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.
Beginning Tuesday, June 8
Business basics sessions set
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Ja’neen Elliott Marketing Agency to present Business Basics Bootcamp. The class will be held in person and via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. June 8 or from 6-7:30 p.m. June 10. The cost is $9.99 if registration is made seven days in advance or $19.99, according to the Chamber newsletter. Topics will include finance, bookkeeping, taxes, marketing, brand, logo, online presence, retail space, and social media tricks and tips. Registration is available for June 8 at https://www.facebook.com/events/483621062849523/ and for June 10 at https://www.facebook.com/events/479240006739547/
TOPPS hosts summer camp
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
TOPPS Inc. will host the Break Out youth summer camp from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 7 through Aug 6. Guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be enforced. Slots will be limited, according to a news release. TOPPS will conduct reading, math and creative writing sessions in the mornings and enrichment activities in the afternoon, including physical fitness, swimming, skating, karate, robotics, music, crafts, cooking, fishing, sewing, tours and golf. Teens will be introduced to Junior Toastmasters, financial literacy, job training skills and entrepreneurship. For the application fee, weekly fee or details, interested participants should call TOPPS at (870) 850-6011 between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Annette Dove is TOPPS’ executive director.
Arts center hosts youth summer camps
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., offers summer camp sessions for youth. Camps include: THEATER CAMP: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday–Friday, June 7–18; ages 12–17; THEATRE JR. CAMP: 1–4 p.m. Monday–Friday, June 21–25; ages 7–11; ART I CAMP: 9 a.m.–noon Monday–Friday, June 21–25; ages 7–11; CERAMICS CAMP: 1–4 p.m. Monday–Friday, June 28–July 2, July 5; ages 12–17; STEAM CAMP: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday–Friday, July 12-16; ages 12–17; CREATE LAB: 1–4 p.m. Monday–Friday, July 19–23; ages 10-17; DANCE CAMP: 9 a.m.–noon Monday–Friday, July 19–23; ages 7–17. Income-based scholarships are available, according to a news release. For registration, scholarship applications or details, interested participants should visit asc701.org/summer-camps or contact Public Programs Coordinator Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@asc701.org or (870) 536-3375.
Gould Youth Ministries hosts summer feeding program
Gould Youth Ministries (GYM) will offer free grab and go meals in its summer feeding program Monday through Thursday through Aug. 12. Meals will be available:Watson Chapel High School Cafeteria, 4000 Camden Road; breakfast 7:30-8 a.m. and lunch 11-11:30 a.m. (through July 29); Watson Chapel fieldhouse gymnasium; breakfast 7:50a.m.-8:30a.m. and lunch noon-1:15 p.m. (through Aug. 12); Coleman Intermediate School Cafeteria, 4600 W. 13th Ave.; breakfast 7:30-8 a.m. and lunch 11-11:30a.m. (July 12-July 29); snack and supper 3:30-5:30p.m. (through-July 8); LL Owen Elementary School Cafeteria, 3605 Oakwood Road; breakfast 7:30-8 a.m. and lunch 11-11:30a.m. (July 12-July 29); Edgewood Elementary School, 4100 W. 32nd Ave.; breakfast 7:30-8 a.m. and lunch 11-11:30a.m. (July 12-July 29); Cherry St. Memorial AME Zion Church, 800 S. Cherry St.; snack and supper 4:15-5:30 p.m. through Aug. 12); Old Dollarway High School fieldhouse gymnasium, 4900 Dollarway Road; snack and supper 5-6:15p.m. (June 14-Aug. 12); BRAVE, Pine Bluff Convention Center # 2 Convention Center Drive; breakfast and lunch 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (only one day, Saturday, Aug. 7); Details: Antoinette Burks, GYM director, alburks1@ualr.edu.
Wednesday, June 9
Foundation sets free grant writing event
Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation will host a free virtual grant writing workshop for local nonprofits. Participants are urged to attend the one-hour event via Zoom at noon June 9 to learn how to write and apply for grants. Foundation representatives will include Pine Bluff area executive director, Lawrence Fikes; Pine Bluff area affiliate board members MaryRoss Taylor and Ginger Casteel; and Shannon Williams, affiliate officer, according to a news release. The Zoom meeting ID is 841 8676 5061 and the passcode is pinebluff. For the Zoom link or to RSVP, emails should be sent to pinebluffarea@arcf.org. Details: Lawrence Fikes, (870) 850-7934 or email pinebluffarea@arcf.org.
