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.
Beginnng Sunday, June 15
Juneteenth set in Monticello
The first Juneteenth Fest hosted by the NAACP Drew County Branch will be held at the Monticello town square from 2-5 p.m. June 15 and will kick off a week of celebrations. The community on June 15 will enjoy a fun, festive and historic event with food trucks, vendors, a kid zone, a DJ and a gospel hour, according to the NAACP branch. A Juneteenth commemorative ceremony at the town square is scheduled for noon June 19, the actual holiday. The guest speaker June 19 will be Barry Jefferson, the NAACP Arkansas state conference president and former president of the NAACP Jacksonville Branch. Details: dcnaacp6042.org/Juneteenth. Drew County Branch president is Clarissa Pace.
Monday, June 16
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
City Wide Mission meets
The City Wide Mission will meet at 1 p.m. Monday at Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St. The guest speaker will be Vivian Jenkins of Greater United Missionary Baptist Church.
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.
Tuesday, June 17
3rd Ward residents to meet
The Third Ward Community Watch Meeting will be held at 6 p.m. June 17 at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W 28th Ave. The president is Evelyn Bass, according to a news release.
Theater Pro Camp set
The ARTx3 Campus will present Theater Pro Camp, for ages 12-17, from 1-4 p.m. weekdays June 16-20 and June 23-27. The camp focuses on theater preparation, collaboration and exploration. By combining acting, voice, movement training and performance skills, students will develop the traits needed in theater performance. They are also empowered to advance their creativity in a fun and supportive environment, according to the release. The cost is $220 for members and $280 for nonmembers; full scholarships are available for everyone who applies, regardless of income. Register at artx3.org/all-events/theater-pro-camp or call (870) 536-3375.
Wednesday, June 18
The 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 are accepted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, June 19
Juneteenth holiday closings
Several agencies will be closed for the Juneteenth holiday, June 19. Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices will be closed. Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices will be closed. Area Agency on Aging for Southeast Arkansas’ senior centers will be closed, however Southeast Arkansas Transportation (SEAT) and the agency’s and main office will be open.
Women’s Connection sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 19 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Maria Johnson of Bella Vista and her topic will be “Who Me? A Princess.” The special feature will also be Kim Bradley of Pine Bluff explaining how to make a USA prayer Flag Pillow from a 5×5 fabric square, according to a news release. “She gave her relationship with God low priority for several years until being invited to a women’s conference where things changed dramatically for her,” according to the release. “She presents a very clear presentation of the gospel.” The luncheon costs $20, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. For reservations or cancellations, contact Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302.
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.
Juneteenth continues in Monticello
The first Juneteenth Fest hosted by the NAACP Drew County Branch began June 15, kicking off a week of celebrations. A Juneteenth commemorative ceremony at the Monticello town square is scheduled for noon June 19, the actual holiday. The guest speaker will be Barry Jefferson, the NAACP Arkansas state conference president and former president of the NAACP Jacksonville Branch. Details: dcnaacp6042.org/Juneteenth. Drew County Branch president is Clarissa Pace.
Friday, June 20
Arts center slates Bingo Night
The ARTx3 Campus will host Bingo Night from 6-8 p.m. June 20 at The ARTSpace on Main. This event is for ages 18 and older. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Additional bingo cards will be available for purchase. Register by June 17 at artx3.org/all-events/bingo-night-june-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call the center.
Zebra Golf Tournament returning
The Zebra Golf Tournament will return for its second year June 20 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The first tournament last year proved successful with more than 25 teams participating and $50,000 raised for Pine Bluff High School athletics, according to a news release from the Zebra Athletic Club, the organizer of the event. The ZAC was founded as a booster club to benefit the athletic department. Team sign-ups and sponsorship support for the tournament are still being accepted. Fees are $400 per team or $100 per individual, with complimentary lunch starting at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Details: Jason Lovell at (770) 366-3194 or zebraathleticclub@gmail.com.
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/.
Beginning Friday, June 20
UAPB plans new student orientation
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will kick off new student orientation (NSO) sessions Friday to welcome the fall 2025 class. The sessions include lunch and optional tours. All activities will take place in Henderson-Young Hall, according to a news release. The six NSO sessions will be held June 20, July 11, July 25, Aug. 8, and Aug. 20, (during Welcome Week.) Each NSO date will include a Meet the Campus Team and Meet Your Academic Advisor session, covering what to expect, new student basics, and class schedules, as well as a Q&A session with campus administrators. Basic Academic Services will advise students with fewer than 30 college credit hours. Students with 30 or more credit hours will be advised by their academic department/major advisor. NSO is mandatory for all new and transfer students. Students must be fully admitted to register for the orientation. To register, visit UAPB.edu or call the admission office, (870) 575-8492. For details, email rigginsc@uapb.edu or call (870) 575-8732.
