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. 17
JCCSI offers free back-to-school shots
Jefferson Comprehensive Care System Inc., 1101 Tennessee St., will host a free back-to-school immunization clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The first 50 students who get immunizations at the Pine Bluff clinic will receive a free backpack and school supplies, according to a news release. No appointment is necessary for this event. Students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. All are asked to bring shot records with them.
Yoga For Kids set
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The ARTx3 Campus hosts Yoga in the Loft on the third Saturday of the month in The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. from 1:30-3 p.m. The next session is Aug. 17, with the theme “Yoga for Kids.” “Young participants will immerse themselves in gentle stretches, mindful breathing, and soothing meditation techniques to cultivate balance, flexibility, and mental clarity,” according to the release. This event is for ages 6-18. It is part of the ARTx3 Campus Flex Pay program with a minimum cost of $5 ($15 is recommended). To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/yoga-aug-2024. For more information, contact Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 395-7059.
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. 17 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.
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.
Placemaking plan meeting Saturday
The community is invited to attend the Downtown Pine Bluff Innovation District Placemaking Plan meeting at 11 a.m. Saturday at The Generator, 435 S. Main St. Light refreshments will be served. The Center on Rural Innovation invites the public to the presentation of the plan developed with stakeholders across Pine Bluff and funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Placemaking Innovation Grant. “We work with communities to identify local assets, opportunities, gaps, and challenges that factor into building tech economy strategies that support their future efforts,” according to www.ruralinnovation.us. For details, visit the webiste.
Beginning Saturday, Aug. 17
Consolidated St. Marion session starts
Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, 3201 W. Second Ave., will host the 152nd annual session of the Consolidated St. Marion Baptist District Association Aug. 17-24. Class courses and registration are available at https://www.consolidatedstmarion.com. Onsite registration ends 30 minutes before each class.
Sunday, Aug. 18
Oldest Black church observes anniversary
Elm Grove Baptist Church, 3114 S. Mississippi St., is set to commemorate its 181st Anniversary/Homecoming at 10 a.m. on Sunday with the theme: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” from Psalms 11:3. In 1843, this church was founded on the Johnson Plantation in Richland Township, Noble Lake, and Cottondale area, becoming the first African American Baptist Church in Arkansas, according to Elm Grove’s pastor, the Rev. Jesse Turner.
Barraque Street church hosts anniversary
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will host its 139th anniversary at 11 a.m. Sunday. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Anthony Howard, a member of Mount Harmony Baptist Church. Music will be provided by the Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church Anniversary Choir. The theme is “A Church Pursuing Christian Fellowship Through Faith and Good Works”(Hebrews 10: 24-25.) The Rev. Sidney D. Milton Sr. is the pastor of Barraque Street church.
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.
Monday, Aug. 19
Caregivers Alzheimer’s supporters to meet
The Caregivers Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting will be held at the Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas, 709 E. Eighth Ave., from 11 a.m. to noon Aug. 19. The topic will be New Research and Medication Around Alzheimer’s Disease. The speaker will be Jill Thompson, program director at the Alzheimer’s Association Arkansas Chapter. To attend via Zoom, visit https://alzorg.zoom.us/j/95172839002? pwd=d2yZzL8VKAAa6VsrjsCM6xEewZqGXB.1 and use Meeting ID: 951 7283 9002 and Passcode: 430491 or One tap mobile for +13092053325,,95172839002#,,,,*430491# US. Details: Carolyn Ferguson, Area Agency on Aging, (870) 543-6300 or 800-264-3260.
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
Urban Renewal board to meet
The Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the URA Board Room, 417 W. Sixth Ave. Details: Director Chandra Griffin, (870) 209-0323.
Pine Bluff Quilter’s Guild to meet
The Pine Bluff Quilter’s Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 20 at First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel St. The Stitchin Post of Little Rock will present a demonstration on using the Accuquilt system, according to a news release. The quilter’s guild has an annual membership fee of $20. Anyone interested in learning the art of quilt making is welcome to come, visit and become a member, according to a club spokesman.
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/.
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.
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Articles should be submitted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, 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.
Reception set for Glimmer display
The ARTx3 Campus invites the public to a free opening reception for the exhibition “Glimmer” by Heidi Carlsen-Rogers from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. This exhibition is sponsored by the Kline Family Foundation. “Carlsen-Rodgers’s exhibition, a set of large-scale tapestries, provides a tranquil 24-hour simulated period of what it might feel like to walk through the garden at different times of day with background colors refencing dawn, daylight, high noon, dusk, and nocturne. The whole garden is meant to be a place of remembrance when stress or anxiety takes hold. The garden plants seeds of connection, healing/wellbeing, hope and a new relationship between community and Earth,” according to the release. This exhibition will remain on view through Jan. 10, 2025. Gallery viewing is free. For more information, contact Kevin Haynie at khaynie@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
GOP meeting set
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at Larry’s Pizza in White Hall, according to a news release.
