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.
Sunday, July 14
Anniversary set for True Vine “E” choir
True Vine “E” Missionary Baptist Church, 1001 W. Second Ave., will celebrate its 18th choir anniversary at 3 p.m. Sunday. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Anthony Craig, pastor of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. The theme is “Singing God’s Praise Destroys the Enemy” (II Chronicles 20:21-22) The Rev. Leon Williams Jr. is the pastor at True Vine “E.”
Art League Meeting set
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Pine Bluff Art League’s July meeting will feature a family-friendly model drawing session at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave. The league invites art enthusiasts and beginners ages 15 and older to attend from 2-4 p.m. Sunday. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by a league member. Participants will draw a clothed model and develop a basic understanding of body proportions, foreshortening and composition through gestural drawing or painting. This demonstration continues artist and June facilitator Layet Johnson’s perspective instruction through practical application, according to a news release.
Beginning Sunday, July 14
Barraque Street church sets FRANgelism
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will host “FRANgelism” beginning at 11 a.m. each Sunday in July. “Simply put, FRANgelism is evangelism to our Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors,” according to a spokesperson. Each Sunday, invitations are extended to family, friends and colleagues. All are welcomed to attend FRANgelism. Rev. Sidney D. Milton Sr. is the pastor. Services include: July 14 — RELATIVES of the church; July 21 — ASSOCIATES of the church; and July 28 — NEIGHBORS of the church.
Monday, July 15
Caregivers’ support group to meet
The Caregivers Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting will be held from 11 a.m to noon Monday at Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas, 709 E. Eighth Ave. The topic is Pallative Resouces. The speaker is Verline Forney, patient’s care representative of Home Care Hospice Care, according to a news release. To attend via conference call, use Meeting ID: 211 575 837 335 and Passcode: esVCmh. Dial +1 312-625-2266,,983722972# United States. The phone conference ID is 983 722 972# Details: Carolyn Ferguson at Area Agency, (870) 543-6309.
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
Pine Bluff Quilter’s Guild to meet
The Pine Bluff Quilter’s Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. July 16 at First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel St. The program will be Christmas In July. Information about the October Pet Project Fabric Collage workshop will be provided by Donna Francis, according to a news release.
Third Ward neighbors to meet
The Third Ward Community Watch Group will meet at 6 p.m. July 16 at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave. Topics include crime, illegal dumping, senior care and other current issues. All residents of the Third Ward are invited to attend. Kenneth Gray is the president, according to a news release.
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.
Beginning Tuesday, July 16
Barraque Street church hosts VBS
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will hold its annual Vacation Bible School at 6 p.m. July 16-18. Activities for youth and empowerment workshops for adults will take place. There will be something for everyone from ages 2 to 92! The theme is “God’s Superheroes” (Hebrews 11:1-2). Youth will have daily lessons, art activity or physical activity. Adult attendees will learn about estate planning, financial literacy and health. Refreshments will be served. Meet God’s Superheroes during VBS, according to a news release. The Rev. Sidney D. Milton Sr. is the pastor. Details: (870) 536-0582.
Wednesday, July 17
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 18
Women’s Connection sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection will hold its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 18 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Catherine Zoller of Tulsa, a noted author and speaker. Also featured will be Jason Rogers of Pine Bluff, manager of the Jefferson Regional Wellness Center. Zoller’s topic will be “The Chapters of My Life.” “Her life is proof that God can take the most unlikely person and transform them by the ‘washing of the water of the Word’ into a voice that shares His heart and exhilarates a room full of people,” according to the news release. The luncheon is $21, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. Everyone is invited to attend. 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 they don’t keep.
Rotary Club to host Hooten’s football luncheon
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 magazine. 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.
Friday, July 19
Black Chamber to host networking event
The Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce will present its inaugural event and press conference from 6-9 p.m. July 19 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The event will mark the official introduction of the Black Chamber to the Pine Bluff community, according to a news release. Attendees will have the chance to engage in a question and answer session, deliver a 60-second introduction pitch, and participate in informational table sessions. The PBBCC invites all members of the community, media representatives, and local business owners to attend the event. Participants should RSVP or register online at https://pbbcc.glueup.com/event/pbbcc-networking-mixer-111859/.