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. Announcements can be for in-person services or online events. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Articles should be submitted by email to shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, June 10
Pine Bluff NAACP slates Zoom meeting
The Pine Bluff NAACP Branch will hold its regular monthly membership meeting via Zoom at 6 p.m. Thursday. Participants must have the Zoom link to join the meeting. Members who gave the branch valid email addresses will be emailed the Zoom link. Other individuals wishing to attend may email pbnaacp@yahoo.com to request the link, according to a news release. Details: NAACP Branch President Wanda V. Neal, (870) 536-3141.
1960 Pine Bluff High School Class to meet
The Pine Bluff High School Class of 1960 will meet at noon June 10 at Wright’s Ranch House restaurant, 6224 Dollarway Road. All 1960 classmates and class members of other years are welcomed to join the gathering, according to a news release. Questions or update on classmates may be made to Norma Ray at (870) 535-0303 or billray013@gmail.com.
Friday, June 11
Baptist Health sets free covid-19 vaccine clinic at Dumas
Baptist Health Community Outreach’s mobile health unit offer the free covid-19 vaccines from 2:30-6 p.m. June 11 at the Dumas Community Center, 18 Belmont St., at Dumas. The clinic will give the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, according to a news release. All participants must be 18 years of age and older and bring a photo ID. To schedule a vaccination appointment, people should call (501) 202-1540. Walk-up vaccinations will also be available on a limited basis. Details: Visit BaptistHealthCovidVaccine.com or talk to a trusted primary care provider about the vaccines.
Little Miss Pink Tomato set
The 2021 Little Miss Pink Tomato competition is set for 2:30 p.m. June 11 in the First Baptist Church Activity Center on Main Street at Warren. Seating will be limited, according to a news release. Eligible participants must be 4, 5 or 6 years old by June 1 and must live in Bradley, Ashley, Dallas, Drew, Calhoun, Cleveland, Lincoln or Union counties. The entry fee for the pageant is $25. Entry forms are available at the Bradley County Chamber of Commerce office or applications may be downloaded at www.pinktomatofestival.com. Details: (870) 226-5457 or (870) 226-5758.
Through Friday, June 11
Senior centers offer to-go lunches
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas is serving lunches from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays at the senior citizens centers, according to a news release. Although the centers aren’t open for activities, these grab-and-go lunches are available: Monday — Chili and beans with corn chips, shredded cheese, coleslaw, emerald pears, and milk; Tuesday — Meatloaf with gravy, mashed potatoes, zesty squash, hot roll, berries and milk; Wednesday — Sweet and sour chicken with rice, Chinese mixed vegetables, egg roll, Mandarin oranges, fortune cookie, and milk; Thursday — Ham and cheese sandwich, broccoli and cauliflower salad, apricots, brownie, and milk; Friday — Oven fried chicken, Au gratin potatoes, spinach, pineapples, and milk. Details: Strachota Senior Citizens Center: (870) 543-6323.
Saturday, June 12
SEARK slates Summer Fest
Southeast Arkansas College will host SEARK Summer Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 12 on campus. “Join us for free food, entertainment and activities as we open for the community and showcase everything happening at SEARK,” according to a Facebook post. Details: Barbara Dunn, bdunn@seark.edu or Wanda Grimmett, wgrimmett@seark.edu.
ASC sets Family FunDay: Clay Relief Tiles
Visitors are welcome to mold a unique clay relief tile during the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkanas’s free Second Saturday Family FunDay from 1-3 p.m. June 12. Afterward, visitors can paint the design to make it pop. “Take & make” kits will be available at ASC’s main entrance for those wanting to participate at home. Pick up a few from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 11, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 12. An instructional video will be posted at 1 p.m. June 12, on ASC’s Facebook page, facebook.com/asc701/.
