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@pbcommercial.com to make additions or changes.
Monday, Feb. 5
Election panel to meet
The Jefferson County Board of Election Commissioners will hold a called meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at the election commission office, 123 S Main St,m according to Chairman Michael Adam. The agenda includes public comments (two minutes per speaker) regarding new business including appointing election officials for the March 5 Primary, School, and Non Partisan Elections. Old business includes election commission funds status and plumbing issues at the election office status, according to a news release.
Urban Renewal Agency board to meet
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency will hold a special called board meeting at noon Monday at the Urban Renewal office, 417 W. Sixth Ave., according to a news release. Those who want to attend virtually may join by Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83474371082?pwd=rmacqiSECkdGrP2AY6pDLkWqExIVd8.1 with Meeting ID: 834 7437 1082 and Passcode: 447268 or use One tap mobile at +16469313860,,83474371082#,,,,*447268# US. Details: Urban Renewal Agency, director, (870) 209-0323.
Underway
Election-related dates set
In preparation for the Primary Election on March 5, the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office announced election-related dates. Feb. 5-This is the last day to register to vote for the preferential primary and school election. Feb. 14- Sample ballots will be available on the Voter View website with the Secretary of State’s Office. Feb. 20-Early voting starts for the Primary Election. Early voting is set from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (including Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Feb. 27-This is the deadline to submit absentee applications. March 4-Last day of early voting is from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 5-Primary election day; voting is held at polling sites from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30p.m. March 5-This is the last day to submit absentee ballots by 7:30 p.m. March 26-April 1-Early voting starts (if needed, for a primary runoff.) April 2-Primary runoff election (if needed.) Feb. 1-May 1 – Independent candidates (for the November General Election) can circulate petitions. Petitions must be filed by noon May 1. Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, (870) 541-2125.
Through Monday, Feb. 5
Artist fellowships available
The Individual Artist Fellowship program, which awards up to 18 creatives $5,000 each, will accept applications until Feb. 5. These grants are made directly to individual creatives who live and work in Arkansas. This grant is for already finished, not proposed projects, according to a news release. The grant program is awarded to three creatives in six rotating categories annually. Categories this year are: docu-genre; multi-sensory art; contemporary craft in ceramics and/or glass; novel or memoir writing; community engagement; and high fashion or costume. Applications are available at https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-art-council/aac-programs/individual-artist-fellowship. The grant, through the Arkansas Arts Council, is made possible in partnership with Arkansas Heritage and the Windgate Foundation.
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Sissy’s sets Business After Hours
Sissy’s Log Cabin, 2319 S. Camden Road, will host Business After Hours at 5 p.m. Feb. 6. The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present the event, according to the Chamber newsletter.
Chamber to host Graphyte event
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce rescheduled its Lunch & Learn event for noon Feb. 6 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center. The event will feature officials with Graphyte, a company that’s developing a new technology called Carbon Casting, which claims to permanently remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Graphyte is starting its first project in Pine Bluff, according to the Chamber newsletter. To RSVP for the Learn & Lunch, email vera@jeffersoncountyalliance or call (870) 535-0110.
Soybean association to meet in Stuttgart
The Arkansas Soybean Association will hold its annual Business Session and Seminar on Feb. 6 at the Grand Prairie Center in Stuttgart. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. The program starts at 9 a.m. and will conclude with lunch. All are invited to attend. Continuing education unit (CEU) credits will be available. Details: (501) 666-1418 or swsoy@aristotle.net.
Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 6
Ivy Center announces events
Ivy Center for Education announces upcoming events, according to a news release. On Feb. 6 — The Future Medical Professionals “Club Scrub” Workshop, “Job Opportunities as Medical Lab Technicians,” will be held from 6-7 p.m. at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. The presenter will be Jeff Turner, laboratory director. Seventh-12th graders and parents are encouraged to attend. Registration will be held from 5:45-6 p.m. On Feb. 8 — An ACT Boot Camp will be held via Zoom only from 6-8 p.m. using Zoom ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. The facilitators will be Charity Smith-Allen and Team from Fetterman and Associates. Seventh through 12th graders and parents are encouraged to attend. On Feb. 13 — The Ivy Center will host a Future Aviation Engineers Workshop from 6-7 p.m. at the Generator, 435 S. Main St. The workshop topic is: “Data Science, AI and Rockets.” The presenters will be Sederick Rice, associate professor of biology at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Karl Walker, graduate coordinator of Computer Science & Technology at UAPB. For 7th-12th graders and parents who can’t attend the live events, they may attend virtually using Zoom ID: 856 8296 4187; Passcode: 351061. For details, email Ivy Center President Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com or follow the center on social media or its website ivycenterforeducation.com.
