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.
Monday, Aug. 4
Auditions set for ‘Razzle Dazzle’
“Razzle Dazzle,” ARTx3 Campus’ high-energy singing and dancing production returns this fall, and is looking for performers ages 18 and older to join the cast, according to the news release. Auditions continue from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Arts & Science Center, 701 S. Main St. The “Razzle Dazzle” creative team is seeking adults with singing and dancing experience. Relevant experience includes vocal or dance classes, choir, cheerleading, competitive dance or other experiences in which one has practiced and performed. This fast-paced show is a fundraiser to support ARTx3’s theater and educational programming. Register to audition at artx3.org/all-events/razzle-dazzle-auditions. Performances are at 7 p.m. Oct. 24-25 and 3 p.m. Oct. 26. “Razzle Dazzle: A Night of Movies” is directed by Lindsey Collins, with co-director Joel Anderson, music director Faron Wilson and choreographer Heather Bankhead. The show is sponsored by Simmons Bank.
Police to present new officers
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Twelve new Pine Bluff police officers and four recruits who are in the final stages of their training will be presented to the Pine Bluff City Council at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 4. This is the largest recruitment class the department has ever seen, according to PBPD Training Lt. David DeFoor. The community is invited to attend.
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.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 4
Regular St. Marion hosts session
The 157th Regular St. Marion District Association Annual Session will be held at Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., Aug. 4-7. Classes will be from 6-7:45 p.m. and include Survey of John, Christian Beliefs, Leadership in the Local Church, Christian Evangelism, and Christianity and Contemporary Issues. The Parent Body Sessions will begin at 7:45 p.m., according to a news release. Linda Murray is the Dean of Congress.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
Police plan National Night Out
The Pine Bluff Police Department will present National Night Out from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The community is invited to join the city of Pine Bluff for a free police-community partnership event, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Described as “America’s night out against crime,” this annual family friendly function will include hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, Bingo for adults, games for children, bounce houses, Police K-9, fire fighters, a smoke house as well as vehicles and equipment. There will also be opportunities to have conversations with officers and visit community awareness booths. Details: PBPD public relations office, (870) 730-2086.
DAV sets virtual career fair
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the Transitioning Service Member and Spouse Virtual Career Fair on Aug. 5 from 10 to 2 p.m. 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 virtual career fair and access additional free resources, visit jobs.dav.org.
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 the Wood Shed BBQ. The cost is $15 and must be paid in advance. Details: The 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.
Friday, Aug. 8
Arts center slates Jewelry-Making
The ARTx3 Campus will host Twist & Sparkle: bracelet-making class from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at the ARTSpace on Main. Learn basic bracelet-making techniques in this workshop led by jewelry artist Mary Pat Tate. “Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a creative outlet, this class is the perfect way to relax, have fun and leave with something that truly shines,” according to the release.The session is for ages 16 and older. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. All materials are provided. Register at artx3.org/all-events/twist-sparkle-rings or call (870) 536-3375.
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.
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 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, Aug. 9
Pilgrim pantry to give away food
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will be open Aug. 9, from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be handed out on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
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
Outreach event set for landowners
An outreach workshop for producers and landowners in Jefferson County will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 12 at the Pine Bluff Public Library, 600 S. Main St. This free event and lunch will be served, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The interactive workshop is aimed at increasing awareness of and access to U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)programs and resources. “Gain insights into how effective estate planning and resolving heirs’ property issues are critical to protecting your land and ensuring eligibility for NRCS programs,” a spokesman said. To register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4qbRCZr1UvYnnY65HuD3Bz5KRokkwms6hv3xMM-XnS2yLHg/viewform.
United Way sets fundraiser
United Way of Southeast Arkansas will host a Duck Race fundraiser Aug. 12 from 9-11 a.m. at Crenshaw Springs Water Park in White Hall or by virtual stream. Participants will receive the URL after registering. Quack packs are $25 for six and $5 for single ducks, according to a news release. All proceeds will go toward a special fund managed by United Way to help cover medication co-pays for the elderly and underinsured. Details: United Way Southeast Arkansas, info@pbreynoldscenter.org or (870) 534-2153.
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.
Tuesday, Aug. 19
JRMC to hold blood drive
The Jefferson Regional Medical Center Blood Drive will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 19 in the Henslee Conference Center, sections J & R. Walk-ins are welcome. Donors will get a limited edition Hometown Showdown T-shirt and trucker hat. Participants may also win a grand prize tailgate package, according to a flier. Details: Our Blood Institute, 877-340-8777 or obi.org.
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.
Beginning Saturday, Aug. 23
St. John hosts Men’s Day weekend
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will present its annual Men’s Day Worship and Praise Services weekend. On Aug. 23, from 8-10 a.m. the men of St. John will host their annual prayer breakfast. Dr. Clifford Flowers is the chairman. On Aug. 24, Men’s Day will begin at 9:45 a.m. with regular worship and praise service featuring Xavier Wynn as the speaker. Church School will follow at noon. On Aug. 24 at 3 p.m. the annual Men’s Day Worship and Praise Celebration will feature the Rev. Roderick Dwayne Belin, president and publisher of the AME Sunday School Union, as its guest speaker. The Rev. Silvester S. Beaman, bishop of the 12th District of theAME Church, will introduce the speaker, according to a news release.
Thursday, Aug. 28
Chamber plans Junior Leadership event
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber will present Junior Leadership Conference 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff STEM Conference Center, 1500 L.A. Prexy Davis Drive. The opening keynote speaker will be Ryan Houston, a Pine Bluff native and morning news anchor at KATV Channel 7, according to the Chamber newsletter. There will be Level Up sessions, empowering students with personal, financial, and professional skills; professional development fashion showcase; and college, career and an entrepreneurship panel. Lunch will be provided. For details or to register, contact Jamal Gordon at (870) 535-0110 or jamal@jeffersoncountyalliance.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.
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 6
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: Sept. 6 — Big Al & The Heavy Weights; Oct. 4 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
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. 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.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Chamber plans Taste of SEA
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present the Taste of Southeast Arkansas on Sept. 18 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The cocktail hour starts at 5:30 p.m. and tasting begins at 6:30 p.m., according to the Chamber newsletter. The event will include an open bar, dishes to taste, and live entertainment by Rodney Block Collective. The attire is Western cocktail. Tickets are $55 for Chamber members, $65 for non-members, and $500 for reserved tables. Details: The Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
Friday, Sept. 19
Denim, Diamonds event set
Denim, Diamonds, Boots & Bling, an evening under the stars, will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at Saracen Landing. This event will benefit the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Admission is $40 per person. Tickets went on sale Aug. 1. Details: https://www.thedsop.org/ or follow the D’Andre Seals Prevention Outreach Project on Social Media.
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.
Friday, Oct. 10
Alumni luncheon set
The UAPB AM&N National Alumni Association will host the Alumni Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Tickets to the luncheon are available on a first come, first served basis, according to a news release. Tickets are $85 and can only be purchased the following ways: 1 — Mail a check or money order payable to UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association to 1200 N. University, Mail Slot 4813, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. (Call the office before mailing your check to ensure that seats are still available.) 2 — Purchase online at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/alumni-luncheon–2025. 3 — Call the alumni office at (870) 536-2309 to pay by card over the phone. The clear bag policy is still in effect at the convention center. For details, follow the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association on social media.
Through Saturday, Nov. 15
Brian Wolf exhibit on display
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.