Through Saturday, June 12
Summer reading registration set
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Public Library invites children to join the 2021 Summer Reading Program. “Tails and Tales!” is the theme. The purpose is to encourage youth to check out books and e-books from the library and to maintain the reading levels that they have achieved during the school year, according to a news release. Registration will run through June 12. Parents may register their children online at http://pbjcls.readsquared.com/ The age groups are pre-K: 0-4 years old; children: ages 5-13; teens: ages 13-17; and adults: ages 18-99. Details: Pine Bluff/Jefferson County main library, (870) 534-4802, ext. 150.
Pine Bluff High School Exhibition set
The Arts & Science Center will host its annual exhibition of artwork by Pine Bluff High School students through June 12. Art teacher Shalisha Thomas has worked with young artists for almost a decade and ASC looks forward to sharing the students’ work with the public. This exhibition is sponsored by Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co., according to the release.
Sunday, June 13
Old St. James church sets vaccine clinic
Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., will host a covid-19 vaccination clinic from noon until 2 p.m. June 13. Doctor’s Orders Pharmacy will offer the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine for people 12 years old and older, according to a news release. People may register with Doctor’s Orders Pharmacy online at https://appacuityschedling.com/schedule.phi?owner=2160152&appointmentType=22537587 or just come by the church for the vaccination. Details: Billie Dorn, Old St. James church secretary, at 870-536-7654.
Kings Highway honors youth
Kings Highway Missionary Baptist Church, 2312 Fluker St., will host the youth annual program recognizing all of the Church youth at 10:45a.m. June 13. The theme will be “Shining God’s Light At Every Port Of Call.” Words of encouragement will be delivered by Ajahi Davis.
Beginning Monday, June 14
Generator plans youth digital camp
The Generator, 435 S. Main St., an innovation hub of Go Forward Pine Bluff, will host a summer camp entited Building Digital Skills Forward. The camp will be held June 14-July 2, July 5-23 and July 26-Aug. 13, according to the newsletter of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. Building Digital Skills Forward is a summer, engaging, rigorous, multi-track program for 6-12th graders to develop their inherent digital and digital-related skills. For details and registration, visit https://goforwardpinebluff.org/the-generator/
Through Tuesday, June 15
UAM forestry scholarship deadline set
A new scholarship opportunity, Foresters for the Future, is available at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM.) The application deadline is June 15. The scholarship will provide $4,000 per semester, for four years, to an incoming freshman pursuing a forestry degree at UAM’s College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources. Details: https://www.uamont.edu/academics/CFANR/index.html.
Education grants available for teachers
Educators in Arkansas’ public schools are encouraged to apply for Parsons-Burnett Scholarship Grants for the 2021-2022 academic year. Applications must be submitted online by June 15, according to a news release from the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association (ARTA.) The grants are awarded to Arkansas public school educators to further their own education. Awards are intended for courses of study leading to an advanced degree, certification or endorsement. Requests for funds to pay off student debt are not eligible, according to the release. Details: www.artanow.com.
Beginning Thursday, June 17
Neighbor to Neighbor sets covid-19 vaccine clinics
Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., is hosting a free covid-19 vaccine clinic from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 17. The follow-up vaccine clinic will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 8. Jefferson Regional Medical Center is providing the clinic which is open to anyone wanting the vaccine, according to a news release. Details: Pat Tate, executive director, Neighbor to Neighbor Inc., (870) 534-2883.
Thursday, June 17
Young professional to be honored
Kedrick Jones, owner and tech consultant of SEAR Tech Services, will be among honorees at an event recognizing the 2021 Arkansas Business 40 under 40 Class. The event will be held June 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the DoubleTree Little Rock. Jones is president of the Jefferson County Young Professionals Network, a program of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, according to the Chamber newsletter. For details or to purchase event tickets, visit arkansasbusiness.com/events or call Kelli Roy at 501-455-9336.
Beginning Thursday, June 17
Merrill All School Reunion set
The Merrill High School All School Reunion will be held June 17-19 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Registration packages have been mailed and will also be available locally for pickup at RJ’s Sports Grill and Bar, 128 S. Main St. Participants may send all email requests to Rosie Pettigrew, committee chairman, at pettigrewrosie@bellsouth.net. Details: 404-245-5436.
