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.
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.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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/
GOP slates Soapbox BBQ
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will host the Republican Primary Candidates Soapbox BBQ from 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, according to a news release. Tickets are $30 each or two for $55 and available at Cycle and Marine SuperCenter, 3211 S. Camden Road.
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.
Drug Take Back Day set
Saturday
Residents may drop off old medicines for proper disposal from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday during the bi-annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Take back sites will be held at various locations. Year-round drop-off locations and other details are available at ARTakeBack.org.
Agency plans ceremony
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.
Underway
ASC Performance: “The Outsiders” starts
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will present “The Outsiders” at the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater, inside the ART WORKS on Main facility, 623 S. Main St. Shows will be performed at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 30, and 2 p.m. May 1. This production is 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.
Beginning Saturday, April 30
St. John plans Women’s Day events
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will host its 103rd annual Women’s Day weekend in person and online. Events include — Saturday, a Virtual Health and Wellness Seminar at 10 a.m. with Glenda Riley as the speaker; Sunday, a Virtual Church School at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Tonya Lambert Boyce as the lesson overviewer; and Sunday, Women’s Day program at 3 p.m., with Phyllis Childs as the featured speaker. To connect online visit www.stjohnamepinebluff.org; https://www.facebook.com/St.JohnPineBluff/ or Zoom with Meeting ID: 380 457 5496, Passcode: 1117; or AUDIO and use 13126266799 When Prompted use the same ID and passcode numbers.
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
Prairie Lake honors pastor, wife
Prairie Lake Missionary Baptist Church, 2611 Indiana St., will celebrate the 17th pastoral anniversary of the pastor and wife, the Rev. Alvin and Fleshia Lowe, at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The Guest Speaker will be the Rev. Stanley Blair, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church at Moscow.
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.
Monday, May 2
Democratic Women to meet
Jefferson County Democratic Women will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at the main Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library, 600 S. Main St. Participants are asked to wear masks. Zelda Hoaglan is the president, according to a news release.
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.
Wednesday, May 4
First Trinity offers free food
First Trinity Church of God in Christ, 800 S. Catalpa St., will host its monthly community-wide drive through food distribution from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4. Food will be given away on a first come-first served basis until it’s all gone. All participants are encouraged to remain in their vehicles and wear masks during this event, according to a news release. The event is in partnership with the Arkansas Food Bank. Details: First Trinity, (870) 534-2873.
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.
Thursday, May 5
Medicare events set in state, PB
Informational Medicare events will be held in conjunction with the Arkansas Insurance Department’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (AR SHIIP.) Locally, the event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 5 at the Strachota Senior Center, 801 E. Eighth Ave. The event is in partnership with Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas, according to a news release. AR SHIIP Days are designed to reach individuals in urban and rural areas and offer free, confidential, unbiased, and educational information regarding Medicare. Staff will be all over the eastern portion of the state in May to provide Arkansans with important information and assistance. For details, call 1-800-224-6330 toll-free or visit online at https://www.shiipar.com/.
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 will host Business Expo May 5 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The event starts with breakfast from 7:30-9 a.m. at the convention center banquet hall. Tickets are $20 each or tables for $250. The keynote speaker will be Chris Robinson, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff athletic director. The trade show opens with a VIP hour from 9-10 a.m. and general public admission from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $5. Details: Chamber Director Jennifer Kline, (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.
VFW Auxiliary to honor
veterans
Pine Bluff VFW Auxiliary, Post 4455, will recognize all veterans at the Veterans Service Appreciation Day May 7 at Burt’s Food Court & Events, 209 S. Main St. Vendors will open at 11 a.m. and the program will begin at 4 p.m. after the Pop-Up in The Bluff event downtown, according to a news release. Speakers will include Mayor Shirley Washington, Chief of Police Lloyd Franklin Sr., Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson, and retired Brigadier Gen. Roger McClellan. Recognition will be given for all veterans, Gold Star families, and veterans of the police, fire, and sheriff’s departments. A Pine Bluff Quilt Guild drawing and announcement of donated quilt winner will also be made. The event coordinator is Theresa Orso of VFW Auxiliary Post 4455, Pine Bluff.
Ministry to give away iPads
Arkansas First Jurisdiction of the Churches of God in Christ will launch the CEBlake Ministry Initiative by giving away iPads along with 15 GB of high speed data to eligible recipients. The event will be held at 11 a.m. May 7 at Prayer Garden Christian Faith Center Church of God in Christ, 800 S. Apple St. Participants must present a valid state issued identification. The deadline to qualify is midnight Saturday. People should call 1-877-787-6361 to confirm eligibility, according to a news release. The criteria for eligiblilty requires that one member of the household meet at least one of the following: receives a federal Pell Grant, federal public housing, FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservation), SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Tribal Head Start, TTANF, veterans pension, existing low-income program, WIC or be eligible by their household income.
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
UAPB, SEARK graduations set
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will conduct its spring 2022 commencement at 9 a.m. May 7 at Simmons Bank Field. The speaker will be Ruth Jones, a 1994 UAPB graduate and associate manager of the Human Exploration Development and Operations Office at NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center. Details: http://www.uapb.edu. Southeast Arkansas College will conduct its commencement for spring 2022 on May 13, according to its website. Details: https://seark.edu.
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.)
WH Sports Hall of Fame Banquet set
The White Hall Sports Hall of Fame Banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 9 at the James “Jitters” Morgan White Hall Community Center at White Hall. The deadline to purchase tickets is Sunday. Tickets are $20 each and are available at the White Hall High School principal’s office or from any Hall of Fame Committee member, according to a news release. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include: Mike Brown, Bob McKenzie, Sharon Morgan and the posthumous Steve Strahan. The Outstanding senior boy and girl athletes in each sport will be recognized. The White Hall Sports Hall of Fame will offer two scholarships for one senior male and one senior girl athlete.
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.