Wednesday, Feb. 7
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 or shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, Feb. 8
SEARK turning on solar array
Southeast Arkansas College and Bernhard, an engineering and contracting firm, announced a collaborative “Flip the Switch” event will be held from 4-4:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at SEARK’s Welcome Center, at 1900 Hazel St. The highlight of the event will be the ceremonial activation of SEARK’s new solar array, a key component of the college’s energy plan. The community is invited to attend.
Neighbor to Neighbor sets soup fundraiser
Neighbor to Neighbor invites the community to its SOUP-ER BOWL fundraiser. “Come join us for our annual soup sale fundraiser on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1419 S. Pine St.,” a spokesman said. Participants can take home soups from their favorite restaurants and home chefs to enjoy on Super Bowl Sunday. Soups are $10 per quart, and specialty seafood, chowders, and gumbos are $15. “Line up early for your favorites because as everyone knows, it’s first come, first served,” the spokesman said. All proceeds go toward the operation of Neighbor to Neighbor in its fight against hunger.
Post Prison Transfer Board to meet
The Arkansas Post Prison Transfer Board, formerly the parole board, will hold its regular monthly board meetings at 9 a.m. Feb. 8 and Feb. 22 in the Richard Lee Richardson Auditorium in North Little Rock. The full calendar of hearings and meetings can be found on the board’s website under Meeting Information and Hearings & Board Schedule, according to a news release. Details: https://portal.arkansas.gov/state_agencies/department-of-corrections-1/the-parole-board/
Friday, Feb. 9
SEARK plans ribbon cutting
Southeast Arkansas College will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Reef Student Housing complex, 6811 S. Hazel St., at 11 a.m. Feb. 9. A reception will follow the ceremony. “Join us as we reveal the SEARK College’s student housing construction and renovation project,” according to a flyer. Details: Barbara Dunn at bdunn@seark.edu or www.searksharks.com.
Alphas host Valentine’s fundraing gala
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, will celebrate its annual All Black Fair, the Valentine’s Scholarship Fundraiser, at 7:06 p.m. Feb. 9, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Tickets are $40 per person. Tables are $400 each. Three individuals will be honored as Jewels of the Community and scholarships will be awarded. The Jewels of the Community are Lee Jewel Randle, a local businessman; Barbara Dunn, director development at Southeast Arkansas College; and Marshall Kelly, owner of Brown Funeral Home. The gala also has sponsorship opportunities available at the following levels: Jewel Sponsor – $4,999 and above; Yellow Rose Sponsor – $2,500 to $4,998; Old Gold Sponsor – $1,000 to $2,499; and Black Level Sponsor – $400 to $999. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation and mailed by Feb. 1 to Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, P.O. Box 3159, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Details: Arzo Knox at (501) 351-7336 or arzo.knox@hotmail.com.
Saturday, Feb. 10
Raven’s Nest pantry to open
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open Feb. 10 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be given away on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture site, according to a news release.
ASC FunDay hosts Faux Stained Glass
Patrons can make unique artwork during Second Saturday Family FunDay: Faux Stained Glass, from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Visitors will create a beautiful piece using plastic, aluminum, and cardboard to create a stained glass color effect. This event is free and open to the public. For details, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
WH police plan ball
The White Hall Police Officer’s Association will present Hollywood Nights, the 2024 Policemen’s Ball. The gala will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at the White Hall Community Center. The event will be catered by Fowl Smokin’ Swine and the entertainment will be provided by Aces Wild Band, according to the flier on the White Hall Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page. For details, tickets or to reserve a table, call (870) 247-1414.
