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.
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
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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.
Sunday, June 29
Word of Faith hosts service
Word of Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1108 S. Poplar St., invites the community to its Family and Friends Day on Sunday. Sunday School starts at 9:45 a.m. and worship service at 10:45 a.m. The sermon will be by the pastor, Henry Land Jr.
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.
Beginning Monday, June 30
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, according to a news release. Southeast Arkansas sites include: JUNE 30: Bradley County Courthouse — 10 a.m. to noon, 101 E. Cedar St., Warren; and Cleveland County Courthouse — 1-3 p.m., 20 Magnolia St., Rison; JULY 1: Drew County Courthouse — 2-4 p.m., 210 S. Main St., Monticello. Details: https://westerman.house.gov/.
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, July 12
St. John to give away food
St John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to people in need July 12 from 9 a.m. until all food has been distributed. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. Pickup will be in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks, according to a news release.
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.
Tuesday, July 15
Trinity Village sets luncheon
Trinity Village, 6400 Trinity Drive, will hold a salad luncheon and silent auction at the Lodge Great Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 15. Proceeds will go toward improvements in Trinity’s medical center. Admission is by donation, according to the flier.
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.