Editor’s Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com or use our newsroom email pbcnews@adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Beginning Monday, July 1
United Way plans peanut butter drive
The United Way of Southeast Arkansas and the UW Helping Hands volunteers are gearing up to have a Peanut Butter Drive July 1-Aug. 15. The goal is to provide nutritious snacks during summer break, especially for children who rely on school meals and may face food insecurity during summer break. United Way asks that donors drop off jars of peanut butter to the United Way office in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W.Third Ave., Suite 135. The agency can also except monetary donations so that cases of peanut butter can be purchased through the Arkansas Food Bank. The donations will be split among the food pantries in Jefferson County, according to a news release. Details: (870) 534-2153 or 534-2156.
Blue & You offers mental health project grants
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
In an effort to improve access to quality care for Arkansans struggling with mental health challenges, the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas will award grants ranging from $5,000 to $200,000 to organizations seeking to fund behavioral health programs. The grant cycle opens July 1 and the foundation plans to fund $1 million in grants, according to a news release. To be considered for grant funding, applicants must submit a letter of intent to blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org between July 1-12. Applicants should be a 501(c)(3) charitable organization; a public school, college or university; or a city, county or state governmental agency. Applicants will be notified by email on July 26 if their letter of intent is approved and the application process is open to the organization. Award notifications will be emailed Nov. 5.
Wednesday, July 3
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Articles should be submitted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, July 4
City to host fireworks display
The 4th of July Celebration will take place at the softball complex in Pine Bluff Regional Park, according to Kerry Battle, director of the Pine Bluff Festival Association. The evening will start at 8 p.m. with Laron Marbley of Deltaplex Radio’s The Beat 99.3 FM playing music. Then, southeast Arkansas’ largest fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Admission is free. There will be limited parking near the softball complex as well as at Saracen Landing. Parking will also be available at the Jefferson County Courthouse parking lot and surrounding areas. In case of severe weather, the fireworks will only be available for viewing at the complex at 9 p.m. July 5. Details: (870) 536-0920.
VFW sets hot dog giveaway
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4455 at 1518 E. Harding Ave., will host its annual Independence Day Hot Dog Giveaway from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 4. VFW is accepting donations from individuals, businesses, and other non-profit agencies that would like to contribute this and future programs. Donations can be dropped off at the post or by contacting Matthew Yarnell, Toys for Tots coordinator, at (509) 675-3420 or pine.bluff.ar@toysfortots.org.
Friday, July 5
Live@5: Platinum Hitz to appear at ASC
Patrons are invited to get into the swing with R&B and jazz band Platinum Hitz from 5-7 p.m. July 5, set to perform at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas’s Catherine M. Bellamy stage, 701 S. Main St. Entry is $5 for ARTx3 members and $10 for nonmembers. Guests must be 21 or older. Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and snacks are provided by the Live@5 sponsor, MK Distributors. The long-running Live@5 concert series is home to live jazz, blues, and rock & roll at 5 p.m. on the first Friday of each month, according to a news release.
Beginning Friday, July 5
Small Works on Paper opens at ASC
The ARTx3 Campus will host the 37th annual Small Works on Paper exhibition from July 5-26 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The exhibition is organized and sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council. Southeast Arkansas artists selected for this year’s exhibition include Matthew Howard, Kimiara Johnson and Alexia Lams, all of Pine Bluff, and Crystal Jennings of Rison.
Beginning Saturday, July 6
Blues concert series set
The Port City Blues Society will host the third “Blues By Budweiser” concert series at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main Street. The doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Port City members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members. MK Distributors is the sponsor, according to a news release. Concerts for 2024-2025 include: July 6, Ghost Town Blues Band; Aug. 3, Amanda Fish; Sept. 7, Garry Burnside Band; Oct. 5, Dirty Red and the Soul Shakers; Nov. 2, Jerry McCoy and the Groove Diggers; Dec. 7, Fonky Donkey; Jan. 4, 2025, Trey Johnson and Jason Willmon; and Feb. 1, 2025, Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain.