Saturday, June 19
City of Pine Bluff plans Juneteenth Celebration
The City of Pine Bluff will host its 2021 Juneteenth Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 19 in front of the Jefferson County Courthouse on Main Street. The event will feature live musical and dance performances, dramatizations, free food, and activities for children and teens. From 3-9 p.m., a block party will be hosted by Wil Jenkins at the same site, according to a news release. Attendance is free to community members, however, the registration fee is $25 for vendors and $75 for food trucks. Registration is available by contacting the mayor’s office at 870-730-2000, ext. 7, or sending an email to mayor@cityofpinebluff-ar.gov. The registration deadline is June 11. For details or to sign up to perform, contact Mary Liddell at marylddll@yahoo.com or 870-643-2383.
Through Saturday, June 19
Pine Bluff High School Exhibition open at ASC
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is hosting the annual exhibition of artwork by Pine Bluff High School students in the International Paper Gallery in ASC’s main building. On display through June 19, this exhibition consists of two-dimensional work in various mediums, according to a news release. The display can be seen at the center or online at at www.asc701.org/2021-annual-pine-bluff-high-school.
Beginning Thursday, June 24
Arkansas Women to Watch 2021: Paper Routes open
Paper Routes, an exhibition curated by Allison Glenn of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, will be on view from June 24 through Aug. 14, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. This show features work by Arkansas women and is themed around inventive uses of paper. Joli Livaudais of Little Rock will represent Arkansas in the exhibition Women to Watch. Other artists include Kim Brewer, Linda Nguyen Lopez and Suzannah Schreckhise.
Through Thursday, June 25
Chamber seeks business awards nominations
June 25 is the deadline for Chamber members to nominate someone for the Business Person of the Year and Non-Profit Business of the Year, according to the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce newsletter. Winners will be announced at the 2021 Business Expo Breakfast from 7:30-9 a.m. Aug. 19 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. To submit a candidate and organization for nomination, participants should complete the forms and return them to the Chamber by fax, email or mail by June 25. Criteria is listed on the forms. The expo will be held Aug. 19 from 9-10 a.m. (VIP hour) and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the general public. Business Expo Breakfast tickets are $20 per person or $250 for a table for eight people. Details: Jennifer Kline, (870) 535-0110 or email jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Saturday, June 26
Pleasant View Singles Ministry sets fundraiser
Pleasant View Ministries Church Singles Ministry will host a fundraiser June 26 from 7-11 a.m. on the parking lot of WOW Wallace Flowers and Gifts, 2203 E. Harding Ave. The rummage sale will include new and gently used items such as clothes, shoes, home decor and household goods, according to a news release.
Through Saturday, June 26
Small Works on Paper open at ASC
The Arkansas Arts Council’s touring 34th annual Small Works on Paper exhibition opens Thursday at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St, the Arts & Science Center’s new community art and event space. Area artists Crystal Jennings of Rison and Kimiara Johnson of Pine Bluff are among the 26 artists exhibiting in Small Works on Paper. The ARTSpace on Main is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The exhibition runs through June 26.
Beginning Monday, June 28
Adult Ceramics Workshop with Yelena Petroukhina open
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will welcome guest artist Yelena Petroukhina as she leads a ceramics workshop for adults. The workshop is from 6-8:30 p.m. June 28 through July 2, and July 5. Students ages 18 and older will learn fundamental clay hand-building techniques, surface and monoprinted image transfer techniques on clay, use of commercial glazes, and an introduction to kiln use. They will work in the ceramics studio of ASC’s new ARTSpace on Main facility, 623 S. Main St. To register, visit asc701.org/adult-classes or call (870) 536-3375.
Through Thursday, July 1
Foundation offers gardening grants
Arkansas Community Foundation is seeking proposals for projects that will increase Arkansans’ access to locally grown and produced foods and/or strengthen the local food ecosystem, according to a news release. The deadline to apply is July 1 at 11:59 p.m. These include programs that help Arkansas-based small farmers and food producers connect to markets, build operational capacity (for example, through training, certification, support for back-office financial management) or expand production. Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) public charity status with the IRS. Agencies in all geographic areas of the state are eligible to apply. Grants will range from $10,000 to $15,000. Details: www.arcf.org/food.
