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.
Wednesday, Jan. 24
Emergency group to meet
A meeting of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the training room at the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management at the courthouse, according to a news release. The agenda includes the county emergency response plan, review an update of the LEPC Emergency Response Plan, discuss hazard mitigation plan update, overview of the integrated preparedness plan workshop and identify planning team members, and discuss the 2024 Eclipse. Details: (870) 541-5470.
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.
Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 24
UA trustees to meet
The board of trustees of the University of Arkansas will meet in person and via videoconference Wednesday and Thursday at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The meetings will be held in the Calvin R. Ledbetter Jr. Assembly Hall in the Donaghey Student Center, according to a news release. The Wednesday meetings will begin with an executive session at 12:30 p.m. with the videoconference of the regular session expected to begin streaming at 2 p.m. or right after the executive session. Thursday’s meetings start at 8:45 a.m. Details: https://uasys.edu/leadership/board-of-trustees/meetings/
Thursday, Jan. 25
A&P meeting set
The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the A&P office, 623 S. Main St. Details: Betty Brown, A&P administrative assistant, (870) 534-2121.
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
DAV plans PB meeting
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of Arkansas will meet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at Leon’s Catfish & Shrimp, 3801 Chapel Village #18. The purpose of the meeting is to continue recruiting new members and electing new officers for DAV Chapter 12 which is located in Pine Bluff, according to a news release. Billy Sanders is the DAV commander.
Copper Theft Task Force to meet
The city of Pine Bluff has rescheduled the Copper Theft Task Force meeting for 1 p.m. Friday in the Kevin Collins Center at the civic center, 200 E. Eighth Ave. The meeting will be held in partnership with AT&T to discuss the current status of copper thefts, plans for corrective action, and the next steps for the city, according to a news release. This committee was developed during the initial meeting to collaborate on the concerns of the citizens and determine possible solutions.
Paul & Silas Service set
International House of Praise Ministries, 4511 Faucett Road, will host the Paul & Silas Service at 10 p.m. Jan. 26. The community is invited to come out and do what Paul & Silas did in Acts 16:25-26, prayed and sang praises unto God. The worship team will be Kingdom Generation. “We will be praying, praising, singing, worshipping, praise dancing and praise stepping,” said Jenise “Sandy” Todd, the visionary. “Calling all praisers, worshippers, music ministries, prayer warriors and intercessors! The City of Pine Bluff needs you. You are invited to a Paul & Silas Service. The theme is ‘This Is War,'” according to a news release. Willie Edwards is the host pastor.
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.
Saturday, Jan. 27
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. 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.
Sunday, Jan. 28
New Community sets Kingdom Builders
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will host its Kingdom Builders program at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 and the featured speaker will be Wanda Murry, a member of New Community. Also, at 6 p.m. Feb. 25, the Kingdom Builders featured speaker will be Karen Wine, a member of New Community. Everyone is invited to attend these programs. The program director is Samuel Gibson, a deacon at New Community. The pastor/apostle is Patrick Lockett Sr.
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.
Live@5 features Damen Tolbert
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas invites patrons to attend its first Live@5 of the year, featuring Damen Tolbert, from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 2 at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. Entry is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Patrons must be 21 or older. Complimentary wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages will be available. “Chicago native Damen Tolbert describes his sound as ‘a dynamic mix of old and new styles.’ He takes cues from old and new-school R&B, hip-hop, and more. Tolbert is also a poet, arranger, and audio engineer,” according to the news release. The concert series is sponsored by MK Distributors.
Saturday, Feb. 3
Read, sing, dance, play event set for kids
Children in grades pre-K through second are invited to a new literacy program at at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St.. “Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me” aims to foster a love of reading and writing. The class will be from 11 a.m. to noon Feb. 3. Melanie Madkin, of Ms. Madkins Literacy Program, leads the class. There is no cost to attend but registration is requested at artx3.org/all-events/read-sing-dance-play or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org.
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.
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
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.
Thursday, Feb. 8
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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. 22. 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.
Friday, Feb. 23
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.
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 8
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 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.