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.
Monday, May 19
McGehee School Board to meet
The McGehee School Board will meet at 5 p.m. Monday at the McGehee High School Library. The agenda includes recognition of Students of the Month, election of officers, public comments, invoices and financial statement, and administrator’s reports, according to a news release.
NCC hosts Raising the Standard Conference
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will continue its annual Raising the Standard Conference at 7 p.m. Monday with Jackie Rainey, an apostle, speaking. Rainey has been in ministry for more than 22 years and is the apostle of Jesus Way International Ministry in Little Rock. She has been on her job at CHI St. Vincent Hospital for more than 20 years. The community is invited to attend the conference at New Community where the pastor/apostle is Patrick Lockett.
City Wide Mission meets
The City Wide Mission will meet Monday at 1 p.m. at St. Peter’s Rock Missionary Baptist Church, 1201 S. Catalpa St. The guest speaker is Mary Davis of Bethany Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. St. Peter’s Rock’s pastor is the Rev. Darren Edgerson.
Tuesday, May 20
3rd Ward meeting set
The 3rd Ward Community Watch Meeting will be held at 6 p.m. May 20 at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave., according to a news release. Kenneth Gray is the president.
Wednesday, May 21
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 22
Edible Garden Conference set
The annual Edible Garden Conference will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 22 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Agriculture Demonstration Outreach Center (ADOC) in Marianna. Registration is free and will take place on-site. The community is invited to attend, according to a flier. Details: Karen Lee, (870) 575-7225.
Saturday, May 24
Hurricane HYPE Fun Day set
New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, 3319 S. Ohio St., announces a fun day will be held at the Hurricane HYPE Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 24. The center is located near the church. The event is designed especially for middle and elementary school students, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. “This event is all about bringing our young community together for a memorable day filled with thrilling activities, games and opportunities to make new friends,” a spokesman said. Registration is available at https://tinyurl.com/hucatmmt. Details: newsthurricane.org or https://www.facebook.com/NewStHurricane/.
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.
Sunday, May 25
Prayer Garden hosts interim chancellor
Prayer Garden Christian Faith Center Church of God in Christ, 800 Apple St., will host its Graduate and Promotion Service at 10 a.m. May 25. The featured speaker will be interim Chancellor Andrea Stewart of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Superintendent Jerry W. Williams Sr. serves as pastor.
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.
Wednesday, May 28
ARTx3 sets reception for director
The ARTx3 Campus invites the public to meet its new executive director during a free reception from 5-7 p.m. May 28 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Celeste Alexander’s tenure at the ARTx3 Campus — which comprises the ARTSpace on Main, the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, and ART WORKS on Main — began April 1. Those planning to attend the reception are asked to RSVP by completing the form at bit.ly/457bIRx or calling (870) 536-3375.
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.
Monday, June 2
Namaste and Gourmet event set
The community is invited to join an event featuring gourmet snacks and a discussion about wellness and academic success June 2 at 10 a.m. at the McGeorge Hall Seminar room of Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK). The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Department of Human Sciences and the 100 Families Initiative of Jefferson County are hosting this event titled Namaste and Gourmet. “Attendees will taste gourmet snacks prepared by a world-class chef, participate in stretching exercises and listen to discussions about the importance of food security and nutrition for mental wellness,” according to a news release. Speakers include Sylvia Blain, CEO of Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, and Leonardo Glover, director of wellness and counseling at UAPB. Details: Kimberly Haynie, associate professor of nutrition and food science, at hayniek@uapb.edu.
Wednesday, June 4
Imagination Library sets salad luncheon
The Imagination Library for Jefferson County, an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, will host its annual “Imagination Library Summer Salad Luncheon” fundraiser. The event will be held June 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive Street. Tickets are $15. Proceeds support free library books for children. Dining in or carryout is available for the luncheon. “You can enjoy tasting any of the spectacular salads available,” according to the news release. For salad luncheon ticket information or details, contact Linda Bateman, YouthPartners/Imagination Library executive director, at (870) 718-0654 or United Way at (870) 534-2153.
Thursday, June 5
Women’s shelter slates event
CASA Women’s Shelter will host Lunch & Learn 2025 at 11:30 a.m. June 5 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., in rooms A and B. Leaders include Tamela Garth, executive director of CASA, and Latisha Brunson, Ward 1 council member and 100 Families coordinator for Jefferson County. Attendees invited include law enforcement, local officials, partner agencies and anyone interested in volunteering. Participants will learn about CASA and its mission and who they serve. RSVP is required by May 23 at (870) 575-2960.
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.
Beginning Monday, June 9
AR Kids Read plans free tutoring
AR Kids Read will host its 2025 Summer Reading Tutoring program, a free four-week initiative designed to support rising 1st through 5th graders in building strong reading skills through small group instruction rooted in the science of reading. Hosted at local libraries in Pine Bluff, this program will run in June and early July, offering twice-weekly tutoring sessions led by certified teachers and trained interns, according to a news release. Dates and locations: Pine Bluff Main Library June 9 – July 2; Mondays and Wednesdays; 4-5 p.m. or 5-6 p.m. and Watson Chapel Library: June 10 – July 3; Tuesdays and Thursdays; 4-5 p.m. or 5-6 p.m. Families can visit www.arkidsread.org/summer-program to sign up. For more information, email info@arkidsread.org.
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.