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.
Thursday, Jan. 23
First Ward, restaurants to feed county staff
First Ward Living Grace Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, is partnering with local restaurants to provide free groceries and hot meals to Jefferson County employees. From 1-3 p.m. Thursday, all Jefferson County employees are invited to the pantry at to receive groceries and a hot plate lunch. This initiative, made possible through a collaboration with several local restaurants, aims to offer relief to county employees who have yet to receive their paychecks.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
PB Chamber dinner to feature Flowers
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner will be held Jan. 23 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. This year’s featured speaker is Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers. She will share her vision and plans for her term in office, according to the Chamber newsletter. Tickets are sold out. Details: (870) 535-0110 or jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
GOP to meet
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at Larry’s Pizza in White Hall. “We will also be holding elections for county committee executive officers. chairman, first vice chair, second vice chair, treasurer, and secretary, additionally will vote to reauthorize and elect a fundraising chairman to be placed on the executive committee,” according to a news release.
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. Jan. 23. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Jan. 22, 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 also answer questions about PACT Act benefits, existing VA benefits claims and assist with filing new claims. Details: http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
Through Thursday, Jan. 23
Flowers seeks residents for committees
Mayor Vivian Flowers’ Transition Advisory Board board invites Pine Bluff residents to participate in the transition process by applying for positions on the administration’s board committees, according to a news release. The committees are tasked with addressing specific priority areas under a designated leader. Residents interested in serving on the transition committees may complete the online application on the City of Pine Bluff’s website at www.cityofpinebluff-ar.gov/boardsand-commissions. Paper applications are available at the mayor’s office on the second floor of city hall. All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Jan. 23. Details: Mayor’s Office, (870) 730-2000.
Friday, Jan. 24
ARTx3 hosts Afternoon at Movies
The ARTx3 Campus will host Golden Hour: Afternoon at the Movies from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. This free event is for ages 50 and older. “Couples can unwind and enjoy the 1952 musical comedy ‘Singin’ in the Rain,'” according to a news release. Patrons can register at artx3.org/all-events/golden-hour-afternoon-at-the-movies or call (870) 536-3375. For more information, contact public programs coordinator Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
Auditions set for ‘Prometheus Bound’
The ARTx3 Campus will host auditions for “Prometheus Bound” at 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater, 627 S. Main St. Auditions are open to ages 18 and older. No experience is required. Performances are slated for March 13-16. This ancient Greek tale was written by Aeschylus and translated by Bryan Doerries for modern audiences. J. Tyler directs. “This innovative production reimagines the story of Prometheus imprisoned for giving humanity the spark of life — as a reflection of the social injustices faced by Black men in America. With themes of courage, resilience, and inequitable justice, this performance aims to create a poignant tribute to the ongoing struggles and triumphs of Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities,” according to the release. Interested participants may register to audition at artx3.org/all-events/prometheus-bound-auditions. Details: interim director Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Beginning Friday, Jan. 24
Grand Prairie plans photo contest
The 68th Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts will accept entries in the photography at the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie in Stuttgart. This juried competition is open to adults and youth, according to a news release. The center will receive entries Jan. 24 from noon to 5 p.m. and Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The reception/awards event will be held Feb. 4 from 5-6:30 p.m. and the exhibit will be open Feb. 1-28. To register and for details, visit www.grandprairiearts.com or contact the center at artscenter001@gmail.com.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Dwarf wrestling coming to PB
The Pine Bluff Convention Center will present Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling at 8 p.m. Saturday. The doors open at 7 p.m. The dwarf wrestling group has been entertaining for more than 10 years, according to All Events. The event features the Ultimate Clash: Dwarfs vs. Minis. Tickets are non-refundable. Advanced general admission tickets are $25. Ringside tickets are $40. General admission pricing goes up by $5 at the door. The convention center has a clear bag policy. All ages will be permitted to attend. Details: www.dwarfanators.com or https://www.facebook.com/Dwarfanators/ or the Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600.
Barraque Street hosts Prayer Breakfast
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will host a Prayer Breakfast on Jan. 25. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. with the program starting at 9 a.m. The guest speaker will be Angie Gatlin, an evangelist and member of Calvary Baptist Church in North Little Rock. The worship leader is Maurice Tatum, a pastor. The Rev. Sidney Milton Sr. is pastor of Barraque Street church. The community is invited to attend.
