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.
Underway
Fire department holds cooling stations
This week from 1-6 p.m., temporary cooling stations are being set up at several Pine Bluff fire stations to combat the heat and supply some relief from the sun. Residents can go to a fire station, get a drink of cold water and have their vitals checked. Each station will also offer seating and access to electrical outlets for charging devices. Fire station locations include: Station No. 1 — 200 E. Eighth Ave. (civic center), Station No. 2 — 2120 W. Pullen St., Station No. 3 — 601 W. 32nd Ave., Station No. 4 — 3609 Market St., Station No. 5 — 3700 Miramar St., Station No. 6 — 1805 Moreland St., Station No. 7 — 2208 Ridgway Road.
Brian Wolf exhibit on display
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The ARTx3 Campus is hosting the 24-piece exhibition “Strange Awakening” by Brian Wolf at the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. “Strange Awakening,” his latest body of work, is the culmination of self-discovery, acceptance and artistic transformation that began in 2023. “Strange Awakening” will be on view through Nov. 15 by appointment. The exhibition is sponsored by the Kline Family Foundation, according to a news release.
Through Friday, July 25
St. John plans Vacation Bible School
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen Ave., will conduct its annual Vacation Bible School from 5-8 p.m. July 21-25. The Rev. Charlene N. Boone is the pastor. VBS is for children 3 years and older and for adults. This annual Christian education program is offered to St. John’s members and the public. The theme will be “Growing with Jesus: The Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23.) There will be lessons, role-playing, games, crafts, movies and songs. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is open until July 18. Participants may register on the St. John AME Church Pine Bluff’s Facebook page or by using this link.
Begining Friday, July 25
Southeast School reunion set
Southeast Junior/Senior High School alumni will hold their 66th reunion at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. On July 25, the fish fry starts at 11 a.m. and the dance begins at 8 p.m. that day. On July 26, the indoor picnic starts at 11 a.m. and the banquet begins at 7 p.m. There will also be a PowerPoint presentation on preserving the school’s heritage and a proclamation from Mayor Vivian L. Flowers. All the events take place in Ballrooms 2 and 4 at the convention center. The clear bag policy will be enforced at the Convention Center, according to a news release. Details: (870) 730-1131.
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 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, July 26
First Ward pantry gala sold out
First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry has sold out tickets for the annual Black Tie Fundraiser at 7 p.m. July 26 at Sahara Temple, 820 S. Main St., according to a news release. 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.
Sunday, July 27
Back to school event at Amos Chapel
Fun Without GUNS presents a free back to school engagement from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday at Amos Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1307 W. 16 Ave. Leaders will “cover the children with prayer” as well as offer essentials for going back to school, according to a news release. There will be free haircuts by James Smith, owner and CEO of Smith Barber Institute, and colleagues; pizza and care packages for going back to school on Monday and others are preparing to return to school in August. Sponsors include Dr. Martha Flowers, Dr. Kenneth Lambert, local lawyer Efrem Neely, and Jay Brentlinger, owner of KCAT FM radio station, according to the news release.
New Community hosts Kingdom Builders
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will host its Kingdom Builders program at 6 p.m. July 27. The featured speaker will be Pam Neal, a long-time educator, business woman, and member of New Community. The church also is hosting fundraisers until September. On Sundays, breakfast will be available for $5 or $6.50 with coffee or juice, served before and after the church’s 8 a.m. service. Also, Sundays after the 11 a.m. service, dinners will be available for $10.
Barraque hosts FRANgelism
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen Ave., is hosting “FRANgelism” throughout July. “Simply put, FRANgelism is evangelism to our Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors,” according to a news release. Each Sunday, invitations are extended to family, friends and colleagues to attend worship at 11 a.m. All are welcomed to attend FRANgelism. The schedule includes: July 27 — Neighbors. The Rev. Sidney D. Milton Sr. is the pastor.
Monday, July 28
Wastewater Utility board to meet
The regular scheduled meeting of the utility commission has been rescheduled for July 28 at 8:45 a.m., according to a news release from Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility.
Wednesday, July 30
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 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 Saturday, Aug. 2
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: Aug. 2 — Kent Burnside Band; Sept. 6 — Big Al & The Heavy Weights; Oct. 4 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
Sunday, Aug. 3
Altheimer church honors mayor
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Altheimer will host an Appreciation Day honoring Altheimer Mayor Zola Hudson at 2 p.m. Aug. 3. The Rev. R.P. Bifford is the pastor. The community is invited to attend.
Mt. Nebo honors its pastor
Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, 3201 W. Second Ave., will honor the Rev. Larry C. Battles on his 44th Pastor’s Anniversary, on Aug. 3. At 11 a.m., the guest preacher will be the Rev. R.P. Bifford, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church of Altheimer. At 3 p.m., the Rev. Clarence Holman, pastor of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church of Pine Bluff, will be the featured speaker, accompanied by his congregation.
Moscow church observes 138th anniversary
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Moscow will celebrate its 138th Anniversary at 2 p.m. Aug. 3. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Lee Whitiker, pastor of Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church of Pine Bluff, accompanied by his congregation. The Rev. Stanley R. Blair Sr. is pastor of New Hope church.
