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.
Sunday, June 1
Pleasant Grove observes anniversary
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1801 S. Indiana St., will celebrate its 143rd anniversary at 11 a.m. Sunday. The community is invited to join in this special observance. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Darrell Martin, pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Altheimer. “We look forward to seeing you there,” a spokesman said in Stuff in The Bluff.com. The Rev. Dennis W. Wilson is the pastor of Pleasant Grove.
Prayer Works observes anniversary
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Prayer Works Gospel Church of Pine Bluff will celebrate its second Pastoral and Church Anniversary honoring the Rev. Laydell and Della Jordan on Sunday at 3 p.m. Services will be held at the True Vine E Missionary Baptist Church, 1001 W. Second Ave. The guest speaker will be the Rev. George Glass, pastor of Greater Word of Life Ministries International in Bastrop, La.
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
Chamber sets monthly luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 4 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The speakers will be Charles King and Courtney Kline of Southeast Arkansas College, according to the Chamber newsletter. Lunch costs $15 per person and will be catered by The Wood Shed. Lunch must be paid for in advance. Details: The Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
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.
Through Wednesday, June 4
UAPB sets alumni royalty contests
UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association Inc. invites alumni to help crown the 2025 University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N National Alumni Association Queen and King. “We’re looking for alumni who represent the pride, spirit, and legacy of UAPB/AM&N with excellence,” according to a news release. “Do you have what it takes — or know someone who does? Email completed applications to: alumniuapb@aol.com no later than Wednesday, June 4, 2025,” according to a news release. Applications are available at https://files.constantcontact.com/b3f1149a701/ebcfc6e3-1319-4921-992a-ce6dd5fe676a.pdf.
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
Small Works to open in PB
The Arkansas Arts Council’s annual touring visual arts exhibition, Small Works on Paper, will open June 6 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. Alexia Lams of Pine Bluff is among featured artists in the exhibit. A reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. June 12, according to a news release. Small Works on Paper will be on view in the Altheimer Gallery through June 28. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Now in its 38th year, Small Works is a juried visual art exhibition that showcases artwork from Arkansas artists. The artwork can be no larger than 18 x 24 inches. This year’s exhibition features 40 pieces of artwork by 35 Arkansas artists. The exhibition will tour nine venues statewide.
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.constant contact.com/585454 b8001/0cdf682f-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.
Saturday, June 7
Arsenal sets Color Run
Pine Bluff Arsenal’s Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation will host a 5K Color Run, June 7, at 10 a.m. The deadline to sign up is May 27, according to a news release. The entry fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children, which includes a T-shirt with sign-up. For information about the run and gaining access to the Arsenal for the event, call (870) 540-3778 or 540-3779.
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
Fire department sets youth camp
The Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department will host a Junior Fire Camp from June 9-13 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The free camp is designed for boys and girls ages 9-13 to experience what it’s like to be a firefighter as well as learn about fire safety. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. The camp will be held 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday which will be a fun day and awards presentations. Parents should note that space is limited to the first 15 eligible applicants. Mandatory registration and liability waivers are required. Camp shirts will be provided. Sunscreen is encouraged. Registration is underway. Applications may be picked up at Fire Station #1, 200 E. Eighth Ave. at the Pine Bluff Civic Center. Details: www.pineblufffire.com or (870) 730-2048.
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.
Tuesday, June 10
UAM sets new student registration
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will offer a fall 2025 class registration event on June 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for first-time freshmen and new transfer students. The session is for students who plan to attend UAM’s Monticello campus, the UAM College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC) or the UAM College of Technology-McGehee (UAM-CTM), according to a news release. This event is open to first-time freshman students and new transfer students who have submitted necessary materials to the Office of Admissions. Parents and legal guardians are welcome to attend. In-person registration is required. Students should visit the UAM Admissions Events webpage to RSVP to reserve a time to register for classes. Prior to attending registration, students must apply to UAM by June 6. This includes submitting a free admission application and any required test scores and transcripts, as detailed in the RSVP process. Details: UAM Office of Admissions at admissionsoffice@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1026.
Thursday, June 12
Westerman offices open
Fourth District Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) announced casework-specific office hours have been set for district office locations in June. Staff will be able to assist with issues for constituents addressing Veterans’ Affairs, Social Security, Medicare, IRS, 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 office will be open at 211 W. Third Ave. Suite 245, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 12.
Friday, June 13
Arsenal plans Strongman contest
Pine Bluff Arsenal’s Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation will host a Father’s Day Strongman Competition June 13 at 1 p.m. There will be three age divisions, with the winner determined by overall combined total weight. Trophies will be presented to the winners, according to a news release. For information about this event and gaining access to the Arsenal, call (870) 540-3778 or 540-3779.