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.
Monday, June 23
Mental health first aider class set
Free Mental Health First Aider Training will be provided from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 23 at the Jefferson County Extension Service, 500 S. Idaho St. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., according to a news release. This training session will be provided free by the extension service, a program of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Participants will receive a Mental Health First Aider certificate. Participants should bring their lunch. Snacks will be provided. The pre-registration deadline is June 18. Call Mary Ann Kizer at (870) 534-1033 or e-mail mkizer@uada.edu to pre-register. Class size is limited to 30 participants.
Beginning Monday, June 23
Theater Jr. Camp set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Theater Jr. Camp 9 a.m. to noon weekdays June 23-27. The session is for ages 7-11 and teaches the basics of theater preparation, collaboration and exploration. Campers will work with props and costumes and perform a play. They will learn to work in teams, solve problems, build self-confidence, use different techniques to help stay focused and explore their creativity. The camp concludes with a public performance. Emily Burris instructs. The cost is $110 for members and $140 for nonmembers; full scholarships are available for everyone who applies, regardless of income. Register at artx3.org/all-events/theater-jr-camp or call (870) 536-3375. Details: artx3.org/all-events/live-5-june-2025.
Thursday, June 26
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. June 26. To reserve a time slot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. June 25, 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.
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.
Saturday, June 28
Stuttgart ministry launches new effort
Victors’ Empowerment Center’s apostle, Victor Johnson, and executive pastor, Anita Johnson, will launch Johnson2Johnson (J2J) Apostolic Ministries at 4 p.m. June 28 at 802 N. College St. in Stuttgart. Special guests will be the apostle, Craig Banks, and pastor, Sheryl Banks from Canaan Christian Center in Pine Bluff. Victors’ Empowerment is adding this new ministry which will focus on mental health, marriage and spiritual (apostolic) elevation,according to a news release. The ministry will use a combination of formats (online, in-person sessions and social media.) “Our mission is to equip, empower, and strengthen the people of God holistically to become effective vessels for his glory. We strive to advance the Kingdom of God, uniting believers globally and transforming lives by the power of the Holy Spirit,” according to the release. Registration is not required and light refreshments will be served. All are invited to attend.
Ceramic Creations set
The ARTx3 Campus is hosting a two-part, hand-built ceramics workshop from noon to 3 p.m. June 28 at the ARTSpace on Main. In Ceramic Creations, Debbie Phillips will teach essential techniques including coiling, slab-building and sculpting to create unique, functional and decorative pottery. The workshop is suited for beginning and experienced artists, ages 16 and older. The cost is $75 for ARTx3 members and $90 for nonmembers, and includes all supplies. Register by June 10 at artx3.org/all-events/ceramic-creations. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
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.
Through Thursday, July 3
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 first through fifth 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.
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.
Beginning Saturday, July 12
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: 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, 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.
Saturday, July 26
1st Ward pantry sets gala
First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry will present its third annual Black Tie Fundraiser at 7 p.m. July 26 at Sahara Temple, 820 S. Main St. Proceeds from the fundraiser go toward the pantry’s mission of feeding those in need. This year the honoree is Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. Each year, First Ward Living Grace hosts the gala in honor of a community member who has been instrumental in supporting the pantry, according to director Debra Allen. Tickets are $75 each. Tables are $675 and sits eight people. Sponsors’ names will be on the tables as well as the program. For tickets or details, contact Mae Washington at (870) 489-2376 or Dr. Arlene Woody, (870) 329-3473.
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.
Beginning Friday, Aug. 8
Dollarway ’75 Class sets reunion
The Dollarway High School Class of 1975 is planning its 50th class reunion and all members are encouraged to participate. Aug. 8 — the meet n’ greet will be held from 5-10 p.m. at the John W. Fallis Waterfront Facility in Pine Bluff Regional Park. T-shirts will be distributed during the meet n’ greet and members are urged to place T-shirt orders now. The meet n’ greet is for adults only, according to a news release.Aug. 9 — The class picnic will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the waterfront facility in Regional Park. The grill master will be Dollarway’s own William “Bill” Sprinkle. Ages 5 and younger can attend free. Aug. 9 — DHS Class of 1975 Prom/Banquet will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight at the waterfront facility, for adults only. The dress code is semi-formal and colors are red, white and black. Aug. 10 — The church fellowship will be 10 a.m. at Family Church, 2309 S. Poplar St., where Elder Roosevelt Brown is the pastor. Joyce C. Williams Brown is the reunion facilitator. Details: (870) 692-2543.