Friday, Aug. 23
Young professionals’ skate night set
The Jefferson County Young Professionals’ Network Business After Hours will be a 90’s Skate Night. The event will be held from 7-10 p.m. Aug. 23 at Skateland, 3214 Old Warren Road. Entry is free. There will be a live DJ, food, and networking for ages 25 and older, according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Beginning Friday, Aug. 23
VBS begins at New Community
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will conduct Vacation Bible School and all are welcome to attend. At 6 p.m. Aug. 23, the annual youth night will be held. At 11 a.m. Aug. 24, the back-to-school NCC Fun Day will be held for youth and teens featuring Bible study and activities. Rod Goodwin is the youth pastor and Patrick Lockett is the senior pastor at New Community.
Saturday, Aug. 24
Pleasant Grove to open pantry
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church Soup kitchen and Food Pantry and First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry will host a food giveaway. The event will be held at Pleasant Grove church, 1801 Indiana St., Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or while supplies last. “Let’s feed those who are in need,” according to the flier.
Game on Main set
Youth are invited to Game on Main from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 24, at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. This free, drop-in event is for students in fifth through 12th grades. The ARTx3 Campus will host a “Super Smash Brothers: Ultimate” tourney during Game on Main. Participants are invited to test their hand-eye coordination. “Teens can engage in exciting games, tackle homework, and explore the fascinating world of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). From epic gaming sessions to hands-on experiences with 3D printing, this monthly workshop offers a unique fusion of entertainment and education,” according to the release.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 26
Walk Across Arkansas set
Registration begins Aug. 26 for the Cooperative Extension Service’s biannual health initiative, Walk Across Arkansas. Arkansans are encouraged to form teams in their workplaces, neighborhoods or other communities and join the effort, according to a news release. During the eight-week session, individuals will log their daily total number of minutes of physical activity — which isn’t limited to walking. Running, gardening, playing or coaching a team sport — it all counts. The registration window for the fall session is Aug. 26-Sept. 8. The eight-week session begins Sept. 9 and will conclude Nov. 3. To register, visit https://walk.uada.edu/walk/.
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. 12
Wreath Making Class set
The Horticulture Department of the Jefferson County Extension Service will present a Fall Wreath Making Class as a part of its Community Engagement and Beautification How to Workshop Series. The class will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the extension service, 500 Idaho St. The cost is $20 per person. All supplies will be provided. The class will be presented by County Agent Timothy Wallace of the Jefferson County Extension Service, a part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. To sign up for the class, contact the extension office at (870) 534-1033.
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.
Friday, Oct. 11
Gala to feature national NAACP leader
The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP will present the NAACP National President and CEO Derrick Johnson as the keynote speaker during the NAACP’s annual Dove Freedom Fund Dinner. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, according to a news release. “We are honored to welcome President Johnson to Pine Bluff,” said Ivan Whitfield, president of the Pine Bluff NAACP Branch. “His presence not only celebrates our branch’s on-going work, but also pays homage to the legacy of leaders like Harold Flowers and Wiley Branton Sr., whose efforts paved the way for national civil rights advancements.” The Dove Freedom Fund Dinner serves as a major fundraiser for the Pine Bluff NAACP Branch, supporting its on-going civil rights advocacy, community outreach, and youth programs. For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities to the Dove Freedom Fund Dinner, contact Michael McCray at (870) 543-0024 or mccray.michael@gmail.com.
Saturday, Oct. 19
White Hall hosts Founder’s Day
White Hall is preparing to host the 60th anniversary of White Hall Founder’s Day on Oct. 19. Entertainment will include Marybeth Byrd (The Voice/America’s Got Talent contestant) and The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band, according to https://www.facebook.com/whitehallar/ The community is invited to participate. “It’s a work in progress, but go to https://whitehallfoundersday.com/ and register to have a booth, food truck, be in the parade or all the above. Also, the talent page will be up and running soon. Thank you for your patience,” according to the Facebook post. Participants may also register a car for this year’s Classics in the Park Car Show at Founders Day Oct. 19. To register for the car show, call Jeff Insley at (870) 718-2316. “Also if you want to drive your car in the parade be sure to let Jeff know,” according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC/
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.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Fish fry to honor agribusinesses
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a fish fry to honor Jefferson County agribusinesses.
The event will be held Oct. 24 at Hestand Stadium. The gates open at 5 p.m. The fish fry, catered by King Kat, is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members, according to the Chamber newsletter. Details: Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
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.