Sunday, July 7
New Community reschedules Women’s Day
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., rescheduled its Women’s Day service to 2:30 p.m. July 7. The featured speaker will be Jenise Sandy Todd, a local pastor. A Women’s Day choir will sing. Choir rehearsal will be held at 6 p.m. July 2 and July 5. The original service was cancelled because of a power outage in the community June 9.
Beginning Monday, July 8
LIHEAP to begin taking applications
Starting July 1, on a first-come first served basis, residential households can apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through the network community-based action agencies that serve the county where they live. The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas released a statement Monday reminding Arkansans that this financial assistance for their electricity bills will soon be available. Households can find a location to apply for LIHEAP at https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/caad.aspx
Through Monday, July 8
Transportation-related grants available
The next application cycle for the Transportation-Related Research & Workforce Development Grant Program is open. Act 884 of 2021 authorized the Transportation-Related Research & Workforce Development Grant Program. The purpose of each grant is to accomplish one or both of the following: Support the study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions to provide resilient and sustainable logistics, processes, materials, and methods to ensure cost-effectiveness and the furtherance of education and economic development concerning all forms of transportation; and Support industry training, apprenticeships, and educational programs to foster skills required for transportation-related personnel development. The TRRWDGP is funded up to $500,000 by interest income received under AR Code § 27-70-204 (2017) each year from the State Highway and Transportation Department Fund, according to a news release. Project applications can be obtained at www.ardot.gov/trrwdgp/ or by email to Research@ardot.gov. Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. July 8. Details: https://www.ardot.gov/divisions/system-information-research/research/trrgp/ or (501) 569-4922.
Beginning Monday, July 8
Hip-Hop Camp set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Epiphany “Big Piph” Morrow who will help teens harness the energy of hip-hop and rap to transform their feelings and struggles into lyrics. This camp is from 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday, July 8-12. It is for ages 12-17, with a maximum capacity of 15 students. Through The ARTx3 Campus’s Adopt-Camper drive, parents or guardians who submit a scholarship form may have the cost of the camp waived, which is $100 for ARTx3 members and $120 for nonmembers. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Poetry Camp set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Jasmine Harris who will lead this camp focusing on poetry and the spoken word, and how rhythm and rhymes can help develop a love of language. This camp is from 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, July 8-12. It is for ages 12-17, with a maximum capacity of 15 students. Through the Adopt-A-Camper drive, parents or guardians who submit a scholarship form may have the cost of the camp waived, which is $100 for ARTx3 members and $120 for nonmembers. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Tuesday, July 9
Rice diseases topic at July 9 seminar
Camila Nicolli, extension rice pathologist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has one goal for her training session: to help attendees become the best rice disease identifiers. The rice disease training runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 9 and will be held at the Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart. There is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to register in advance so organizers can get a headcount for food and materials. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, according to a news release. Registration is available at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgzuYpAmcfeBds3L2pxtzZolMOM5AsF3xHfGyNVfQgVpp0gQ/viewform.
Thursday, July 11
Boys & Girls Club set banquet
The Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson County will present its Heroes Banquet at 6 p.m. July 11 at First Methodist Church, 200 W. Sixth Ave. The theme is “Embrace Heroes: Ignite Gratitude, Inspire Unity,” according to a flier. The keynote speaker will be Fitz Hill Sr., chief executive officer of Arkansas Baptist College Foundation and Scott Ford Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development, according to Linkedin. Tickets are $50 per person or $500 per table. The attire is business casual. The club uses this fund-raising event to also honor the heroes in the community who have made a difference in five distinct areas: philanthropy, education, volunteerism, club hero, and public servant, according to a previous news release. Details: info@boysgirlsclubjc.org or (870) 850-7500.
