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 to make additions or changes.
Tuesday, April 26
CACC to hold conference call
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission will hold a conference call meeting at noon April 26. Interested participants may call the Pine Bluff Convention Center at (870) 536-7600 or send an email to bdavis@pinebluff.com or tlrash@pinebluff.com, requesting to join the conference call. Participants will be emailed the the call details, according to a news release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Wednesday, April 27
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 shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Beginning Wednesday, April 27
A&P announces meetings
The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission meeting will be held at 4 p.m. April 27 at the A&P Office, 623 S. Main St. The agenda includes the director’s report, committee reports, Aramark update and a K & C Agency presentation, according to a news release. Also, the A&P Marketing Committee meeting was rescheduled to 4 p.m. April 28 in the conference room at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Details: Betty Brown, A&P administrative assistant, (870) 534-2121 or bbrown@explorepinebluff.com.
Thursday, April 28
Small farm online event set
The 12th annual Bi-States Cooperative Extension Program Small Scale Producer Conference will be held virtually from 8:55 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 28. The conference is sponsored by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Small Farm Program and Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Agriculture and Natural Resources Program, according to a news release. Participants may register online at https://bit.ly/3vojT8v. Details: Kandi Williams, UAPB Extension program aide, at (870) 571-9428 or williamska@uapb.edu.
VA sets Virtual Claims Clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office holds the next virtual claims clinic for Arkansas Veterans from 4-6 p.m. April 28. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 5 p.m. April 27, according to a news release. During the claims clinic, veterans may speak one-on-one to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office regarding their claims for VA benefits. The office is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. VA Regional Offices provide financial and other forms of assistance to veterans and their dependents.
Grand Prairie Center sets art classes
The Art Center of the Grand Prairie at Stuttgart will hold classes for adults and senior citizens. CERAMICS 101 will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. April 28. Tuition is $30. Ceramics 101 will introduce basic ceramic techniques and participants will be making a variety of household friendly one-of-a-kind pieces. This class will meet for two sessions and will involve glazing and finishing techniques. All materials are provided. Participants may sign up at www.grandprairiearts.com and call the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie at (870) 673-1781.
Beginning Thursday, April 28
Agency plans forum, ceremony
Arkansas Community Organizations announces two events. A forum with city council candidates from 6-8 p.m. April 28 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The public is invited to attend. The co-sponsor of this event is Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration, according to a news release. Arkansas Community Organizations will host a Truth Teller Award at the National Trusted Partners For Christ (NTPFC), 2101 E. Sixth Ave., from 2-4 p.m. April 30. The award will be given to state Rep. Ken Ferguson. Dinner will be served. Tickets are $15 each or $25 per couple. Details: Demetrius Melvin, (870) 536-6300.
GOP committee slates meetings
The Jefferson County Republican Committee announces upcoming events. The group will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. April 28 at Larry’s Pizza at White Hall, according to a news release. The Republican Primary Candidates Soapbox BBQ will be held 6-11 p.m. April 29 at the White Hall Community Center. All Republican primary candidates and their campaigns along with special guests have been invited to attend. Tickets are $30 each or two for $55 and available at Cycle and Marine SuperCenter, 3211 S. Camden Road.
ASC Performance: “The Outsiders” starts
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will present “The Outsiders” at 7:30 p.m. April 28, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 30, and 2 p.m. May 1. This production is based on the novel written by S.E. Hinton, adapted by Christopher Sergel, and directed by ASC veteran Jonathan Hoover. Tickets are $13 for ASC members and seniors, $18 for nonmembers, and $10 for students. To purchase tickets, visit asc701.org/2022-season. The production depicts rival groups, the Greasers and Socials, getting into a disastrous brawl due to their violent lives. “Unfolding consequences meet Greaser members as some go into hiding, try to achieve redemption or meet a tragic end,” according to a news release.
