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, June 25
Business plan webinar set
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will host a live online Business Plan meeting Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The speaker will be Jack Poff Jr., the Arkansas State University Mid-South ASBTDC director. The event is free. “All businesses, especially new ventures, need a business plan,” according to a news release. “Crafting a plan helps you define your concept, evaluate your competition, determine risks, and estimate costs. Using our ‘To the Point’ outline, learn how to put together a plan that will guide the growth of your business and that you can share with lenders and investors.” To register, visit https://asbtdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/70372334. Details: asbtdc.org or 800-862-2040.
The Commercial sets Church News Deadline
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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.
Through Wednesday, June 25
St. Andrew MBC hosts VBS
St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church, 5810 W. Malcomb St., will conduct Vacation Bible School from 6-7:30 p.m. June 23-25. The theme is “Workshop of Wonders.” Everyone is welcome to attend.
Thursday, June 26
Pinch, Hit & Run coming to Taylor Field
The 2025 Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run competition will be held Thursday at Taylor Field in Pine Bluff, announced Jeff Gross, founder of PRO-DAY Baseball. The event is for baseball and softball players ages 7-14. Participants need to arrive at 8:45 a.m. to the field at 1201 East 16th Ave. and wear baseball/softball attire. Participants are asked to bring a glove and bat. There is no cost for participants. The event is expected to end by noon. Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run (PHR) events provide boys and girls an opportunity to showcase their baseball and softball skills, with the opportunity of earning a chance to attend and compete for a championship during the 2025 MLB World Series. The Pitch, Hit & Run program consists of a series of movements that are important in baseball and softball. Participants will compete in either the 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, or 13-14 age division, with the age cut-off date Nov. 15. They will be tested, and their measurements will be recorded for points. Based on their scores, they will advance from a local event to a team championship and then to the finals hosted at the World Series. To sign up, visit here. Additional information: call/text PRO-DAY Baseball at: (870) 718-3512.
McGehee School Board to meet
The McGehee School Board will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday at the high school library. The agenda includes financial statements, handbook revisions, policy manual revision proposals, reports and executive session, according to the news release. Details: (870) 222-3670.
UAM-CTC plans graduation
The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC) will hold its commencement for the graduating class of 2025 at 2 p.m. June 26 at the Crossett High School Arena. The doors will open at 1 p.m. More than 100 graduates will be recognized with the awarding of certificates of proficiency, technical certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees. Details: (870) 460-2004.
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.
Beginning Thursday, June 26
Westerman sets mobile office hours
The office of U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) announced mobile office hours in the 4th Congressional District. Staff will be available to assist constituents with casework matters related to passports, Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Internal Revenue Service, and other federal agency issues. Mobile offices in southeast Arkansas include: JUNE 26: Calhoun County Courthouse — 10 a.m. to noon, 309 W. Main St., Hampton; Dallas County Courthouse — 2-4 p.m., 206 W. Third St., Fordyce; JUNE 27: Jefferson County Courthouse, 10 a.m. to noon, 101 E. Barraque St.; Grant County Courthouse, 2-4 p.m., 101 W. Center St., Sheridan. Details: https://westerman.house.gov/.
Friday, June 27
Duck Stamps to be unveiled
National leaders from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bass Pro Shops, U.S. Postal Service, Ducks Unlimited and other partners will officially unveil the 2025-2026 federal and Junior Duck Stamps at Mack’s Prairie Wings in Stuttgart on Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. Ducks Unlimited Chief Conservation Officer Karen Waldrop; Jerome Ford, Fish and Wildlife Service assistant director for the Migratory Bird Program; stamp artists and other dignitaries will be on hand to celebrate the first stamps of the year that will be for sale at the event, according to a news release.
Through Friday, June 27
Breath of Life plans VBS
Breath of Life Church, 1313 S. Pine St., will host Vacation Bible School, titled “God’s Laboratory,” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 24-27. The community is invited to attend. There will be food, activities and more. All ages are welcome. “Under the leadership of Pastor Kerry Price Sr., Breath of Life Church guarantees that you will receive the Word of God,” 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 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.
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. Registration is sold out. Details: artx3.org/all-events/live-5-june-2025.
Saturday, June 28
Heirs Property Workshop set
An Heirs’ Property Workshop for producers and landowners in Jefferson County will take place from 10 a.m. to noon June 28 at the Pine Bluff Library at 600 S. Main St. The event is free and the community is invited to attend the workshop featuring Karama Neal, principal of The Neal Firm, as she leads a session on heirs’ property. “This session is perfect for landowners, farmers and families ready to protect their land and preserve their legacy,” according to StuffinTheBluff.com. The event will provide insights into preventing heirs’ property loss, clearing titles, and protecing one’s land through estate planning. Participants can also learn how resolving heirs’ property issues can help them qualify for federal programs and resources, according to the news release. For details or to register, contact Keena Williams at hello@remixideas.com.
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. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Monday, June 30
Men’s health seminar set
The Generator, 435 S. Main St. will host Man to Man, Health is Strength at 5:30 p.m. June 30. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Eric Walden, a pastor, fitness advocate and mentor. “Join us for an empowering evening focused on men’s health and fitness,” according to a flier. Special health resources will be provided by Alan Frazier, financial advisor with Edward Jones; Aricia Ross, cancer patient navigator and outreach coordinator with University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Cancer Institute; and Anna Jane Lipton, patient navigator with Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Through 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.
Tuesday, July 1
DAV sets virtual career fair
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the Central Region Virtual Veterans Career Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 1. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve. More than 40 employers will be on-site representing a range of industries. In addition to employment assistance, the veterans can utilize free 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, according to a news release. To register for the Central Region Virtual Veterans Career Fair and access additional free resources, visit jobs.dav.org.
Wednesday, July 2
Chamber sets July 2 luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 2 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The program will be the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Project. Lunch will be $15 and catered by Leon’s Catfish. Lunch must be paid for in advance, according to the Chamber newsletter. Details: Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
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.
Saturday, July 5
Step-by-Step sets celebration
Thornton’s Step-By-Step organization will hold its July 4th Celebration on July 5 beginning at 5 p.m. in the Roy Yarbrough City Park in Thornton. The celebration will end with a fireworks display adjacent to the railroad tracks beginning at 8:45 p.m. There will be live music and entertainment, a bounce house, food vendors, and booths, according to a news release. It is hoped that this annual event will bring people from within the local community, surrounding areas, and from all across Arkansas together to share reflections of the July 4th traditions. Details: Levenis Penix, 870) 352-8241; Sharon Scott, (870) 352-7968; or the Thornton’s Mayor’s Office, (870) 352-3576.
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 Friday, July 11
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 NSO sessions will include 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.
Through Friday, July 11
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.
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.
Sunday, July 13
Church to observe Vaughns’ 105th birthday
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will host the 105th birthday celebration of their deacon, Thomas F. Vaughns, at 2 p.m. July 13 in the church fellowship hall. Vaughns is a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a veteran of the Korean War, was a county extension agent, and horticulture specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for 14 years, according to a news release.
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.