Sunday, Feb. 11
Barraque Street honors pastor
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will celebrate the fourth anniversary of the pastor, the Rev. Sidney D. Milton Sr., at 11 a.m. Feb. 11. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Tegitra Thomas, pastor of First Missionary Church of Monroe, La. Music will be provided by the Barraque Street Church choir.
Pizza and Prayer set
Prayer and Pizza for children will be held from 2-3 p.m. Feb. 11 at New Community Church. The speaker will be Anita Robinson, intervention coordinator with Ambassadors for Christ Youth Ministries. Organizers will serve pizza, sponsored by area businesses, and intercessors will pray and encourage the youth. These monthly sessions will continue at various churches. “Please join the movement through prayer for our children,” said Dee Clay, the coordinator. The event is free and open to the general public. Pastors and youth leaders are urged to participate.
Monday, Feb. 12
PB school board to meet
Pine Bluff School Board will hold a special called board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 in the boardroom of the Jordan-Chanay building, 1215 W. Pullen St., according to a news release.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
TOPPS to give away food
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will hold its monthly food distribution at 10 a.m. Feb. 13. Only one box per household will be issued until all boxes are given away. Participants must be present and show proof of address to receive a food box, according to a news release. Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service (TOPPS) is a non-profit community-based organization. Details: TOPPS, (870) 850-6011. Annette Dove is the founder and director.
Through Tuesday, Feb. 13
ARDOT needs input on rail plan
The Arkansas Department of Transportation seeks public input on the development of a state rail plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide a guide for future investments in freight and passenger rail infrastructure and services in Arkansas and to position the state for competitive railroad funding opportunities. While ARDOT does not finance, own, operate, or maintain any rail infrastructure or services, the Highways and Transportation Act of 1977 requires ARDOT to develop a state rail plan, according to a news release. The public is invited to review an online presentation regarding freight and passenger rail in Arkansas and to complete a survey. The survey will be available Sunday through Feb. 13. The online presentation is available at this link starting Sunday https://ardot-public-notice-state-rail-plan-ardot.hub.arcgis.com/ Details: ARDOT Planning Division, (501) 569-2201 or planning@ardot.gov.
Thursday, Feb. 15
Women’s Connection sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Mary Alice Estes of Bella Vista. Her topic will be “The Path of Faith and Trust.” A presentation will also be made by Laura Golden of Carpe Diem fashions of White Hall, according to a news release. The luncheon cost is $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 that aren’t kept.
Retired teachers group to meet
The Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association will meet at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 15 in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The guest speaker will be Brian Rodgers, adult education specialist at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock. Member reservations are required for the luncheon to be provided by Rice First Class Catering at $12 per person. Details: (870) 543-0127.
ASC sets farewell reception for director
The public is invited to a reception honoring Rachel Miller, executive director of the Arts & Science Center and the ARTx3 Campus. The reception is 5-7 p.m. Feb. 15 at ASC, 701 S. Main St. The evening will feature light hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Miller, who has led ASC since 2014, has accepted the position of executive director of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History in California. The event is also an opportunity for the public to visit with Lindsey Collins, ARTx3’s interim director and theater programs manager.
Ring-Making Workshop set
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host a beginner-friendly ring-making workshop from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 15 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Jeweler Mary Pat Tate will teach the craftsmanship of herringbone weave. In this two-hour class, students create two rings to take home and gain the skills to make the Herringbone weave pattern and glass beads. The cost is $20 for ARTx3 members and $25 for nonmembers. Participants must be 16 years or older. To register, visit artx3.org/classes or call (870) 536-3375. Fordetails, contact Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org.
Divine 9 slates candidate forums
The Divine 9 (Greek letter organizations and local agencies) and community partners will host candidate forums Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Court of Appeals Judge Waymond Brown will the moderator, according to a news release. At 6 p.m., invited candidates for the March 5 election include State Rep. District 65, State District Court Judge Division 2, Justice of the Peace and City Council candidates. At 7 p.m., invited participants include candidates for Pine Bluff Mayor, Pine Bluff City Clerk, and Pine Bluff Treasurer. Details: Commeka Goodloe, (870) 267-3476, or James Word, (870) 329-4738.