Monday, Aug. 4
Day of Caring cleanup to be discussed
Jefferson County Clean and Beautiful, the United Way of Southeast Arkansas, and the city of Pine Bluff will hold a planning meeting at 10 a.m. Aug. 4 at the Detective Kevin D. Collins Center in the civic center complex. The purpose is to discuss the United Way Day of Caring in which they work with volunteers to complete a service project. A cleanup event will be held in the 3rd Ward on the United Way Day of Caring, Sept. 25, according to a news release from 3rd Ward City Council Member William Fells III. This Day of Caring will focus on cleaning up the neighborhood surrounding Edgewood Elementary School. It will involve clearing illegal dumping sites and cutting overgrown lots. During the planning meeting, officials will share further details on the project such as individual sites, specific action items, and overall logistics.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
Chamber announces luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 6 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The speaker will be Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr., according to the Chamber newsletter. Lunch will be catered by Simmons Cafe. The cost is $15 and must be paid in advance. Details: The Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
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.
Saturday, Aug. 9
St. John to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to people in need Aug. 9 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. To help support the feeding ministry, people may send a financial donation to St. John AME Church-Feeding Ministry, 1117 W. Pullen St., Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601, or electronically through Givelify St John AME Pine Bluff. To volunteer, contact Pearl Matlock by email at pearl1948@sbcglobal.net to volunteer.
Tuesday, Aug. 12
TOPPS to give away food
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will restart its monthly food giveaway at 10 a.m. Aug. 12. Distribution will be on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a news release. Food will be handed out in a drive-through manner. Each household is limited to one food box. Identification is required as proof of address. Participants must be present to receive the box. TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service) is a non-profit organization. Details: Annette Dove, executive director, at (870) 850-6011.
Through Friday, Aug. 15
Community foundation offers grants
Nonprofits in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County can apply for Giving Tree Grants through the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation (PBACF), an affiliate of Arkansas Community Foundation. Applications must be submitted between now and Aug. 15 at arcf.org/givingtree. Any IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, public school, government agency or hospital in Jefferson County is eligible to apply. Grants are not made to individuals or small businesses, according to a news release.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Old Saint James sets health fair
Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., will conduct its second health fair and hygiene product drive for local schools from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 16. Admission is free and the event is open to the general public, according to StuffinTheBluff.com. Participants are encouraged to donate menstrual supply and hygiene products, which will be given to schools. Also, the health fair will include free blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and prostate screenings. Experts representing social services and healthcare will be on hand to assist with insurance needs and answer questions. Law enforcement, fire safety and ambulance demonstrations will be featured on site as well. The OSJ pastor is the Rev. David M. Smith.
Friday, Aug. 22
Suicide prevention event set for churches
The D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project (DSOP) will host Soul Shop for Black Churches from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Pine Bluff Public Library, 600 S. Main St. Participants will learn how to talk about suicide from a faith perspective. Admission is free. Workshop materials and lunch will be provided. “Soul Shop for Black Churches is specifically designed for pastors, church staff, faith-based clinicians and other lay leaders in Black and African American churches,” according to StuffinTheBluff.com. Register for this workshop at Eventbrite.com. For details, email Kymara Seals, DSOP founder and chair of the board, at DSOutReachProject@gmail.com.
Friday, Aug. 29
Alumni offer scholarships
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County UAPB/AM&N Alumni Chapter is offering scholarships. The deadline to apply is Aug. 29. The chapter will hold its 2025 scholarship gala at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Proceeds will go to the scholarship fund, according to a news release. The scholarships are available only to students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50. Eight scholarships of $1,000 per award will be presented. Submit your application to walkert@uapb.edu or deliver in person to: Dr. Tanya S. Walker, Scholarship Chairperson, UAPB – Corbin Hall Office 100. Details: Tanya Walker, (870) 575-8718; Chapter President Mary Liddell, (870) 643-2383.
Saturday, Sept. 6
Taste of PB, business pitch event set
The 1899 Project will present the Taste of Pine Bluff and $10,000 Pitch Competition from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 6 at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. “Get ready for an unforgettable night of flavor, innovation and community unity,” according to a news release on StuffinTheBluff.com. There will be sample dishes from Pine Bluff’s food vendors, entertainment, and networking opportunities. The event is is free and open to the general public. To attend, see details on Eventbrite. Sponsors include U.S. Bank, the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and the Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce.
Friday, Sept. 12
UAPB alumni plan scholarship gala
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County UAPB/AM&N Alumni Chapter’s 2025 Scholarship Gala will be held Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The center has a clear bag policy, according to the news release. The theme of the gala is Journey of Knowledge: Empowering Minds, Igniting Futures. This event will recognize some outstanding community partners while the proceeds will reward some deserving University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff students (including 2025 graduates of Jefferson County high schools), according to a news release. Tickets are $40 per person or $400 per table. Tickets may be purchased from 3-5 p.m. July 2 in the Golden Lion Stadium breezeway or during the chapter meeting from 5:30-6:30 p.m. July 8 at the Pine Bluff Public Library, 600 S. Main St. Contact the following for tickets, to submit print ready ads for the souvenir booklet, payments and donations: Shannon Hendrix (870) 718-3472 or (870) 692-3099. Checks are payable to PBJC UAPB AM&N Alumni Chapter, P.O. Box 9288, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. All monies for tickets and ads are due by Aug. 15.
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 9
UAPB 1975 Class sets 50th reunion
The AM&N/University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Class of 1975 will host its 50th class reunion during UAPB’s Homecoming 2025. Reunion activities will include an invitation to the donor’s banquet on Oct. 9; recognition during the annual homecoming alumni assembly; banquet/gala on Oct. 10 from 6-9 p.m. in the STEM Building at UAPB; the annual homecoming parade and the football game. To sustain the class scholarship fund, each class member is asked to donate $1,000 to the Class of 1975 Scholarship Endowment Fund, according to a news release. The reunion registration form and donor form can be accessed via the AM&N/UAPB Class of 1975 Facebook page under “files” or members can email uapbclassof1975@swbell.net for additional information.