Drew County NAACP honors MLK
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration continues. Events are presented by Drew County NAACP Branch 6042. The Economic Development Committee will host a Beginners Investment Seminar on Jan. 25 at the Monticello Branch Library from 10 a.m. until noon. The event is open to the public.
Sunday, Jan. 26
Breath of Life holds youth service
Breath of Life Church, 1313 S Pine St., will hold its Youth Monthly Services at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The featured speaker will be Jennifer Lynn Lee, the youth director at Breath of Life and founder of Unified Christian Alliance Inc. Scholarship Foundation.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
St. John sets ground-breaking for pantry
St John Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will conduct a ground-breaking ceremony at 2 p.m. Jan. 28 for its new food ministry distribution center. The community is invited to attend. “This state-of-the-art facility, generously gifted to the church by St. John Alexander Tower Inc., an Arkansas nonprofit corporation, represents a significant milestone in our decade-long commitment to combating food insecurity in our community,” according to a news release.
Ivy Center plans tour meeting
The Ivy Center for Education’s 2025 College and Cultural Experience Tour Group will meet from 6-7 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Pine Bluff Library, 600 S. Main St. Students and parents are reminded to bring needed paperwork. For those who cannot attend in person, join the session on Zoom using Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Details: Ivy Center President Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Jan. 29
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. 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 should be submitted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, Jan. 30
Ivy Center hosts online ACT Boot Camp
On Jan. 30, students in 7-12th grades are encouraged to join the Ivy Center for a free ACT Boot Camp from 6-8 p.m. The focus will be on the math and English sections of the test. The workshop facilitators will be Charity Smith-Allen and team from Fetterman & Associates. The workshops will be held on Zoom only using Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Details: Ivy Center President Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com.
Mental health first aid courses set
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is continuing its free Mental Health First Aid Certification courses. The session in White Hall is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 31 at White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. “Participants learn how to recognize signs that someone is struggling with mental illness or addiction, how to talk with them about it, and connect them to appropriate care,” said Kerri Nettles, a mental health first aid instructor with Arkansas Blue Cross. “The struggles people are experiencing are common, and we have to get rid of the stigma, empowering them to get the care they need.” Lunch will be provided. To reserve a seat, complete the free registration or for more information visit arkansasbluecross.com/firstaid.
Friday, Jan. 31
Exodus.Life plans open house
Exodus.Life, 316 W. Sixth Ave., will host an open house and ribbon cutting from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 31. Refreshments will be served, according to a flier. “Exodus.Life is a 501c3, non-profit organization, dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate addiction treatment services to individuals, no matter where they are in their recovery journey,” according to its website. The community is invited to attend. To RSVP, visit www.exodus.life.
ARTx3 presents Karaoke Night
Patrons are invited to join the ARTx3 Campus for a night of musical magic during ART WORKS Presents: Karaoke from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 31 at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. This program is for ages 16 and older. “Participants will step into the spotlight and have a moment to shine. Seasoned performers and first-timers are welcome to belt out their favorite tunes solo and grab friends to sing their hearts out and dazzle the crowd,” according to a news release. Interim director Lindsey Collins will host the event. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Details: Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Saturday, Feb. 1
ARTx3 to hold panel on activism, outreach
The ARTx3 Campus will host a panel discussion in conjunction with the exhibition “Parking Lot Space: Artworks by Kenneth Reams,” touching on topics dealing with the arts, activism and community outreach. The panel is at 3 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. It features panelists from across Arkansas, as well as from New York and Colorado. The exhibition, also opening Feb. 1, includes a collection of artwork created by incarcerated artist and Pine Bluff native Kenneth Reams, and developed and designed by ASC curator Kevin Haynie. A reception for the exhibition will follow at 5:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend and the events are open to the public, according to a news release. “Parking Lot Space” is on view from Feb. 1 to July 26 in ASC’s William H. Kennedy Jr. Gallery. Those planning to attend the panel discussion are asked to RSVP at artx3.org/all-events/kenneth-reams-panel-reception or by calling (870) 536-3375. Details: Kevin Haynie at khaynie@artx3.org or call.
Through Saturday, Feb. 1
Joyce Elliott scholarship available
The Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus established a scholarship to increase the number of qualified, underrepresented minority college students entering public service. For her 30 years of dedication as an educator and 22 years as a legislator, the scholarship is named after former state senator Joyce Elliott. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a full-time student during the King Kennedy Awards, according to a news release. The applicant must be enrolled at one of the following historically black Colleges and universities (HBCUs) — Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith College, Shorter College or the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1. Applications are available at https://form.jotform.com/243275050833150. Details: Scholarship Chair Miriam Bernard at mebernard1@comcast.net or (501) 258-8111.