Friday, Feb. 16
Golden Hour: ‘Couples Cooking’ set
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host a free cooking workshop, Golden Hour: Couples Cooking from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 16. This culinary experience, led by Khaadimah Rahmaan, offers an opportunity for ages 50 and older. Couples are invited to spend time together to learn delicious signature treats from Rahmaan. For more information or to register for the workshop, visit artx3.org/classes or contact Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org.
Saturday, Feb. 17
Yoga in the Loft: Couples Yoga set
People may exercise and relax with certified yoga instructor FloEssence from 1:30-3 p.m. Feb. 17 at Yoga in the Loft. FloEssence will lead participants through an hour of yoga, followed by a guided meditation. New and experienced practitioners are welcome. Participants must be 13 years old or older. Participants are encouraged to bring their partners or close friends to learn collaborative yoga poses during Couples Yoga. Yoga takes place in the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St., every third Saturday of the month. Advanced registration and payment are required. Sign up at artx3.org/classes or call (870) 536-3375. This class is part of ASC’s Flex Pay program, with $15 the recommended price.
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 17
‘Matilda’ prep workshop, auditions set
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host an audition prep workshop for the production “Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17. Participants must be 18 or younger and register for this event separately from the auditions. Participation in this workshop is not a requirement to audition but it is highly encouraged. Auditions are from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 23, and 2:30-7 p.m. Feb. 25. Auditions are open to ages 8 and older. The workshop and auditions will take place in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. July 19-20 and July 26-27, and 2 p.m. July 21 and July 28, in the Bellamy Theater. Cast members must be available for all performances. Register for an audition slot or the workshop at artx3.org/auditions. For questions, contact Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or (870)-536-3375.
Sunday, Feb. 18
Union Hopewell honors pastor, wife
Union Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 1121 S. Persimmon St., will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the pastor and wife, the Rev. Antonio Gayden Sr. and Loretta Gayden, at 2 p.m. Feb. 18. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Clifton A. Conley, pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church at Little Rock.
Thursday, Feb. 22
GOP meeting to host Thurston
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 22 at Larry’s Pizza in White Hall. The guest speaker will be Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston, candidate for state treasurer, according to a news release.
Women Empowering Women set
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will host Women Empowering Women: Building Black Businesses from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S Main St. The workshop is free and open to everyone. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 22. Participants can learn how to start a business the right way, according to a news release. Topics include Business Start-up/Preplanning and Women-owned Businesses. Panelists will be Adriene F. Brown of the U.S. Small Business Administration Arkansas District; Katie Branch, Chick-fil-a of Pine Bluff; and LaTisha Brunson, Pine Bluff City Council member. Details: Bri Clark (501) 804-5421 or 800-862-2040 or https://asbtdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/70372050.
Friday, Feb. 23
Reception set for ‘Dialogues with Mother Earth’
The ARTx3 Campus will host an opening reception for “Dialogues with Mother Earth: Drawing to Save the Planet,” an exhibition by artist Erica Daborn, from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 23. This exhibition will be in the William H. Kennedy Jr. and International Paper galleries at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The exhibition will be on view through Aug 16. For more information, visit artx3.org/exhibitions.
Delta Upcycle Challenge deadline set
The Delta Upcycle Challenge is a new regional initiative by the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (part of the ARTx3 Campus) to bring awareness to the impact that humans have on the environment, tactics to minimize that impact, and share through artistic expression how communities can collaborate to create a beautiful tomorrow. The D.U.C. Project has two competitions: The upcycled mini-sculpture contest for high school students and the upcycled fashion show for students enrolled in a college, university, or trade school. The top 20 entries in both competitions will be showcased, judged, and awarded in person at the ARTx3 Campus on April 13. The deadline to register is 5 p.m. Feb. 23. The submission deadline is 5 p.m. March 29. Learn more and register at artx3.org/delta-upcycle-challenge. For details, contact J. Tyler Lewis at jtlewis@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Saturday, Feb. 24
Jefferson Foundation sets gala
Jefferson Regional Foundation will host the Winter Wonderland Ball 2024 at the White Hall Community Center on Feb. 24. The cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. followed by entertainment, according to a news release. Details: Laura Beth Shaner, (870) 541-7210.