Trinity Village sets luncheon, auction
Trinity Village will host its Salad Luncheon and Silent Auction from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 11. The community should bring their friends and enjoy the auctions. Admission is $25. Proceeds go toward dishes and glassware for Trinity’s Lodge Kitchen, according to a flyer on the newsletter of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. Details: Pat Raley at (870) 879-3113.
Friday, July 12
Movement and Agility class set
The ARTx3 Campus will host the workshop Movement and Agility, led by exercise therapist Lauren Robertson. Designed for women ages 30 and older, this functional strength-building class aims to increase strength, mobility, balance, flexibility, and confidence. The workshop is from 11 a.m. to noon July 12 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The cost is $15 for ARTx3 members and $20 for nonmembers, ages 30 and older. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/movement-agility-july-2024 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
ART WORKS Presents: Comedic Relief
The ARTx3 Campus invites the community to a night of laughter from 6-8 p.m. July 12 at ART WORKS Presents: Comedic Relief. The event is at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. Attendees 16 and older can show off their comedic stylings during the open-mic section, and enjoy two sets by host The Frisco Kid. Beer and wine will be available for purchase for patrons over the age of 21. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks will also be available. Entry is $5 for ARTx3 members and $10 for nonmembers. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Women of Faith going to Eureka Springs
The Women of Faith will sponsor a turn-around trip to Eureka Springs to see the Passion Play on July 12. The trip includes transportation, Christ of the Ozarks statue photo stop, lunch, Holy Land Bus Tour, Museum Tour, shopping, dinner buffet, pre-show activities and the outdoor drama. Contact Jessie Clemmons at (870) 692-2194 for trip details and scheduling.
Saturday, July 13
St. John to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will provide food boxes to those in need, July 13 from 9 a.m. until all food has been handed out. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. Pickup will be in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks.
Monday, July 15
McGehee slates school board meeting
McGehee School Board will meet at 5 p.m. July 15 at the high school library. Details: (870) 222-3670 or www.mcgeheeschools.org.
Tuesday, July 16
UAM sets new student registration
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will offer a fall 2024 class registration event from noon to 6 p.m. July 16 for first-time freshmen and new transfer students. This event is open new students who have submitted necessary materials to the Office of Admissions. No program will take place during class registration. Students will be able to register for classes and have the option to visit any office related to attending school in the fall. Parents and legal guardians are welcome to attend, according to a news release. In-person registration is recommended, but over-the-phone registration is also available. Students should RSVP to reserve a time to register for classes. RSVP at www.uamont.edu/admissions. Details: the UAM Office of Admissions at 870-460-1026 or admissionsoffice@uamont.edu.
Thursday, July 18
Rotary Club to host Hooten’s football
The Rotary Club of West Pine Bluff will host Hooten’s Arkansas Football as guests for their lunch program at 11:30 a.m. July 18 at the Pine Bluff Country Club, 1100 W. 46th Ave. The program will be presented by Barry Grooms of Hooten’s Arkansas Football. Organizers are extending this invitation to representatives from all football programs in southeast Arkansas. Details: Roy Ferrell at roywferrell@gmail.com.
Employer forum set in Monticello
Destination Transformation Consultants, a nonprofit organization, will present an employer forum titled “Employers Growing Talent Through Apprenticeship” from 5-7 p.m. July 18 at the Sadie T. Johnson Community Building in Monticello. This event aims to educate and assist employers in establishing and benefiting from apprenticeship programs, according to a news release. Interested participants can register at https:tinyurl.com/SEARKEMPLOYERFORUM . Details: Dorotha Love Hall at (404) 936-6754 or doveh52@yahoo.com.
Beginning Wednesday, July 19
ASC hosts ‘Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical’
The ARTx3 Campus will present “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical.” Performances are 7:30 p.m. July 19-20 and July 26-27, and 2 p.m. July 21 and July 28 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl with extraordinary powers. The daughter of abusive parents, she finds refuge in library books, which she reads quickly and, in turn, creates her own stories, according to a synopsis. For details or tickets, call (870) 536-3375 or visit artx3.org/theater.