Friday, April 29
CARTI plans grand opening
The new CARTI Cancer Center, 5001 Bobo Road, will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m. April 29. The two story, 30,000 square-foot center offers fully integrated cancer care services. The Redcoats of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will attend, according to the Chamber newsletter.
City to host Arbor Day event
Arbor Day will be observed at 10 a.m. April 29 with a tree planting exercise on the Pine Bluff High School campus, according to Shaun Francis, a member of the Pine Bluff Board of Tree City USA. Mayor Shirley Washington will read a proclamation and a member of the board will present her with the flags, signs and stickers that symbolize the city’s recognition as a tree city.
Free trees available
In recognition of National Arbor Day, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is giving away bare root seedlings during Free Tree Fridays, according to a news release. Area sites include: April 29 — Pine Bluff – Pine Bluff High School, 711 W. 11th Ave., 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Warren – Warren City Park, 404 W. Church St., 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; and Stuttgart – Stuttgart Chamber Pavilion, 507 S. Main St., 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Details: agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/urban-community-forestry/free-tree-friday/
Saturday, April 30
UAPB plans Art Experience on Main Street
The community is invited to create at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Art Experience on Main Street. The free festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 30 on Main Street starting at 601 Main Street Plaza. “The community is invited to participate in hands-on art experiences and activities are designed for all ages,” according to a news release. “All the supplies will be provided for you so that you are free to create! It’s an ‘Art Festival’ right in the center of the Pine Bluff Art District on Main Street, Pine Bluff! Plan for food trucks, music, live performances, an art gift shop and more.”
Clean & Beautiful hosts cleanup
The Pine Bluff Clean & Beautiful Commission will hold a community cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon April 30. Cleanup supplies will be provided, according to a news release. Residents should contact Clean & Beautiful if their organization would like to participate or have a location they would like to be considered for cleanup. Details: Kelli Kennedy, Clean & Beautiful, cbcommissionpb@gmail.com or (870) 543-4901.
White Hall participates in Drug Take Back
White Hall Police Department, 8204 Dollarway Road, will participate in the Arkansas Drug Take Back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30. The event allows people to bring in unwanted drugs to be properly destroyed. The department’s Drug Take Back drop box is also available during normal business hours, according to White Hall Police Chief Greg Shapiro. Details: (870) 247-1414.
Through Saturday, April 30
Transportation proposal open for comment
A proposed amendment to the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s (ArDOT) Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for Federal Fiscal Years 2021-2024 was published for review on March 28. This proposal has been revised, dated April 1 and is available for public comment until April 30. Visit www.ardot.gov/stip to view the revised amendment. The purpose of this proposed STIP amendment is to allocate and utilize funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that was apportioned to the state of Arkansas for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI). The amendment may also be reviewed at the ArDOT Central Office or the State Clearinghouse. For details or to request a copy of this proposed STIP amendment by mail, contact the ArDOT Program Management Division at (501) 569-2262. All comments should be submitted to STIP@ardot.gov or in writing to: Arkansas Department of Transportation, Jared Wiley, P.E., Assistant Chief Engineer – Planning, P.O. Box 2261, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203.
ASC to close PAUSE exhibit
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will feature Carl E. Moore’s PAUSE. People, Places and Scenes exhibition at ASC’s main building, through April 30. Moore’s paintings comment on a culture fraught with anti-Black rhetoric and sentiment, where the physical and psychological ramifications of racism seep into the private lives of the community he depicts, according to a news release. Patrons can join ASC Curator Jessica Lenehan for an Inside the Arts studio interview with Moore at 5 p.m. Feb. 3 at facebook.com/asc701/. ASC will host a joint reception featuring artists Moore and Meikel Church from 5-7 p.m. March 3.
Underway
PBHS 1972 class reunion being planned
The Pine Bluff High School Class of 1972 is planning its 50th reunion for Sept. 2-3 at Pine Bluff, according to a news release. “If you were a member of this class and graduated in 1972, or if you were a member of this class but did not graduate with the class in 1972, we would love to celebrate our Golden Reunion with you. You are also welcome to join us for any future reunions that we may have,” according to the release. Participants are also urged to tell other class members about the event. Details: Gail Jenkins Sales, (870) 489-8527 or Mickey Shell, (870) 718-3930.