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 24
In Stitches: Beginners Sewing set
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (part of the ARTx3 Campus) will host “In Stitches,” a five-week beginners sewing class with Lorraine Hatcher from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 24, March 2, 9, 16, and 23. Participants will learn a new project each week. The class fee includes a new sewing machine and supplies. The cost is $300 for members and $350 for nonmembers. Participants must be 12 years or older. To register, visit artx3.org/classes or call (870) 536-3375. For details, contact Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org.
Sunday, Feb. 25
Kingdom Builders set at New Community
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will host its Kingdom Builders program at 6 p.m. Feb. 25. The featured speaker will be Karen Wine, a member of New Community. Everyone is invited to attend. The program director is Samuel Gibson, a deacon at New Community. The pastor/apostle is Patrick Lockett Sr.
Through Tuesday, Feb. 27
Absentee ballot forms available
In preparation for the March 5 Primary Election, the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office has absentee ballot applications available to the public weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voters may also visit the website at http://www.jeffersoncountyar.gov/elections-voter-registration to download an application. The completed form can be hand delivered or mailed to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, 101 W. Barraque St., Ste. 101, Pine Bluff, AR., 71601, or faxed or emailed to the office. All voters who want an absentee ballot must contact the county clerk’s office. Feb. 27 is the deadline to submit absentee applications to the clerk’s office. Election day, March 5, is the last day to submit absentee ballots by 7:30 p.m. Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, (870) 541-2125.
Through Friday, March 1
AKA scholarships available
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Omega Omega Chapter, in collaboration with First Sisters Outreach Inc., is accepting scholarship applications to be awarded to deserving young women planning to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff during the 2024-2025 school year. Interested high school senior females should carefully review the 2024 scholarship guidelines to ensure eligibility. The 2024 online scholarship application is available at https://www.akadeltaomegaomega.com/scholarship.html. The deadline for submission is March 1, according to a news release.
USDA/1890 scholars deadline set
The application deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/1890 National Scholars Program is March 1, said Belinda Demmings, USDA liaison for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The program awards scholarships to students attending one of 19 historically black land-grant universities. High school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply, according to a news release. USDA/1890 National Scholars receive full tuition towards a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must apply using the e-application form at this web address: https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/1890NationalScholars.
Through Saturday, March 2
Zeta Phi Beta offers scholarship
The deadline is March 2 to apply for the scholarships offered by the Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. The sorority will provide a $1,000 scholarship to a young woman enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a $500 scholarship to a young woman enrolled at Southeast Arkansas College. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average. The application, an official transcript, and letters of recommendation on the letter writer’s official letterhead may be emailed to epilonzz.pb@gmail.com and/or mailed to P.O. Box 1161, Pine Bluff, AR, 71613 by March 2. Details: Mary Liddell at marylddll@yahoo.com or (870) 643-2383.
Through Friday, March 8
Nominations open for Women’s Hall of Fame
The Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for the 2024 Induction Class. The AWHOF was created to honor women whose contributions have influenced the direction of Arkansas in their community or the state. Nominations must be submitted by March 8. Criteria and nomination forms can be found on the website at www.ARWomensHallofFame.com.
Thurgood Marshall scholarship open
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund has opened the first wave of its 2024-2025 scholarship cycle, according to a news release from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Webinars and virtual office hours started Jan. 23 and the application process closes on March 8. The TMCF Scholarships Team will also host a webinar series Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m. The webinars are designed to assist students in putting their best brand forward when completing the TMCF Scholarship Application. Registration is required. For details, visit tmcg.org. Current undergraduate and graduate students may visit the scholarship portal to apply at https://tmcf.awardspring.com/
Tuesday, March 13
City announces healthcare career fair
A healthcare career fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 13 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Economic and Community Development Department of the city of Pine Bluff are hosting the event. There’s no registration fee to attend the event. Healthcare employers and training providers may register by contacting Cynthia Anderson at canderson@cityofpinebluffar.gov.
