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.
Friday, Jan. 19
Schools closed
Area schools announced their closing plans. Watson Chapel School District will be closed today due to secondary roads being hazardous for travel. Pine Bluff School District said in efforts to keep students and school family safe, PBSD will be closed today due to hazardous road conditions. The White Hall School District will be closed today. There have been improvements in many areas, however, a significant number of roads on the White Hall bus routes remain covered in ice and snow, the district said.
UAM closed
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Due to hazardous road conditions and icy surfaces on campus, the University of Arkansas at Monticello will hold virtual learning and business operations today. All campuses and offices will be closed. Critical personnel should report for duty. Notices concerning the operation of each of UAM’s campuses can be obtained on the UAM website, local TV stations, local radio and through UAMAlert.
Garbage pickups delayed
The effects of the winter weather event have caused Waste Management to pause residential services in Jefferson County this week, according to a news release. The company will collect all the bagged trash that is set out next to residential carts during next week’s collection.
Beginning Friday, Jan. 19
Auditions open for ‘Puffs’
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host auditions for the production “Puffs” from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 19 and 2-5 p.m. Jan. 21, in the Adam B. Robinson Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. Auditions are open to ages 17 and older. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. April 26-27, and 2 p.m. April 28, in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater. Cast members must be available for all performances. The play depicts the events of a boy wizard, but it’s not associated with Harry Potter, according to a news release. To register for an audition slot, complete the form at bit.ly/artx3-puffs-auditions. For questions, contact Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or 536-3375.
Saturday, Jan. 20
House of Bread offers free food
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will hand out its monthly food boxes Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until all boxes are gone. Since this is a New Year, all clients must be recertified to meet the food bank guidelines. New intake forms for 2024 must be filled out on all clients. Proof of address must be at least a driver’s license or utility bills and the proof must match the information. This intake form is only good for 2024, according to a news release. Details: House of Deliverance pastor/apostle, Saint Mary Harris, (870) 872-2196.
NAACP extends ACT-SO deadline
The Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technology and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) Program has extended its deadline for accepting competition applications to Jan. 20, according to a news release. The ACT-SO Program is part of the Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP. It is an academic Olympics program designed to support the academic achievements of African-American high school students. For applications visit https://files.constantcontact.com/585454b8001/6760b297-e94b-41ed-a416-d00943196add.pdf?rdr=true. Completed forms should be emailed to mizmaryann@gmail.com or in submitted in person at Indigo Blue Coffeehouse, 212 W. Barraque St. in Pine Bluff. Details: Chairman Maryann Lee, (870) 718-5330.
Yoga in the Loft set
People can exercise and relax with certified yoga instructor FloEssence from 1:30-3 p.m. Jan. 20 at Yoga in the Loft, a program of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. FloEssence will lead participants through an hour of yoga, followed by a guided meditation. New and experienced practitioners are welcome. The event is for ages 13 and older. The theme for January’s class is “New Year, New Me.” The event is held at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St., every third Saturday of the month. Advanced registration and payment are required at asc701.org/class/yoga-in-the-loft-january-2024 or by calling 536-3375. This class is part of ASC’s Flex Pay program, with $15 the recommended price. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org.
Watershed project meeting set
The Arkansas Black Mayors Association (ABMA) will host a Watershed Improvement Project Scoping Meeting at 10 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The project, which concerns flooding, impacts area communities, according to a news release. The meeting will include presentations at 10 a.m. including discussing the project, planning processes and the current status. Public comments are encouraged. This is an open house format where the public can view maps and learn more about the watershed project and share feedback. Details: ABMAWatershedProject.com.
Beginnng Saturday, Jan. 20
Kingfest cancelled
The 40th annual Original KingFest MLK Day of Service, the MLK Parade/Marade, and the MLK Commemorative Church Service have been cancelled indefinitely, according to a news release from the Kingfest executive committee. The events, which honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., had been set for Saturday and Sunday. Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc. is the sponsor.
ASC hosts Painting in a Digital World
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will present “Painting in a Digital World,” with instructor Matthew J. Howard from 10 a.m.to noon Jan. 20 and Jan. 27. Participants can learn the basics of the Painters Essential 8 software with the use of a drawing tablet and stylus, provided by The ARTSpace on Main. For ages 14 and older. The cost (including all supplies) is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Register at asc701.org/class/digital-painting or call 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org.
Underway
Grants available 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.
Monday, Jan. 22
City Wide Mission to meet
Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, 3201 W. Second Ave., will host the City Wide Mission meeting at 1 p.m. Jan. 22. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Renice Davis, pastor of Bethany Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Pine Bluff.
PB school board meets
The Pine Bluff School Board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22 in the boardroom in the Jordan-Chanay building, 1215 W. Pullen St. Superintendent Jennifer Barbaree will give the annual report to the public and facilities update, according to a news release. Details: (870) 543-4203.
Beginning Monday, Jan. 22
Local crop insurance workshops set
Upcoming workshops in Pine Bluff and Forrest City, Arkansas will give small and underserved farmers the opportunity to learn about crop insurance programs, said Henry English, director of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Small Farm Program. The workshops are part of a series of Cooperative Extension Service workshops addressing federal crop insurance. The Pine Bluff workshop will be held on Jan. 22 at the S.J. Parker 1890 Extension Complex auditorium, 2300 L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive at UAPB. The Forrest City workshop will be held on Jan. 30 at the East Arkansas Enterprise Community conference center. The workshops will get underway at 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. The workshops are free and lunch will be provided. To participate, register online at www.uaex.uada.edu. To have the registration form emailed to you, contact Karen Lee at leek@uapb.edu or (870) 575-7225.