Sunday, May 1
First Baptist to host The Kinsmen
The Kinsmen Quartet will be in concert at 5 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church at Pine Bluff, 6501 S. Hazel St. The pastor, Ken Thornton, invites the public to attend. The Kinsmen consist of lead singer, Mark Little; baritone singer, Gary Newton; tenor singer Bill Hankins; and bass singer Gerald Williams. The Kinsmen received the award for the Arkansas Country Music Association’s Inspirational artist of the year in 2020. Details: www.fbcpinebluff.org or First Baptist Church, (870) 534-4741.
Through Sunday, May 1
Superintendent scholarships available
The Anthony, Gathen, Rainey and Tolbert Scholarship is available and 2022 graduating high school seniors have until May 1 to apply. The $1,000 scholarship, to be given at each school district, was developed to assist students from low-income families. The student must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50 and provide a letter detailing what makes them deserve this honor and their career education choice. Applications are available by contacting the high school counselors of each school district. The scholarship was created by retired former school district superintendents, Frank Anthony, Thomas Gathen, David Rainey, and Andrew Tolbert, according to a news release.
Ministry seeks applicants for free home repairs
Ozark Mission Project (OMP), a non-profit ministry of the United Methodist Church (UMC,) will conduct free minor home repairs for people in need in the summer of 2022. Projects include painting, yard work, building wheelchair ramps or making other minor repairs. People who need this assistance should submit an application for the free projects. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2022, according to a news release. The group will be stationed at Pine Bluff at First United Methodist Church and work projects July 18-21. Applications and details can be found at ozarkmissionproject.org.
Through Monday, May 2
UAMS sets summer youth program
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) regional campuses will host “Find Your Future in Health Care,” a free statewide virtual summer enrichment program for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in learning more about careers in health care. Registration ends May 2 with limited spots available, according to a news release. The program will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 19-20. Forms can be found at regionalcampuses.uams.edu/find-your-future-in-healthcare-application.
5-day tour offered to college ag students
College students who are studying agriculture have many potential career paths into the state’s largest industry. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture hopes to spotlight some of the agriculture industry’s resources and job opportunities during a five-day tour for college juniors and seniors. The tour runs May 16-20 and is open to 25 students currently enrolled in colleges of agriculture or agriculture-related studies. Transportation, meals and lodging will be provided free to participants. The deadline to register is May 2 at https://www.uaex.uada.edu/agleaders.
Thursday, May 5
Candidate forum set at Convention Center
The Divine 9 and community partners will host a candidate forum at 6 p.m. May 5 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Court of Appeals Judge Waymond Brown will be the moderator, according to a news release. Candidates seeking these offices are invited to participate: Jefferson County Tax Collector; 11th West Circuit Judge, Division 4; Jefferson County Justice of the Peace District 1; Jefferson County Justice of the Peace District 4; Jefferson County Justice of the Peace District 6; Jefferson County Justice of the Peace District 8; Jefferson County Justice of the Peace District 13; Pine Bluff City Council Ward 1; Pine Bluff City Council Ward 3; and Pine Bluff City Council Ward 4.
Chamber to host Business Expo
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce rescheduled its Business Expo for May 5, 2022. Because of rising covid infections, the Chamber postponed the expo that was previously set for Aug. 19, 2021. Due to the fact the expo was postponed as a precautionary measure, the Chamber is reserving participants’ booth payments and/or sponsorships for the 2022 event and holding their spots for them, according to the Chamber newsletter. Details: Jennifer Kline at the Chamber, (870) 535-0110 or jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
JRMC health fair set at expo
Jefferson Regional Medical Center will hold a health fair during Business Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 5 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. Services and screenings will include cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, stroke awareness, tobacco cessation, weight and body mass index.