Friday, March 15
UAPB plans Rural Life Conference
The 65th annual Rural Life Conference will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 15 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences is sponsoring the conference. The event will feature more than 20 workshops and more than 70 exhibits, posters, and vendor booths. A poster session highlights research projects and exhibits by governmental and community agencies. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, according to a news release. Some workshops will also be available via Zoom. Registration is free to producers, students, veterans, homemakers and retirees and for details, contact Cassandra Byrd, (870) 575-8123, or byrdc@uapb.edu. For professionals and agency personnel, registration rates are available by contacting Karen Lee at (870) 575-7225 or leek@uapb.edu. Also, a pre-conference film screening will be held at 4:45 p.m. March 14 at the S.J. Parker 1890 Extension Complex at UAPB. The film, Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land documents the causes, effects and solutions to the dwindling ownership of farmland by black, according to the release.
Through Friday, March 15
Community foundation offers scholarships
Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation will accept scholarship applications from Pine Bluff and Jefferson County students Feb. 1 through March 15. These scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. For the full list of scholarships, to begin the application process or for details, visit www.arcf.org/scholarships or contact Lawrence Fikes at 9pinebluffarea@arcf.org, or (870) 850-7934.
Through Friday, March 22
LIHEAP applications available
The Winter 2024 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding is available to help households with their home energy costs. The Central Delta Community Action Agency began accepting applications Jan. 8. The Jefferson County office is located at 511 Commerce Road, Suite 3, in Pine Bluff. No short forms were mailed out this season, and all applicants will be required to complete a long form and submit all required documents, according to a news release. These documents include copies of driver’s licenses and Social Security cards for all household members over the age of 18, proof of income for all household members over the age of 18, and copies of all utility bills. The program will be open for regular applications through March 22. Crisis applications will continue to be accepted beyond that until the program closes for the season. To apply, people may visit a Central Delta Community Action Agency office in Arkansas, Cleveland, Grant, Jefferson, and Lincoln counties or apply by email to liheap@cdcaa.org. Details: (870) 536-0046.
Sunday, March 31
Grant applications open for educators
Arkansas public-school personnel are encouraged to apply for the 2024 Arkansas Retired Teachers Association (ARTA) Grants Program. Applications must be submitted online and the deadline is March 31, according to a news release. The program funds grants in two categories. The Parsons-Burnett Grant is awarded to certified personnel to help further their education. The Mitchell-Fair Grant is awarded to classified personnel for the purpose of obtaining an Arkansas teaching license. Details: www.artanow.com.
Through Saturday, April 6
Unified scholarships available
Unified Christian Alliance Inc. is accepting applications for its 2024-2025 Academic Scholarship Program for high school seniors planning to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The deadline for submission is April 6. Scholarships will be granted based on submitted short essays, and applicants should meet UAPB grade point requirements, according to a news release. Interested students may obtain application forms and guidelines from their counselors’ offices or visit the link at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyMCN8ddqsTSx0f2IyVfCYL__98C_HtOJLBSdm6jlU0sB4lA/viewform. Applications and essays may also be mailed to Unified Christian Alliance Inc., 1709 E. Eighth Ave., Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601. Inquiries or email submissions can be directed to Jennifer Lee, Unified Christian Alliance president, at jenniferlee1321@sbcglobal or call (870) 692-0257 or Deborah Thomas, committee member, at akadooscholar@gmail.com.
Sunday, April 7
Chamber sets eclipse crawfish boil
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold a “Shells & Shadows” Solar Crawfish Boil before the historic solar eclipse that will leave many parts of Arkansas in complete darkness. The crawfish boil will be held from 3-6 p.m. April 7 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas/ARTx3, 701 S. Main St., in the alleyway and parking lot. Tickets are $50 per person. “While Pine Bluff will not be in complete darkness, we will be close at 98% totality, and we anticipate and influx of visitors to lodge and dine in our city,” according to the Chamber newsletter. There will be crawfish, music and beverages. For tickets or details, call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110 or email Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
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.