Wednesday, Jan. 24
Emergency group to meet
A meeting of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 24 in the training room at the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management at the courthouse, according to a news release. Details: (870) 541-5470.
Wednesday, Jan. 24
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, Jan. 25
Candidate forum set
The Pine Bluff mayoral and City Council candidates are expected to participate in a candidate forum from 6-8:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., according to a news release. Arkansas Community Organizations and Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration will sponsor the forum. The public is invited to attend. Details: (870) 536-6300.
GOP committee to meet
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Jan. 25 at Larry’s Pizza in White Hall. The guest speaker will be state Rep. Mike Holcomb. The meeting will include electing the county committee officers, laying out plans for this election year, registering new members, and accepting registrations from members who missed the November filing period, according to a news release.
Chamber dinner features PBSD chief
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present its 2024 Annual Dinner event at 6 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The keynote speaker is Pine Bluff School District Superintendent Jennifer Barbaree. Barbaree will give an update to the business community on what’s happening within the district. It will also be a time for the business community to learn more about opportunities to help support the district to make it stronger as it continues educating the future workforce, according to the Chamber newsletter. Tickets are $60 each and tables for eight people are $750. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for this event. For details, contact Chamber Director Jennifer Kline at (870) 535-0110 or email jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com. Sponsorship details are available at https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/5c07ba08-471a-4fb5-8a0e-d7f3d0d12fea.pdf?rdr=true.
Blue & You challenge deadline set
Businesses, civic organizations, families and friend groups wanting to take part in the 2024 Blue & You Fitness Challenge must register their teams by Jan. 25. The challenge begins March 1, according to a news release. The free program is designed to improve well-being and encourage healthy behaviors. The challenge was created in 2004 by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Department of Human Services with the goal of improving overall health. Participants can register their team name at https://blueandyoufitnesschallenge-ark.com.
VA sets date for virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas Veterans from 4-6 p.m. Jan. 25. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Jan. 24, 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. VA disability compensation offers a monthly tax-free payment to veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to veterans whose service made an existing condition worse, according to the release. The staff will be available to answer questions about existing VA benefits claims and how to file a new one. The Veteran Assist Phone Line, 501-370-3829, is staffed Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Beginning Thursday, Jan. 25
ASC presents ‘The Secret Garden’
Performances for “The Secret Garden” are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 25-27, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center, 701 S. Main St. “This joyous story about the blossoming of the earth and human spirit is a garden of delight for the imagination,” according to the news release. “Orphaned while living in India, 12-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire, England, to live with her reclusive uncle Archibald Craven and his son Colin… It is a story of healing, forgiveness, and renewal that touches all of us deeply.” Tickets are on sale at tix.com/ticket-sales/asc701/4544 or by calling 536-3375. Tickets are $13 for members and seniors, $18 for nonmembers and $10 for students. Details: Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org.
Friday, Jan. 26
Delta Upcycle registration set
The Delta Upcycle Challenge (D.U.C.) is a new regional initiative by the ARTx3 Campus (also known as the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas) 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, according to the news release. The deadline to register is 5 p.m. Jan. 26. The submission deadline is 5 p.m. March 29. Learn more and register at asc701.org/education/delta-upcycling-challenge. The two competitions are the Upcycled Mini-Sculpture for high school students and the Upcycled Fashion Show for students in a college, university, or trade school. The project is open to students in the counties of Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew, Grant, Jefferson, Lee, Lincoln, Monroe, Phillips and Prairie. The Top 20 entries in both competitions will be showcased, judged, and awarded in person on the ARTx3 Campus on April 13 (Earth Day). Details: J. Tyler Lewis at jtlewis@artx3.org or 536-3375.
Beginning Thursday, Feb. 1
Election-related dates set
In preparation for the Primary Election on March 5, the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office announced election-related dates. Feb. 1-Independent candidates (for the November General Election) can start circulating petitions. Petitions must be filed by noon May 1. Feb. 4-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. through March 4 (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.) Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, (870) 541-2125.
Friday, Feb. 2
ASC sets reception for ‘Field Notes’ exhibit
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host an opening reception for the photography exhibition “Field Notes” by Gary Cawood, 5-7 p.m. Feb. 2. The event was rescheduled from Jan. 19 due to inclement weather. This exhibition is in the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Cawood is drawn to sites where the natural contours of the landscape have been disturbed or disrupted, such as abandoned quarries or excavations for new construction projects. The exhibit ends April 24.
Saturday, Feb. 3
Blues series to feature Billy Jeter
The Blues By Budweiser concert series will feature Billy Jeter & The Shine Eye Blues Band at 8 p.m. Feb. 3 at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors will open at 7 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free and admission is $5 for others. The concert series is being sponsored by MK Distributors, according to a news release. Jeter will be joined during the performance by Jason Lee Hale (lead guitar), Darius Blanton (keys), RJ Looney (harp), Lynn Fitzgerald (bass) and Pat Lindsey (drums.)
Health fair set at WH
The Happier, Healthier Arkansas Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. The event is free and the community is invited to attend. Lauren B. Robertson, founder of LBR Fitness, and a healthy lifestyle coach, is hosting a free holistic health fair along with the Happier, Healthier Arkansas Health Initiative, according to a news release. The session will include information on holistic health resources and expert speakers. There will also be prizes, according to a news release. Details: www.happierhealthierarkansas.com.
Friday, Feb. 9
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Thursday, Feb. 22
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.
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.
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.
Friday, March 1
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 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 appllications 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.
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.