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.
Underway
Election filing, deadlines
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office issued an announcement on the dates and deadlines regarding the Nov. 5 General Election. Candidates who would qualify for the November General Election Ballot are filing as independent municipal or school board candidates, according to a news release. Only those who are seeking city or school board positions should file during the July 31-Aug. 7 filing period. (Municipal positions include Mayor, City Treasurer/Recorder, and City Council Member.) OCT. 21 — Early Voting held at the county courthouse 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.
Sunday, Aug. 4
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Moscow church observes anniversary
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church at Moscow will celebrate its 137th Anniversary at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 4. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Lee Whitiker, pastor of Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church, accompanied by his congregation. The Rev. Stanley R. Blair Sr. is pastor of New Hope.
Union Hopewell honors ushers
Union Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 1121 Persimmon St., will observe its annual Ushers’ program at 3 p.m. Aug. 4. The theme is “Be Battle Dressed for Service” (Ephesians 6:11.) The guest speaker will be the Rev. Willie Laws of Union Missionary Baptist Church at Altheimer. The Rev. Antonio Gayden Sr. is the pastor of Union Hopewell.
Monday, Aug. 5
EASI makes 3rd Ward donation
Josh Bishop, CEO of Emergency Ambulance Service Inc., recently donated $2,500 to support the restoration efforts at 3rd Ward Community Park, 2201 S. Arlington Ave. The city of Pine Bluff invites the community to attend a check presentation at 10 a.m. Monday at EASI, 514 W. Fifth Ave., to celebration the donation, according to a news release. Details: City Council Member Lanette R. Frazier, (870) 575-3619.
Through Monday, Aug. 5
Leadership Arkansas applications open
Leadership Arkansas Class XIX applications are now open through Aug. 5. Leadership Arkansas is a nine-month program that develops emerging and established business, civic, and community leaders who have the desire and potential to create a better Arkansas, according to a news release from the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas. For more information or to apply visit https://www.arkansasstatechamber.com/leadership-arkansas/application-requirements/ Details: Toni Lindsey at tlindsey@arkansasstatechamber.com.
Tuesday, Aug. 6
Police to present National Night Out
The Pine Bluff Police Department will present the National Night Out from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Everyone is invited to attend the free police-community partnership event, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. “Described as ‘America’s night out against crime,’ this annual family friendly function will include hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, Bingo for adults, games for children, bounce houses, Police K-9, firemen, smoke houses as well as vehicles and equipment,” according to the release. Details: The PBPD public relations, (870) 730-2086.
DAV sets virtual career fair
The Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the Transitioning Army & Spouse Virtual Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 6. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active-duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve. More than 30 employers will be on site representing a range of industries, from construction to medical to administrative and logistics, with career opportunities from entry level to senior management. Also, participants can utilize career counseling and resume assistance, network with fellow veterans and military personnel, and get support with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and claims assistance — all free. To register for the Transitioning Army & Spouse Virtual Career Fair and access additional free resources, go to jobs.dav.org.
Wednesday, Aug. 7
Manufacturing council sets job fair
The Jefferson County Manufacturing Council will host “Manufacturing Made Easy Career Fair” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 7 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Admission is free for job seekers, according to the newsletter of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. Participating companies include Central Moloney Inc., Express Employment Professionals, Kiswire Pine Bluff, Mondi Bags, Pactiv Evergreen, and U.S. Steel Wheeling Machine Products. Details: Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, (870) 535-0110.
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. 8
Civic auditorium panel to meet
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission will meet in person at 11 a.m. Aug. 8. Participants should call (870) 536-7600 requesting to join the conference call or email receptionist@pinebluff.com, if they are interested in being part of the conference call. Details to join the call will then be emailed to them, according to a news release.
Central Park neighbors to meet
The Central Park/Shady Grove Community Watch Group will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 8 at Family Church, 2309 S. Poplar St. Residents are urged to make plans to attend, according to a news release. Joyce C. Brown is president.
Through Thursday, Aug. 8
Educators’ event, School Supply Drive set
The ARTx3 Campus have an open house for educators and hold a collection for school supplies. The program will showcase for educators its array of educational resources from 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 8 at the three facilities: the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., The ARTSpace on Main and ART WORKS on Main, at 623 and 627 S. Main St. Educators are invited to attend the open house at the sites before scheduling a tour with their students. The campus is hosting a School Supply Drive. The community is invited to make donations through Aug. 8 at the Arts & Science Center, Novel T’s, 1616 S. Linden St.; Anderson/Flo Taekwondo Studio, 4216 W. 28th Ave.; and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Information Center, 1020 University Drive. Materials will be distributed to children at ARTx3 Campus’ Second Saturday Family FunDay from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 10. Any remaining items from the drive will be donated to local schools. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Beginning Thursday, Aug. 8
Parole board to meet
The Arkansas Post-Prison Transfer Board will meet at 9 a.m. Aug. 8 and Aug. 22 in the Richard Lee Richardson Auditorium, at 1302 Pike Ave., in North Little Rock, according to a news release. Details: https://portal.arkansas.gov/state_agencies/department-of-corrections-1/the-parole-board/
Friday, Aug. 9
Mental health first aid classes available
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield opened registration for its 2024 mental health first aid certification courses, offered free to participants. Classes will be held from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the ArkansasBlue Welcome Centers. In Pine Bluff, the session will be Aug. 9 at 509 Mallard Loop. In the MHFA certification program, participants learn how to recognize someone in their workplace, family or community who might be experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction or other behavioral health challenge. Participants also learn how to initiate a conversation and direct the person to care if needed. For details or free online registration, visit arkansasbluecross.com/firstaid.
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
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
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.
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
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.
Tuesday, Aug. 20
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.
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.
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.