Saturday, June 14
Mental health, suicide prevention event set
The community is invited to attend the third annual Mental Health Wellness Suicide Prevention Summit from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14 at Southeast Arkansas College in the McGeorge Building, 1900 S. Hazel St. The summit is hosted by the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project (DSOP). This summit is free to attend. “Join the DSOP for an important summit focused on mental health wellness and suicide prevention, tailored for mental health professionals, emergency responders and first responders,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Key experts in the fields of mental health wellness and suicide prevention will make presentations. Register for the summit at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-wellness-suicide-prevention-summit-tickets-1368820602269?aff=oddtdtcreator
Beginning Monday, June 16
Generator sets free youth camp
The Generator, 435 South Main, will hold a free Inventioneer Summer Camp for youth June 16 through July 11 from 12:3-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. “Inventioneer Camp is a free, hands-on experience for youth ages 11-17, focused on engineering graphics using CAD and designing imaginative inventions in a fun, team-based environment,” according to the flier. Participants can learn engineering graphics, have a summer invention challenge, as well as build confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Free lunch will be provided, according to the flier. The camp is free but spaces are limited. To register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4Z8Sg9uNLELke_R3H893OdKYNo1XJnKT6vDeIjMv5K880-w/viewform. Details: (870) 663-0200.
Thursday, July 17
Rotary to host Hooten’s
The Rotary Club of West Pine Bluff’s program will be Hooten’s Arkansas Football at 11:30 a.m. July 17 at Pine Bluff Country Club. The luncheon will be presented by Barry Grooms of Hooten’s Arkansas Football, according to a news release. “We are extending this invitation to representatives from all football programs in southeast Arkansas, so you will not only have the opportunity to hear comments from Arkansas’ premier football authority, you can also visit with coaches and key players from football programs in Southeast Arkansas — all in the same room at the same time. And eat well,” according to the release. Details: Roy Ferrell at roywferrell@gmail.com.
Thursday, June 19
Sip and Soul Juneteenth event set
SIP & SOUL: A Juneteenth Celebration will be held at Indigo Blue Coffee House, 212 W. Barraque St., June 19 beginning with an art exhibit and auction from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The celebration is free and open the public to attend, however art and refreshments will be for sale. An open mic show will be held from 4-7 p.m. and is open to anyone from age 13 to 90. Interested participants must register by June 16. A prize of $25 will be awarded to an adult participant and a $25 prize will be awarded to a young person 13-18 years old. Presenters need to focus on the topic of Juneteenth, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Food and beverages will be for sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Pine Bluff NAACP ACT-SO program for youth. To make a donation, you may mail checks or money orders to: Pine Bluff NAACP, P.O. Box 9064, Pine Bluff, AR 71611-9064. In the notation line, please write “ACT-SO Donation.” You may hand deliver your donations to Indigo Blue Coffeehouse or give through GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/pine-bluff-actso-program or PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=8Y2Y82EZ7NHJ8.
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.
Through Friday, June 20
Ag department accepts grant proposals
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) through June 20. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this program is designed to enhance the competitiveness of Arkansas’s specialty crop industry. Specialty crops are defined by USDA as fruits, vegetables, horticulture, floriculture, and tree nuts. Access the 2025 application, Request for Applications, and additional details on the Department’s website at https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/grants/
Saturday, June 21
UAPB 5K set June 21
UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association announces a 5K Run and Walk will be held at 8 a.m. June 21 beginning at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff ROTC Building, 1802 W. Reeker Ave. The community is invited to participate in the event benefiting the UAPB Athletics, according to the flier. Entry is $25 per person. The event is presented by Gold Standard Collective. For details and to register, email goldstandardcollective1873@gmail.com or call (678) 612-1042.
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.
Beginning Monday, July 7
UAM Kids’ University set
UAM Kids’ University will be held at the University of Arkansas at Monticello from July 7-10 for youth in grades 1-6 and registration is open. The morning session for students entering grades 1-3 and will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. The afternoon session for students entering grades 4-6 and will be held from 1-5 p.m. An early drop-off option is available for both sessions. The day camp aims to cultivate new interests, expand knowledge and spark imagination and creativity in children in a non-graded environment, according to a news release. Early registration is open now and runs through May 31. If you sign up and pay by May 31, the registration fee is $80. Registration from June 1-26 is $100. After June 26, the registration fee is $125. Checks made payable to “UAM Kids’ University” can be mailed to Attn: Rebecca Newton, P.O. Box 3608, Monticello, AR 71656. Payments may also be made over the phone by contacting the UAM Cashier’s Office at (870) 460-1043.
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.
Through Thursday, July 31
Registry seeks state women artists
The Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (ACNMWA) is accepting applications for its biennial Juried Artist Registry of Arkansas women artists. The application is available on the ACNMWA website at www.acnmwa.org/programs/juried-artist-registry. The deadline to apply is July 31 and there is a $20 entry fee. The application is open to all artists who are residents of Arkansas at the time of application. The registry will be featured on the ACNWMA website from October 2025 to October 2027, according to a news release.