Beginning Thursday, July 8
Medical mission set at Lake Village
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Delta Regional Authority (DRA) will host a medical mission at Lake Village from July 8-18 offering free medical care, according to a news release. The Lake Village site will be located at Lakeside High School. Basic medical exams, eye exams, single lens prescriptions glasses and dental services are among the services provided during Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) missions. Details: IRT.defense.gov.
Beginning Friday, July 9
Boys and Girls Club observes 75th aniversary
In July, the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson County will celebrate its 75th anniversary. July 9 — the annual Heroes Banquet will be celebrated. July 10 — from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the club will have an outdoor event at the Townsend Park baseball fields, 1000 Townsend Park Drive, starting with an opening ceremony that will feature food, drinks, a kickball tournament, vendors, youth activities, and entertainment. The club is also seeking alumni to join the 75 club, who will be recognized at the event July 10. For details or to make donations, people may visit the website at www.boysgirlsclubjc.org. Donations may also be mailed to P.O. Box 6027, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Checks should be payable to The Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson County.
Through Saturday, July 10
ASC hosts Defining Home: Mixed Media and Sculpture
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host the “Defining Home: Mixed Media and Sculpture by Yelena Petroukhina” exhibition through July 10. This exhibition is sponsored by Simmons Bank. “Petroukhina explores ideas of home and comfort and incorporates physical, emotional, and spiritual qualities within personal spaces,” according to a news release. Details: asc701.org.
Beginning Monday, July 12
UAM Kids University set
The sixth UAM Kids’ University will be held Monday through Thursday, July 12-15, at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. The day camp for students entering 1st through 6th grades in the fall aims to cultivate new interests, expand knowledge, and spark imagination and creativity, according to a news release. Sessions for students in grades 1-3 will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. Sessions for 4-6th graders will be held from 1-5 p.m. Early registration before May 31: Single-day rate — $25 per day; all four days: $80. Registration fees: Single-day rate increases to $30 per day after May 31. The price for all four days increases to $100 after May 31. Register online at https://www.uamont.edu/about/kids-university.html. Details: Rebecca Newton at newtonr@uamont.edu or call (870) 460-1596.
Thursday, July 15
Former Razorback Elliott to speak at Rotary
The Rotary Club of West Pine Bluff will host its annual Hooten’s Arkansas Football program during its luncheon at 11:30 a.m. July 15 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The program will be presented by Hooten’s and feature special guest Marcus Elliott, former Razorback All-Southwest Conference offensive lineman, according to a news release. The club is extending this invitation to representatives from all football programs in Southeast Arkansas. Details: Roy Ferrell at roywferrell@gmail.com.
Through Friday, July 16
Music award applications available
The Lewis Prize for Music is accepting 2022 Accelerator Awards applications. The agency is a music arts philanthropy committed to awarding at least $15 million over the next five years to youth development organizations, according to a news release. The awards are open to creative youth development music organizations seeking to influence youth-serving systems so all young people have access to learning, creating, and performing experiences that reflect their culture and identity, according to the release. The application deadline is July 16. Details: https://www.thelewisprize.org/current-award-opportunities.
Thursday, Aug. 19
Chamber sets Business Expo
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Business Expo on Aug. 19 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Expo Breakfast speaker will be Chris Robinson, interim director of athletics at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Breakfast will be held from 7:30-9 a.m. Tickets are $20 per person or $250 to sponsor a table for eight people. The expo continues with the VIP hour from 9-10 a.m. The trade show floor will be open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring exhibits from area businesses and community organizations. For details or booth reservations, contact Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Friday, Aug. 20
Ag Hall of Fame sets Aug. 20 induction ceremony
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame announced Aug. 20 as a target date for the induction ceremony for its next class of inductees. The event will be held at the Embassy Suites in Little Rock. The new class includes: Long-time ag educator Joe Don Greenwood of Hermitage; Andrew Wargo III of Watson, farm manager for the 15,000-acre Baxter Land Co. for more than 50 years; the late Russell Roy Reynolds, the director of the U.S. Forest Service Crossett Experimental Forest for 34 years; retired Cooperative Extension Service Director Rick Cartwright of Fayetteville; former Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach of Manila; and Mark Waldrip of Moro, founder of Armor Seed Co. Details: www.arfb.com.
