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.
Saturday, Aug. 10
Pilgrim pantry to give away food
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will be open Aug. 10 from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be handed out on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. This facility is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and equal opportunity provider.
Sigma Gamma Rho to give away book bags
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Alpha Chi Sigma Alumnae Chapter, will host its annual Back to School Operation Big Book Bag Giveaway from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 10 at RJ’s Sports Grill and Bar, 128 S. Main St. Book bags will be distributed on a first come, first served basis until they’re all handed out, according to a news release.
FunDay features school supply giveaway
The ARTx3 Campus will give away school supplies at the Second Saturday Family FunDay: Back to School Drive from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Students in need are invited to receive free school supplies. The drive is part of the ARTx3 Campus’ aim to provide students the tools they need for academic success. For details, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375. Second Saturday Family FunDay is sponsored by the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation.
Auditions set for ‘Night of the Living Dead’
The ARTx3 Campus will host auditions for “George A. Romero’s Night of The Living Dead Live” from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 10 in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater, 627 S. Main St. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. “Six strangers in a lonely farmhouse, surrounded by brain-eating zombies — what could go wrong?” according to the news release. The minimum age to audition is 16 and no experience is required. For more information and registration, visit artx3.org/all-events/night-of-the-living-dead-auditions. For details, contact Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Sunday, Aug. 11
Amos Chapel hosts pre-anniversary
Amos Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1307 W. 16th Ave., will host the pre-anniversary program honoring the pastor, the Rev. Robert Willis Jr., at 3 p.m. Sunday. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Walter Witherspoon. The community is invited to attend.
Program will honor educators
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will observe its annual Educators’ Appreciation Sunday at 11 a.m. Aug. 11. All educators and school personnel, active and retired, are invited to attend, according to a news release.
New Community hosts Choir Day
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will present its Annual Choir Day at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 11. The guest speaker will be the Rev. James Rice, pastor of Battle Chapel Baptist Church, along with his congregation. Everyone is invited to attend.
Wednesday, Aug. 14
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.
Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 14
Grady church plans revival
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Grady will host revival services at 7 p.m. Aug. 14-16. The guest evangelist will be the Rev. RaeShawn Howard, pastor of New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, accompanied by his congregation. Everyone is invited to attend. The Rev. Freddie Heard is pastor of Mt. Zion.
Thursday, Aug. 15
Christian Women plan luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Peggy Lee of Overland Park, Kan. Lee’s speech is entitled “Surviving Life’s Detours.” She will discuss “Adopted, divorced, widowed, city girl becomes a farm wife,” according to a news release. “She has been a powerful speaker for Stonecroft Ministries since 1988,” according to the release. The luncheon will also feature J.P. and Phyllis Dunger from the Arkansas Railroad Museum in Pine Bluff. The luncheon costs $21, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All reservations must be made three days in advance. Participants will be charged for reservations not kept.
Through Thursday, Aug. 15
United Way plans peanut butter drive
The United Way of Southeast Arkansas and the UW Helping Hands volunteers are gearing up to have a Peanut Butter Drive July 1-Aug. 15. The goal is to provide nutritious snacks during summer break, especially for children who rely on school meals and may face food insecurity during summer break. United Way asks that donors drop off jars of peanut butter to the United Way office in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W.Third Ave., Suite 135. The agency can also except monetary donations so that cases of peanut butter can be purchased through the Arkansas Food Bank. The donations will be split among the food pantries in Jefferson County, according to a news release. Details: (870) 534-2153 or 534-2156.
PB foundation accepts grant applications
Nonprofits in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County can go to arcf.org/givingtree to apply for Giving Tree Grants through the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation. Applications must be submitted online between July 10 and Aug. 15. Any IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, public school, government agency or hospital in Jefferson County is eligible to apply. Grants are not made to individuals or small businesses. Any nonprofit that received a grant in 2023 must complete and return the grant report form to be considered for this current grant cycle. Applications will be reviewed by a grant-making committee from PBACF. Other grants are available for organizations with programs educating, assessing and screening members of their organization or the larger community regarding health issues.
Friday, Aug. 16
Breath of Life sets back-to-school event
The 10th annual Back-to-School Giveaway will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 16 at the fellowship hall parking lot of Breath of Life Church, 1313 Pine St. The event will include school supplies, personal hygiene items, sack lunches, and free haircut vouchers to Smith Barber Institution, according to a news release. The event is sponsored by the Breath of Life Rosie A. Foster Willing Workers Ministry, Youth Department back-to-school drive, and Smith barbers. The pastor is the Rev. Kerry Price Sr.