Saturday, May 7
Pop Up In the Bluff set
Pop Up in the Bluff, an event featuring food, entertainment and family activities will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday May 7 on Main Street between Barraque and Third avenues. The community is invited attend the event which is free to the general public. Fees are $25 for retail vendors and $40 for food trucks, according to a news release. The event features music, children’s activities, retail and food vendors in downtown Pine Bluff to bring people together to see improvements in downtown and to experience local vendors. Details: Pine Bluff Downtown Development, http://www.pinebluff-downtowndevelopment.com or (870) 536-8742.
Altheimer to host cleanup
A community cleanup will be held at Altheimer from 8 a.m. to noon May 7. Volunteers should meet at Altheimer City Hall at 8 a.m. for supplies and cleanup assignments. Supplies will be provided such as safety vests, trash bags and trash grabbers. Volunteers must have transportation to cleanup sites. Public health safeguards against covid-19 will be implemented, according to a news release. Details: Kevin Harris, Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, urban stormwater agent, (870) 534-1033 or klharris@uada.edu.
Beginning Saturday, May 7
Blues concerts on tap for downtown
The Port City Blues Society will host “Blues By Budweiser,” live blues concerts on the first Saturday of each month through February 2023 at RJ’s Sports Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted for free. There’s a $5 cover charge for nonmembers, according to a news release. Performers include May 7 — Jerry McCoy and the Groove Diggers; June 4 — Detroit Johnny and Company; July 2 — D.K. Harrell; Aug. 6 — La La Craig & Element 88; Sept. 3 — Chad Marshall Band; Oct. 1 — Deak Harp Duo; Nov. 5 — Kent Burnside; Dec. 3 — Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain; Jan. 7, 2023 — Sean Bad Apple; and Feb. 4, 2023 — Arkaholics. Details: portcitybluessociety.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.
Through Saturday, May 7
ASC hosts STEAM Exhibition
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host a new interactive STEAM exhibition, “Spectrum of Creativity,” using hands-on applications of color and light through May 7. ASC’s curatorial and public programs staff collaborated to create various illuminating stations to explore. Patrons can find the science behind rainbows, create disappearing drawings, and learn how to use a green screen. Details: asc701.org.
Monday, May 9
Neighbor to Neighbor to host clinic
Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., will hold a free covid-19 vaccination and wellness clinic from 11 a.m. to 2p.m. May 9. Those who receive a vaccine will be given a $25 gift card, according to a news release. The Arkansas Minority Health Commission will conduct the clinic offering the covid-19 vaccine and booster doses. There is no out-of-pocket cost to receive the vaccine, but participants should bring a photo ID, an insurance card if they have one, and their covid-19 vaccination card. The wellness clinic will also provide preventive screenings including blood pressure, glucose, A1C, cholesterol and BMI (body mass index.)
Beginning Monday, May 9
Election-related dates set
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office reminds voters of upcoming dates in preparation for the primary election: May 9 — First day of early voting (8 a.m.-6 p.m.) at the courthouse; and first day to receive applications for absentee voting by bearer. May 17 — Last day to receive applications for absentee voting by mail, fax, or email; and last day to mail absentee ballots. May 20 — Last day to transfer voters into Jefferson County. May 23 — Last day for early voting (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the courthouse. May 24 — Election day (7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. at the polling locations). Early Voting Times: Monday, May 9, through Friday, May 13, (8 a.m.-6 p.m.); Saturday, May 14, (10 a.m.-4 p.m.); Monday, May 16, through Friday, May 20, (8 a.m.-6 p.m.); Saturday, May 21, (10 a.m.-4 p.m.); Monday, May 23, (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, (870) 541-5322.
