ward – CEO amd founder, Laundris Corp.; Chris Thompson – CEO, Sober Sidekick; Jakob Michaelis – founder, Auxigen; Karen Kilroy – founder, NYX NoCode; Oginga Carr – CEO, Epiphany Consulting; and Audrey Willis – chief innovation and program officer, CodeCrew. For details or to reserve a seat, visit pbtechsummit.com.
Christian Women’s luncheon set
The Christian Women’s Connection will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 15 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Everyone is invited to attend. The speaker will be Marsha Inman of Fort Worth, Texas. Her topic will be “The Perfect Gift.” Inman will discuss her struggle with perfectionism and how a car accident made her re-evaluate her priorities, according to a news release. 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. You will be charged for reservations not kept.
Westerman offices open
Fourth District U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., announced casework-specific office hours will be held in May to assist people with addressing Veterans’ Affairs, Social Security, Medicare, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and passports, according to a news release. For casework specifically related to Veterans’ Affairs, the following dates and locations are available: In Pine Bluff, the event will be held at 211 W. Third Ave. Suite 245, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 15.
Through Thursday, May 15
Vote for UAPB’s M4 band
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) needs the community to vote for it to perform at the 2025 HBCU Labor Day Classic Battle of the Bands in Jackson, Miss., on Aug. 31. The UAPB AM&N National Alumni Association urges the community to vote for the band daily at https://surveymars.com/q/3LE295k0n . Voting ends May 15. M4 needs everyone’s support to make it happen, according to a news release. “Help M4 secure their spot. Cast your vote and represent for the Golden Lions with pride,” according to the release.
Friday, May 16
Oasis to host Memorial event
The Oasis of Pine Bluff Assisted Living Facility, 7001 S. Hazel St., invites the community to join them in an open house and Memorial Day Celebration honoring their veterans. The celebration will be held from noon to 3 p.m. May 16. The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Auxiliary will be presenting quilts to the nine veterans at The Oasis as part of the open house. There will also be food, music and fellowship. “Let’s come together to honor those who served and sacrificed,” according to a news release. Details: (870) 395-7117.
Saturday, May 17
Yoga in the Loft set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Yoga in the Loft: Meditation May from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 17, at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Florence Love “FloEssence” will guide participants in gentle stretches, mindful breathing, and soothing meditation techniques to cultivate balance, flexibility, and mental clarity. This event is for ages 13 and older, and is suitable for all levels. It is part of the ARTx3 Campus’ flex pay program with a minimum cost of $5; $15 is recommended. Register by May 13 at artx3.org/all-events/yoga-may-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call the facility.
Beginning Sunday, May 18
NCC hosts Raising the Standard Conference
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will conduct its annual Raising the Standard Conference. Presenters will be Adrian Tabb, an apostle of ATMinistries, speaking at 7 p.m. May 18, and Jackie Rainey, an apostle of North Little Rock, speaking at 7 p.m. May 19. The community is invited to attend. The theme is Apostolic Invasion (Acts 5:15-16). New Community’s pastor is Patrick Lockett, apostle.
Through Wednesday, May 28
Local in Small Works display
The Arkansas Arts Council’s annual touring visual arts exhibition, Small Works on Paper, will be open through May 28 at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain in Mena. Work by area artists include Alexia Lams of Pine Bluff, according to a news release. Small Works on Paper is a juried visual art exhibition that showcases artwork no larger than 18- by-24 inches. Now in its 38th year, the exhibition showcases artwork by Arkansas artists. The artwork will be on view in the Carver Grand Hall of the Ouachita Center. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A reception will be held at 10 a.m. May 8. Details: www.ArkansasArts.org.
Saturday, May 31
St. John hosts health fair, salad fest
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., has rescheduled the annual Women’s Day Health Fair and Salad Fest for 10 a.m. May 31. (The event had been postponed from May 3.) The health fair “Live Talk” will provide spiritual encouragement, tips on maintenance of heart health, insurance, healthy eating and cooking. Speakers include Dr. Martha A. Flowers and the Rev. Louise Tyler-Tisdale, according to a news release. There will be a buffet style salad bar, door prizes, games and other activities. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased through Charneise Turner Mills at (870) 267-5696. All previous ticket purchases will be honored.
Friday, June 6
Gun Violence Awareness set
The community is invited to the Second Annual Go Orange Day focusing on Gun Violence Awareness. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 6 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Jefferson-Lincoln County Circuit Court – 6th Division – in conjunction with Pine Bluff Group Violence Intervention (GVI) are presenting the program, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Highlights include workshops, a rally with speakers, family activities and free food. Free parking will be provided. Please note that a clear bag policy will be enforced. Vendors and participants are encouraged to wear orange. Free vendor opportunities are available for small businesses and organizations. Vendor forms are available at https://files.constantcontact.com/585454b8001/0cdf682f-fff8-482e-b763-ceb07eb4adaa.pdf?rdr=true. Completed vendor forms may be returned to Rev. Eric Walden Jr. by email at ewalden@jeffersoncircuitcourt6.org. They may also be mailed or hand delivered to 301 E. Second Ave., Pine Bluff, AR (71601) by May 16. Details: Eric Walden at (870) 541-5455 or (870) 718-5123.
Beginning Saturday, June 7
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: 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.
Thursday, June 26
Boys & Girls Club sets Heroes Banquet
Table sponsorships for the fifth annual Heroes Banquet are now being sold. The event benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson County is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 26 at First Methodist Church, 200 W. Sixth Ave. The banquet honors those who have positively impacted the community. A $600 table sponsorship will provide a reserved table for eight guests, recognition in the event program and slideshow and social media acknowledgement on the BGCJC’s platforms. An online payment may be made by requesting an invoice for submission. Checks to be mailed may be made payable to the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson County and sent to P.O. Box 6027, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. In-person payment is available at the office at 200 W. Sixth Ave. Confirmation of sponsorship by May 15 is requested. For information on sponsorship, contact BGCJC at info@boysgirlsclubjc.org.
Friday, July 11
Branson trip set to see ‘David’
Women of Faith will charter a bus to Branson, Mo., July 11 to see the live performance of “David” on the Sight & Sound Theatre stage. Men, women, couples and children (accompanied by an adult) are encouraged to attend. This is a turnaround trip with transportation and reserved seating included in the cost of the ticket, according to a news release. For details or ticket information contact Jessie Clemmons at (870) 692-2194.