Golden Hour: Frosting Frenzy set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Golden Hour: Frosting Frenzy! from 11 a.m. to noon Aug. 16 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. This event is for ages 50 and older, and is free. “Participants will unleash their creativity during this cake-decorating competition that combines fun and skill with a friendly rivalry. Explore the art of cake decorating in a lively, supportive environment,” according to the release. Seasoned decorators and beginners are welcome. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/golden-hour-frosting-frenzy or call (870) 536-3375. For more information, contact Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Rollin Lions RV Club sets Golden Gala
The Arkansas Rollin Lions RV Club is hosting its Golden Gala from 7 p.m. to midnight Aug. 17 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The RV club serves as goodwill ambassadors for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Athletic Department and the proceeds from this event will benefit the department, according to a news release.”It is our goal to enhance our partnership with Golden Lion Athletics by making this our annual fund-raising event for the department,” said Arkansas Rollin Lions President Gregory Summers. This year the club will recognize three individuals who have made an impact on the university and the community. The honorees are: Carlton Saffa, chief market officer of Saracen Casino Resort; Aaron Austin, senior vice president of Common Spirit Health; and Karen Blunt, director of spirit teams at UAPB. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rollin-lions-rv-club-golden-gala-tickets-918489816767.
Sunday, Aug. 18
Pilgrim MBC to observe anniversary
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will celebrate its 56th anniversary at 3 p.m. Aug. 18.The guest speaker will be Patrick Lockett, apostle and pastor of New Community Baptist Church. Everyone is invited to come celebrate this special day with Pilgrim. The theme is “We are Family” – One Body, Many Parts (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). The Rev. Kevin L. Crumpton Sr. is the pastor at Pilgrim.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 19
UAPB sets new student, welcome week
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host UPROAR: New Student Week and Welcome Week 2024 schedule to welcome students and help integrate new and returning students into the campus community. UPROAR: New Student Week will take place Aug. 19-24. UAPB Welcome Week starts Aug. 25 with the first day of instruction Aug. 26. UPROAR WEEK includes Aug. 19 — The UAPB UPROAR week will kick off with the New Student Move-In, where freshmen assigned to Stevens Hall and Johnson Hall will move in from 8 a.m. to noon, and those assigned to the Delta Housing Complex, Copeland Hall, and Fischer Hall will move in from 1-5 p.m. Guided campus tours will be offered from noon to 1 p.m., starting at the L.A. Davis Student Union, followed by the Freshman Welcome Ceremony at 6 p.m. in the H.O. Clemmons Arena and a Welcome Celebration from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at the W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower. UAPB WELCOME WEEK is from Aug. 25-31, targeting all students to foster community and school spirit. It includes: Aug. 25 — The day features a Splash Bash from 1-4 p.m. at the Pumphrey Soccer Complex and the Chancellor’s Ice Cream Social from 6-8 p.m. at the W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower. Aug. 26 — The Do’s & Don’t Fashion Show will be held in the STEM Conference Room from 7- 10 p.m. Details: Office of Student Involvement & Leadership, (870) 575-8866 or osil@uapb.edu or UAPB.EDU.
Tuesday, Aug. 20
3rd Ward neighbors to meet
The 3rd Ward Community Watch Group will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W 28th Ave. Topics will include crime, park renovation, upcoming community events and new housing. The residents of the 3rd Ward are invited to attend. Kenneth Gray is the president, according to a news release.
Scouts plan Heart of Eagle event
The 2024 Saracen District Heart of the Eagle Honorary Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Grand Prairie Center at Stuttgart. The program will honor Carl Brothers, retired chief operating officer of Riceland Foods. The community is invited to attend. “Admission is complimentary, and you can RSVP online at www.naturalstatecouncil.org/sahote. Please join us to help honor someone who has done so much for the scouting community in Arkansas,” according to https://www.facebook.com/naturalstateBSA.
Through Tuesday, Aug. 20
AARP seeks award nominees
AARP Arkansas is accepting nominations for its 2024 Andrus Award for Community Service. This award honors Arkansans 50 and older who are sharing their experiences, talents and skills to enrich the lives of their community members. The award recipient will be announced in early fall, according to a news release. The application deadline is Aug. 20. For further information and a nomination form, visit aarp.org/AndrusAward. To learn more about AARP Arkansas visit states.aarp.org/arkansas/.
Earring Design with Mary Pat Tate set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Twist & Sparkle: Earring Design Master Class by Mary Pat Tate from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 16 at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. “Participants will learn to craft beautiful, custom pieces, develop techniques for twisting wire, and incorporate dazzling beads and gemstones. They will leave with handmade pieces that showcase art and fashion style. This workshop is for ages 16 or older. Experience jewelers and beginners are welcome. The cost is $20 for ARTx3 members and $25 for nonmembers. All materials are provided. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/twist-and-sparkle-earrings or call (870) 536-3375. For details, contact Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 395-7059.
Wednesday, Aug. 21
UAPB slates resource fair
A Community Resource Fair will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at the W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Agencies may sign up to grow their clientele, promote their businesses, educate students and meet potential customers, according to a flier. Details: Chris Riggins at rigginsc@uapb.edu.