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 1
Blues concert series set
The “Blues By Budweiser” concert series for 2024-2025 include: Feb. 1, Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain. The series is held at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors will open at 7 p.m. and the music will begin at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. Admission is $5 for others. The concert series is being sponsored by MK Distributors, according to a news release.
Wednesday, Feb. 5
Chamber’s next luncheon set
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its next monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 5 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The guest speaker will be Superintendent Keith McGee of Watson Chapel School District, according to the Chamber newsletter. Lunch will be catered by Moe’s Southwest Grill. The cost is $15 and must be paid in advance. To RSVP, call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Friday, Feb. 14
Alphas plan scholarship fundraiser
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, will present the Valentine’s Scholarship Fundraiser at 7:06 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The community is invited to attend the gala which funds thousands of dollars in scholarships for area students. The theme is “All Black Affair.” Tickets are $40 per person. Tables are $400 each, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Scholarship sponsorship opportunities are also available. The Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation and mailed by Feb. 10 to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, P.O. Box 3159, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Details: Arzo Knox, (501) 351-7336 or arzo.knox@hotmail.com. A clear bag policy is in effect at the convention center.
Saturday, Feb. 15
WH host chili, gumbo cookoff
The Battle of the Bowls Chili & Gumbo Cookoff will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road, in White Hall. Awards will be presented for the #1 Best Chili and #1 Best Gumbo. Tickets are $50. For a team of six and a booth it’s $500, according to a flier. All proceeds benefit the Jefferson Regional Foundation. To purchase a ticket or enter a team, contact Laura Beth Shaner at (870) 541-7210.
Sigma Gamma Rho to meet
The Alpha Chi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. will meet at 11 a.m. Feb. 15 for active members. The location will be announced via emil. Details: Angelee Word, basileus, at angelee.word@hotmail.com.
Through Wednesday, Feb. 26
Sorority accepts scholarship applications
The Alpha Chi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. will offer a college scholarship to one graduating high school student at Friendship Aspire Academy, Pine Bluff High School, and Watson Chapel High School. Applications are available at the school’s counselor’s office. Applications must be postmarked by Feb. 26. Recipients will be announced April 12. Details: Mary Harvey-Evans at alphachisigma1945@gmail.com.
Through Saturday, March 1
USDA/1890 scholars applications open
The application deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture/1890 National Scholars Program is March 1, said Obadiah Njue, interim dean for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences. The program awards scholarships to students attending one of 19 historically black land-grant universities. High school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Scholars receive full tuition towards a bachelor’s degree, books and the cost of room and board, Njue said. During the summer months, the students will receive an internship with a USDA agency. After graduation, scholars are employed by their selected agency. Learn more and apply online at USDA 1890 National Scholars Program. Details: partnerships@usda.gov.
ARTX3 hosts ‘Matters of Abstraction’ display
The ARTx3 Campus invites the community to view its new Permanent Collections exhibition “Matters of Abstraction,” featuring decades of distinct two-dimensional and three-dimensional abstract art styles. Visitors will be welcomed to a breadth of abstract works that include subjects and non-representational art. Discover various mark-making techniques that create textures on the canvas, careful color choices that provide subtle gradation, focus and repeating patterns and the use of a variety of lighting situations, according to a news release.
Beginning Thursday, March 6
Workforce youth program sets events
Be Pro Be Proud, a workforce development initiative led by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, announced dates and locations for the 2025 Draft Day Series. Be Pro Be Proud will travel to 11 locations across Arkansas, providing career exploration and interview opportunities to high school students by matching their interests and skill sets with relevant career options, according to a news release. Area events will be held: March 6: Southeast Arkansas Education Cooperative, Monticello. April 1: Grand Prairie Center, Stuttgart. April 3: Pine Bluff Convention Center, Pine Bluff. April 8: University of Arkansas at Hope/Texarkana, Hope. April 29: El Dorado Conference Center, El Dorado. For other dates and locations or details visit AR.BeProBeProud.org.
Through Monday, March 31
LIHEAP applications available
Entergy Arkansas customers who need help paying their winter utility bills can apply for up to $475 in assistance through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program’s regular assistance application period runs through the end of March, officials said, or until funds are expended while crisis assistance applications will be accepted through April 30. An online application is available for most Entergy Arkansas customers at www.getliheap.com, but applications can also be made in person at local community-based organizations.