Tuesday, May 10
Chamber sets council candidates’ forum
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a candidates’ forum from 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 10, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is open to the public, according to a news release. The forum will feature candidates for Pine Bluff City Council. Wards and candidates are: Pine Bluff Ward 1 Council Member — Danny Lester Walker, LaTisha Brunson, Garland Trice, John Proctor, David D. Knott; Pine Bluff Ward 3 Council Member — Ivan Whitfield (incumbent), Quranner Cotledge, Lanette R. Frazier; Pine Bluff Ward 4 Council Member — Steven Mays Sr. (incumbent), Cassandra Dean. The primary election will be held May 24. Early voting will be held May 9-23 at the county courthouse. To vote in this election, voters must be registered by April 25, according to a previous article.
Wednesday, May 11
Event set for minority, women-owned firms
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) will host its annual Matchmaker Event for minority and women-owned businesses from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11 at the Heifer International headquarters at Little Rock. Business owners will have 15-minute scheduled matchmaking appointments with private and public sector vendors to discuss possible contracts for their goods and services. Sidney Moncrief, a five-time NBA All-Star, former Arkansas Razorback, author, and founder of One Team and Game Changers, Inc., will be the keynote speaker, according to a news release. For details or to register, visit https://info.arkansasedc.com/2022Matchmaking.
Saturday, May 14
Day center to provide free lunch, supplies
Lula Mae’s Day Center Inc. will give away lunch and blessing bags from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 14 at Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St. The center is giving back to the community in this project. The bags will include hand sanitizer, face masks, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, chips, cookies, peanut butter crackers and a water bottle, according to a news release from Shaneka Hamilton, Lula Mae’s executive director. Details: (870) 345-9596.
Through Tuesday, May 17
Absentee applications available
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office at the courthouse has absentee ballot applications available to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday if residents would like to vote by mail. Voters may also visit the website at www.jeffersoncountyar.gov/elections-voter-registration to download an application, according to a news release. May 17 is the last day to receive applications for absentee voting by mail, fax, or email; and last day to mail absentee ballots. Voters must return the completed application to the county clerk’s office in person; by mail — Shawndra Taggart, Jefferson County Clerk, 101 W. Barraque Street, Suite 101, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601; by fax — (870) 541-5324; or by scanning and emailing — jeffersonclerk@arkansasclerks.com.
Thursday, May 19
Waterfowler Hall of Fame reschedules event
The Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame has postponed its induction ceremony until May 19. The event will be held at the Chenal Country Club at Little Rock and will include a pre-dinner reception from 6-7 p.m., live music, a live auction and a local flare spread. The event will still highlight honorees from the classes of 2020 and 2021. The event benefits the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie at Stuttgart, which houses the Hall of Fame, according to waterfowlerhof.com. Additional information and sponsorship opportunities are also available on the website.
Thursday, May 26
County to host active shooter drill
The Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management, in conjunction with the County Sheriff’s Office, will conduct an active shooter drill for the county courthouse on May 26 at about 10 a.m. The drill will last no longer than two hours and the courthouse will be closed during the event, according to a news release.
Through Tuesday, May 31
Arkansas Century Farm applications available
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2022 Arkansas Century Farm program. The deadline is May 31, according to a news release. To qualify, the same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec. 31. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption. The farm must be at least 10 acres of the original land acquisition and make financial contribution to the over all farm income, according to the release. Applications are available at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/. Applications must be received via email or postmarked on or before May 31. There is no cost to apply for the program. Details: Beth Moore, (501) 539-4027 or beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov.
Through Wednesday, June 1
Agriculture scholarships available
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting scholarship applications from students majoring in agriculture or an agriculture-related field at Arkansas State University, Southern Arkansas University, the University of Arkansas System, and Arkansas Tech University. Applications can be found at bit.ly/DeptofAgScholarship and will be accepted through June 1, according to a news release. Details: Amy Lyman at amy.lyman@agriculture.arkansas.gov.
Through Sunday, June 5
School Garden contest seeks entries
Entries are being accepted for the ninth annual Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest through June 5. Winners will be announced in the fall of 2022 and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas are sponsors. Applicants may be any school with a school garden in the 2021-2022 school year or is planning to start one in the 2022-2023 school year, according to a news release. The application is available at cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/ArkansasGrownSchoolGardenOfTheYearContest2022.