Through Saturday, Aug. 28
ASC hosts Jerry Colburn exhibition
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is hosting “1995-2021: A Retrospective of Jerry Colburn,” a multi-media retrospective exhibition. Visitors may view the work through Aug. 28. Featuring Colburn’s inkblots, collages and music, this exhibition is an immersive experience for all audiences, according to the news release.
Saturday, Oct. 16
UAPB to host Homecoming 2021
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will celebrate fall Homecoming 2021 on Oct. 16, with a week of festivities culminating in the university’s annual parade and football game. UAPB will welcome the return of an in-person homecoming, a longtime favorite among community members, students and alumni, according to a news release. More fall homecoming 2021 details will be released soon, including the full schedule of events with specific times and dates.
Thursday, Oct. 28
Chamber to honor Jefferson County Farm Family
The 2021 Jefferson County Farm Family of the Year is the Draper Family of S&L Farms. The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will honor the family during the 69th annual Farmers Appreciation Fish Fry set for Oct. 28 at Hestand Stadium at Pine Bluff.
Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022
Jefferson Regional Foundation sets ball
Jefferson Regional Foundation is planning the Winter Wonderland Ball 2022 for Feb. 19. The event will feature live entertainment, according to the Chamber newsletter. Tickets are $250. For ticket and sponsorship information, interested people may contact Laura Beth Shaner, foundation development officer, at (870) 541-7210.
Underway
Virtual VA claims clinic announced
The Little Rock Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office will begin monthly Virtual VA Claims Clinics for Arkansas veterans who have questions about their VA claims, according to a news release. The first claims clinic began May 27. Participants must make an appointment. To schedule a virtual appointment, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. before May 26. The virtual clinics will be staffed by VA Regional Office employees ready to assist veterans one-on-one with specific questions regarding VA claims, according to the release. For details about VA benefits, visit http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
Utility, rent assistance available
Arkansans who are having trouble paying rent or utility bills due to covid-19 can apply now for federal money to help cover costs incurred since April 2020, according to an Entergy Arkansas news release. The Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program has allocated $173 million to be administered through the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS established the Arkansas Rent Relief Program to distribute the available funds. Eligible households may receive up to 15 months of assistance for rent and/or utility costs incurred between April 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2021. Details: ar.gov/rentrelief or https://www.entergy.com/covid-19/rental-assistance/ or https://www.entergy-arkansas.com/payment-options/.
Vaccines available at Comprehensive Care
Jefferson Comprehensive Care System Inc. (JCCSI) is offering free covid-19 vaccinations to anyone 16 years old and up at the JCCSI Pine Bluff Clinic, 1101 Tennessee St. Covid-19 vaccinations will be available from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. It will be an on-going program, according to a news release. JCCSI’s medical team will provide the Moderna vaccine. People should call (870) 543-2380 to make an appointment but walk-ins are welcome.
Health departments offering Moderna shots statewide
The Arkansas Department of Health is offering the Moderna covid-19 vaccine to anyone 18 or older at local health units across the state, according to a news release. To set appointments, people may call their nearest health department office or the statewide vaccine call-line at (800) 985-6030. After-hours appointments may be available on Tuesdays. Details: healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan.
Covid-19 vaccines available
Coronavirus vaccinations are available through various sites including Doctor’s Orders Pharmacy; call (870) 218-1718 or email dopcovidvaccine@gmail.com; and Jefferson Regional Medical Center, visit the website www.jrmc.org/covid-19-vaccination-waiting-list/. For more details, visit the Arkansas Department of Health website at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan.
Covid-19 testing sites available
Details for getting the covid-19 test are available at the Jefferson County Health Department — 870-535-2142; and Arkansas Department of Health’s website — https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-guidance-for-getting-tested. Scroll down until you see the map and enlarge the map. Click on each star to see where each testing site is located.
Weekdays
Neighbor to Neighbor open 5 days a week
Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., has reopened five days a week. The agency will be open Monday through Friday from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. For the sake of safety, Neighbor to Neighbor will continue serving to-go lunches at the door from noon to 1 p.m. and are available to anyone who is hungry. Masks are required to enter the building and hand sanitizer will be available at the door, according to a news release. New clients or those seeking assistance with bills or medications should call (870) 534-2883 for an appointment.
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.