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.
Wednesday, May 14
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.
Thursday, May 15
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Mayors to address retired teachers
The Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association will meet at 11:30 a.m. May 15 in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers and White Hall Mayor Noel Foster will give updates on the “state of their respective cities,” according to a news release. Member reservations are required for the luncheon to be provided by Ms. Dee’s Diner at $12 per person. Members are asked to bring pull-tab cans of fruit to be donated to Neighbor to Neighbor to assist families in need. For details on JCRTA and to make luncheon reservations, call Lura Campbell at (870) 543-0127.
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
Shredding event set
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Clean & Beautiful Commission announces the Spring Shredding Event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 16 at Saracen Landing. The limit is 10 boxes of paper per person or group. They won’t accept plastic or metal. Participants should sort items before bring them to the event. Sponsors include RazorShred and Saracen Landing.
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.
Saturday, May 24
Center plans job fair
Lula Mae’s Day Center will host an employment fair from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 24 at 613 W. Eighth Ave. There will be onsite interviews. Participants include Delta EOC, TRIO, RAAD (Rise Above Alcohol and Drugs), CASA Inc., Central Moloney, and Super 1 Foods, according to a news release. Lula Mae’s mission is to empower people by providing essential resources and support to improve their well-being. Details: Shaneka Hamilton, Lula Mae’s executive director, (870) 663-0472.
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.
Thursday, May 22
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. May 22. To reserve a time slot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. May 21, 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 answer questions about existing VA benefits claims and assist with filing new claims. Details: http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
Friday, May 30
Humor month event set
Bob “Hubba Jubba” Moss will present the the fifth annual celebration of “Lunch, Learn & Love 2 Laff 4 Rx” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 30 at the board room of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. The community is invited to attend the free lunch workshop. The event will include humor month history, “Laffs Galore Laffter Drills & Songs,” and a mini lecture, according to the Chamber newsletter. To make a reservation, call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
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.
Friday, June 20
Juneteenth set downtown
The Juneteenth celebration will be held in downtown Pine Bluff from 5-11 p.m. June 20. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Juneteenth in the Bluff Arts & Cultural Festival will be located in the Delta Rhythm and Bayous Cultural District. The downtown celebration will primarily be from Second Avenue to Third Avenue and State Street to Pine Street with the main stage at Second Avenue and Main Street, according to a spokesman from the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission. Juneteenth is powered by UAPB, the A&P Commission and city of Pine Bluff, according to a flier.
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.
Monday, June 30
OES offers scholarships
The Royal Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, PHA, is awarding five $700 scholarships for the 2025 school year. The scholarships are one-time awards and are nonrenewable, according to a news release. Two scholarships will be awarded to high school or GED graduates, and three scholarships will be awarded to students currently enrolled in a vocational program or two-year or four-year institution of higher learning. The application deadline is June 30. For an application, text your email address to (870) 413-9481 and a coordinator will forward you the application, according to the news release.
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.