Beginning Monday, June 6
ASC hosts Art Jr. Camp
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is offering summer camps for ages 7-20. For details, registration and scholarship applications, visit asc701.org/summer-camps. Sessions include: ASC’s Art Jr. Camp — This camp combines beginner lessons in various mediums with an exploration of “Space and Time.” This camp is from 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 6-10. It is open to ages 7-11 and is limited to 10 participants. The cost is $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers.
Beginning Monday, June 13
TOPPS announces summer camp
TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service), a non-profit at Pine Bluff, will conduct summer camp 22 for children ages 7-15 years, according to a news release. Camps will be held June 13-Aug. 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Slots are available on a first come, first served basis. Activities will include: academics, acting, music, sports, kickball, STEM (science, technology, engineer, and math), financial literacy, art — craft/sewing, cooking, physical fitness, dance, karate, golf, swimming, skating, bowling, archery, board games, field trips, 3D printing, movies, fishing, robotics, and entrepreneur training. Details: TOPPS office, (870)850-6011 between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Theater Sophomore Camp set
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is offering summer camps for ages 7-20. Sessions include: Theater Sophomore Camp — This event will run from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, June 13-23, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, June 24. The final performance will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25. Sophomore camp is open to ages 12-15 and is limited to 15 participants. The cost is $220 for members and $240 for nonmembers. For details, registration and scholarship applications, visit asc701.org/summer-camps.
Through Wednesday, June 15
Forestry scholarship available
Applications for the Foresters for the Future scholarship are being accepted through June 15. The scholarship will provide $4,000 per semester, for four years, to an incoming freshman pursuing a forestry degree at the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s (UAM) College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources. Students interested in the scholarship can details at uamont.edu/academics/CFANR/index.html. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division and UAM announced the scholarship availability.
Beginning Sunday, June 19
Dermott native’s play to debut at Fayetteville
TheatreSquared will produce the co-world premiere of Flex by Candrice Jones, a Dermott native and winner of the 2020 Steinberg Playwright Award, June 19-July 24. Performances of Flex are scheduled Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. at TheatreSquared at Fayetteville. Tickets range from $18-$58. Jones is a playwright, poet, and educator who writes “love letters for and to women of the American South,” according to a news release. Details: theatre2.org/lights-up, theatre2.org/subscribe or (479) 777-7477.
Beginning Monday, June 27
ASC plans Art Pro Camp
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is offering summer camps for ages 7-20. For details, registration and scholarship applications, visit asc701.org/summer-camps. Sessions include: Art Pro — Campers will have lessons in various mediums while exploring themes of “Space and Time.” The camp will run from 9 a.m.-noon , June 27-July 1. Open to ages 12-17, it is limited to 15 participants. The cost is $100 for members, $120 for nonmembers.
Vocal Performance Camp set
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is offering summer camps for ages 7-20. For details, registration and scholarship applications, visit asc701.org/summer-camps. Sessions include: ASC’s Vocal Performance Camp — Students will learn new and improved vocal techniques, work on individual and group songs, perfect their performance skills, and learn how to be overall better vocalists. The camp will run from 1-4 p.m. June 27-July 1, with a final performance at 6 p.m. July 1. It is open to ages 12-20 and limited to 20 participants. The cost is $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers.
Beginning Monday, July 11
CrEATe Lab Camps open
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is offering summer camps for ages 7-20. For details, registration and scholarship applications, visit asc701.org/summer-camps. Sessions include: CrEATe Lab Jr Camp — students will receive hands-on training in the kitchen with Kids Cook! owner Faith Anaya. Youth can learn cooking and food preparation skills while exploring different cuisines. The camp will run from 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday, July 11-15. It is open to ages 7-10 and is limited to 10 participants. The cost is $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers. For ages 11-17, CrEATe Lab Pro Camp is offered. Students will gain skills and use tools that can enable them to feel confident creating in the kitchen. The camp will run from 1-4 p.m. July 11-15. It is open to ages 11-17 and limited to 10 participants. The cost is $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers.