Saturday, July 20
Mayor launches anti-litter campaign
Mayor Shirley Washington kicked off a comprehensive anti-litter campaign aimed at transforming Pine Bluff into a cleaner, more beautiful place for all residents and visitors. The first community cleanup will take place on July 20 from 7-10 a.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Townsend Park Pavilion, 1000 Townsend Drive. The initiative is titled “Slam Dunk the Junk!” To sign up to volunteer, visit https://bit.ly/3zohDDU . For more information, contact the mayor’s office at (870) 730-2000, ext. 7 or email martavius.proctor@cityofpinebluff-ar.gov .
Through Monday, July 22
Highway panel unveils draft of plan
The Arkansas State Highway Commission released the Draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program for federal fiscal years 2025-2028. The public is invited to review and comment on the contents of the Draft STIP through July 22, according to a news release. The plan is available at www.ardot.gov/STIP. Copies of the Draft STIP are also available by mail when requested through ARDOT’s Program Management Division at (501) 569-2262.
Friday, July 26
Small Works seeking art entries
The Arkansas Arts Council is accepting entries for the 2025 “Small Works on Paper” juried art exhibition. Entries can be submitted at www.arkansasarts.org through July 26. Artists who are members of the Arkansas Artist Registry may enter up to three works of art on paper for a fee of $15 for the first entry, $20 for two entries or $25 for three entries. Membership to the registry is free and open to all Arkansans age 18 or older, according to a news release.
Beginning Friday, July 26
Humphrey center to host pro-life camp
Camp Joshua, a pro-life camp for students ages 13-19, is set for July 26-28 at CrossHeirs Retreat Center in Humphrey. The camp is designed to train students to be effective pro-life leaders and covers all the basics of pro-life issues in classes and hands-on workshops, according to a news release. Students visit the State Capitol, participate in interactive games, connect with pro-life leaders, have refreshments, and hang out with friends from around Arkansas. Camp registration is open and space is limited to 25 students. Some scholarships are available. Details: CampJoshuaAR.org or (501) 663-4237.
Saturday, July 27
Back-to-school bash set
Shekinah Glory Global Ministries, 1800 W. 73rd Ave., will have a drive-through back-to-school giveaway July 27 from 10 a.m. until supplies are distributed. The child must attend the bash to receive supplies. Items will include backpacks for pre-k through 12th grade, supplies, and food, according to a news release.
GVI plans back-to-school bash
Pine Bluff Group Violence Intervention will conduct a Unity Back-to-School Bash from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. There will be free food, free games, school supplies, and entertainment. GVI and several other local organizations will lead the event, according to a news release. Sponsors are Office of Mayor Shirley M. Washington, Sixth Division Circuit Court-Juvenile Division, United Family Services, Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Pine Bluff Police Department, Super 1 Foods, Simmons Bank, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and Pine Bluff First Assembly Church.
Through Monday, Aug. 5
Leadership Arkansas applications open
Leadership Arkansas Class XIX applications are now open through Aug. 5. Leadership Arkansas is a nine-month program that develops emerging and established business, civic, and community leaders who have the desire and potential to create a better Arkansas, according to a news release from the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas. For more information or to apply visit https://www.arkansasstatechamber.com/leadership-arkansas/application-requirements/ Details: Toni Lindsey at tlindsey@arkansasstatechamber.com.
Friday, Aug. 9
Mental health first aid classes available
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield opened registration for its 2024 mental health first aid certification courses, offered free to participants. Classes will be held from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the ArkansasBlue Welcome Centers. In Pine Bluff, the session will be Aug. 9 at 509 Mallard Loop. In the MHFA certification program, participants learn how to recognize someone in their workplace, family or community who might be experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction or other behavioral health challenge. Participants also learn how to initiate a conversation and direct the person to care if needed. For details or free online registration, visit arkansasbluecross.com/firstaid.
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.