Thursday, Aug. 22
PBS to livestream Women’s Hall of Fame
As part of its Arkansas Live initiative, Arkansas PBS will livestream the eighth annual Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at myarpbs.org/arkansasliveplaylist. Honorees with southeast Arkansas ties include: Betty Dickey – Former Arkansas Supreme Court justice, teacher, attorney, and former prosecutor for Jefferson and Lincoln counties; and Jacquelyn Williams McCray, Ph.D. — retired dean/director and professor emeritus of the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame honors women whose contributions have influenced the direction of Arkansas in their community or the state. Details: arwomenshalloffame.com or myarkansaspbs.org
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. Aug. 22. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Aug. 21, 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.
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Ivy Center plans writing event
The Ivy Center for Education Inc. will sponsor “Write for your Life,” an Essay Writing and Writing Personal Statement Workshop from 6-7 p.m. Aug. 27 at the main Pine Bluff Library, 600 Main St. All students who attend will gain life-long essay writing skills and learn how to “tell their story” through using their words, according to a news release. The workshop presenter is Rebecca Newby, a certified 7-12th grade English educator. All students in 7-12th grades are encouraged to attend and bring paper, a pencil or pen or laptop. A virtual session is availabe via Zoom by using Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. For details, interested students and parents may send an email to Ivy Center President Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com.
Through Friday, Aug. 30
Forestry Division seeks grant proposals
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division invites grant proposals for the 2024 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Assistance Program. Funding supports sustainable forestry projects across Arkansas, according to a news release. The program offers: Up to $1.4 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding for projects in economically vulnerable communities, with grants up to $500,000 per project. Up to $30,000 in non-Inflation Reduction Act funding for projects statewide, with grants up to $10,000 per project. The application deadline is Aug. 30. Successful applicants will be notified by Oct. 1. Details: https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/urban-community-forestry/
Through Saturday, Aug. 31
League hosts Water in Art exhibition
The Pine Bluff Art League will present its new “Water in Art” exhibition at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center. Members may hang water-themed works along the East wing of the center through July. Art will be displayed through Aug. 31. The PBAL seeks to engage the public through selected themed exhibitions and invites the community to enjoy a diverse selection of art by southeast Arkansas artists.
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 7
Blues concert series set
The Port City Blues Society will host the third “Blues By Budweiser” concert series at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main Street. The doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Port City members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members. MK Distributors is the sponsor, according to a news release. Concerts for 2024-2025 include: Sept. 7, Garry Burnside Band; Oct. 5, Dirty Red and the Soul Shakers; Nov. 2, Jerry McCoy and the Groove Diggers; Dec. 7, Fonky Donkey; Jan. 4, 2025, Trey Johnson and Jason Willmon; and Feb. 1, 2025, Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain.
Thursday, Sept. 19
Taste of Southeast Arkansas set
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present An Evening in Paris for the Taste of Southeast Arkansas. The taste will begin at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The cocktail hour starts at 5:30 p.m., according to the Chamber’s newsletter. Entertainment will be provided by the Rodney Block Collective. “The Taste provides samplings of food from chefs around the region along with beverages and good music,” according to the Chamber’s events’ list. Admission is $55 for Chamber members, $65 for non members, and $600 for a table. For tickets or details, contact the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce at (870) 535-0110.
Friday, Sept. 27
Voices for Children golf tourney set
Voices for Children will host its 20th annual golf tournament at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Registration starts at 11 a.m., according to a flier. Sponsorship opportunities are available. All proceeds will help Voices for Children continue to provide court appointed special advocates (CASA) for all foster children in Jefferson and Lincoln counties. Details: Voices for Children, (870) 850-7105, (870) 536-5922 or vfc@vfcadvocates.org.
Through Monday, Sept. 30
LIHEAP taking applications
Starting July 1, on a first-come first served basis, residential households can apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through the network community-based action agencies that serve the county where they live. Applications will be taken through Sept. 30 or until funds are depleted. The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and Entergy Arkansas released statements on this program. Households can find a location to apply for LIHEAP at https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/caad.aspx or https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/initiatives/pdfs/LIHEAP_Flyer.pdf.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 21
Election information, dates
Voters will decide upon the next U.S. President as well as local candidates running for city offices and school boards in the Nov. 5 General Election. OCT. 21 — Early Voting will be held at the county courthouse Oct. 21 through Nov. 4. Voting occurs Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. OCT. 29 — Deadline to receive absentee ballot applications by mail, fax, or email. NOV. 5 — Election Day — Polls will be open 7:30a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, (870) 541-5322.
Through Sunday, Dec. 1
Fund drive for artwork set
The Pine Bluff Art League will have a drawing for artwork by Richard Stephens titled “First Snow” valued at $1,000. The drawing will be held Dec. 1 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building. Funds generated from the fund drive will continue the funding of publicly accessible art league demonstrations, workshops and art recognition of community members in and around southeast Arkansas, according to a news release. For more on Stephens, visit raswatercolors.com/ and facebook.com/richard.stephens.545. Art collectors wishing to add this piece to their collection may purchase $5 raffle tickets by making a check to the Pine Bluff Art League. Mail the check and contact information, name, address, email, and phone number to the Pine Bluff Art League, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave., Box 8, Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
Underway
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 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.