Beginning Monday, July 18
Science Camp opens at ASC
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is offering summer camps for ages 7-20. For details, registration and scholarship applications, visit asc701.org/summer-camps. Sessions include: ASC’s Science Camp — Campers will create models and explore activities that will demonstrate various scientific principles to demonstrate how the universe works, whether that be gravity, time, planets, or more. This camp will run from 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday, July 18-22. This camp is open to ages 7-11 and is limited to 15 participants. The cost is $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers.
ASC hosts Film Camp
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is offering summer camps for ages 7-20. For details, registration and scholarship applications, visit asc701.org/summer-camps. Sessions include: ASC’s Film Camp — The camp will explore storytelling as an art form, develop film ideas, shoot video, record audio and edit creations based on the “Space and Time” theme. The camp will run from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. July 18-22. It is open to ages 12-17 years old and is limited to 15 participants. The cost is $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers.
Beginning Friday, Aug. 5
UAPB alumni plan virtual conference
The UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association announced that the National Alumni Virtual Summer Conference will be held Aug. 5-6. The Greater Kansas City Alumni Chapter will serve as the host, according to a news release. For details, send an email to uapbkc@gmail.com or visit https://uapbalumni.org/
Beginning Friday, Sept. 2
PBHS 1972 class reunion set
The Pine Bluff High School Class of 1972 is planning its 50th reunion for Sept. 2-3 at Pine Bluff, according to a news release. “If you were a member of this class and graduated in 1972, or if you were a member of this class but did not graduate with the class in 1972, we would love to celebrate our Golden Reunion with you. You are also welcome to join us for any future reunions that we may have,” according to the release. Participants are also urged to tell other class members about the event. Details: Gail Jenkins Sales, (870) 489-8527 or Mickey Shell, (870) 718-3930.
Underway
Inside dining set at Neighbor to Neighbor
Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., returned to inside dining Jan. 3 for fully vaccinated people only. Fully vaccinated means a person has had both shots (of Pfizer or Moderna) and the booster or one shot (Johnson & Johnson) and booster, according to a news release Those entering the building must show their ID and vaccination cards. Take-out lunches will still be provided to unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or people without proper documentation for a limited time. Details: Pat Tate, Neighbor to Neighbor executive director, (870) 534-2883.
Salvation Army Auxiliary hosts fundraiser
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary won’t hold its annual Christmas Luncheon and Festival of Tables, but will accept donations for the local Salvation Army, which provides food, shelter, socialization opportunities, spiritual enrichment and other services. The festivities were canceled in 2020-21 because of covid-19, according to a news release. Checks should be made payable to the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and delivered to the Salvation Army Corps headquarters at 501 E. 12th Ave. or mailed to Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, P.O. Box 8209, Pine Bluff, AR, 71611. Details: Salvation Army, (870) 534-0504.
Covid-19 vaccines, testing available
The Arkansas Department of Health, various pharmacies and healthcare providers offer the covid-19 vaccine, tests and other information about coronavirus. Details: Call the Arkansas Department of Health at (800) 985-6030, visit the website at healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan or contact area medical professionals, according to spokesmen.
Tuesdays
Unity Christian Fellowship offers free financial classes
Unity Christian Fellowship Church (UCFC), 2712 S. Bay St., invites the community to its free Small Business and Personal Financial Education classes at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Recent subjects included “The Importance of Having a Financial Plan” and “Financial Literacy,” according to Stuff in the Bluff website. “You cannot afford to miss out on these life-changing classes. We are practicing social distancing and will have hand sanitizer wipes available,” according to the site. Anthony Armstrong is the senior pastor. Details: unitychristianfellowship@live.com or (870) 329-1182.