Beginning Friday, 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 .
Sunday, July 21
First Ward pantry sets school supply event
First Ward Living Grace Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will host a back-to-school giveaway from 2-5 p.m. July 21. Supporters include Arkansas Food Bank, Ephesus Christian Bookstore, Super 1 Foods, Abraham Carpenter Jr., Angela Fair Baker, Sixth Division Circuit Court, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and Group Violence Intervention, among others, according to a news release.
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.
Wednesday, July 24
Gerry DeLongchamp leads art event
The Pine Bluff Art League will present a Watercolor Workshop at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 24. League member Gerry DeLongchamp will engage with participants to create their unique art pieces using watercolors. The cost is $10 per person. This workshop is for ages 15 and older. To register, make a check out to the Pine Bluff Art League and mail it to Pine Bluff Art League, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave., Box 8, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. For more information, contact Matthew Howard at mediapinebluffartleague@gmail.com or call (501) 269-8912.
Thursday, July 25
VA sets virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas veterans from 4-6 p.m. July 25. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. July 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. Staff will also answer questions about PACT Act benefits, existing VA benefits claims, and assist with filing new claims.
GOP committee to meet
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will hold its meeting July 25 at 6 p.m. at Larry’s Pizza on Dollarway Road in White Hall, according to a news release.
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.
Through Friday, July 26
Small Works on display 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 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 sponsor 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. Children must be present with the parent or guardian to receive school supplies. The Clear bag Policy will be enforced at the convention center, according to a news release.
Sunday, July 28
New Community observes Men’s Day
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will present its Men’s Day service at 2 p.m. July 28. The featured speaker will be the Rev. Clarence L. Holman, pastor of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church. The theme is Fight the Good Fight (I Tim. 6: 11-12).
Saturday, Aug. 3
Old St. James sets health fair
Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., will conduct its Community Health Fair 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p,m. Aug. 3 at Old St. James’ Family Life Center. Hosted by the church, this event is free. The community is encouraged to take advantage of free health screenings, backpacks, school supplies and giveaways. There will also be food trucks, vendors and other activities, according to a news release. Health screenings will be available for cholesterol, diabetes, prostate, mammograms, B.M.I., colorectal, blood pressure, and lung cancer.
Beginning Saturday, Aug. 3
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: 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, Aug. 4
Union Hopewell honors ushers
Union Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 1121 Persimmon St., will observe its annual Ushers’ program at 3 p.m. Aug. 4. The theme is “Be Battle Dressed for Service” (Ephesians 6:11.) The guest speaker will be the Rev. Willie Laws of Union Missionary Baptist Church at Altheimer. The Rev. Antonio Gayden Sr. is the pastor of Union Hopewell.
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.
Through Thursday, Aug. 15
United Way plans peanut butter drive
The United Way of Southeast Arkansas and the UW Helping Hands volunteers are gearing up to have a Peanut Butter Drive July 1-Aug. 15. The goal is to provide nutritious snacks during summer break, especially for children who rely on school meals and may face food insecurity during summer break. United Way asks that donors drop off jars of peanut butter to the United Way office in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W.Third Ave., Suite 135. The agency can also except monetary donations so that cases of peanut butter can be purchased through the Arkansas Food Bank. The donations will be split among the food pantries in Jefferson County, according to a news release. Details: (870) 534-2153 or 534-2156.
PB foundation accepts grant applications
Nonprofits in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County can go to arcf.org/givingtree to apply for Giving Tree Grants through the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation. Applications must be submitted online between July 10 and Aug. 15. Any IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, public school, government agency or hospital in Jefferson County is eligible to apply. Grants are not made to individuals or small businesses. Any nonprofit that received a grant in 2023 must complete and return the grant report form to be considered for this current grant cycle. Applications will be reviewed by a grant-making committee from PBACF. Other grants are available for organizations with programs educating, assessing and screening members of their organization or the larger community regarding health issues.
Through Tuesday, Aug. 20
AARP seeks award nominees
AARP Arkansas is accepting nominations for its 2024 Andrus Award for Community Service. This award honors Arkansans 50 and older who are sharing their experiences, talents and skills to enrich the lives of their community members. The award recipient will be announced in early fall, according to a news release. The application deadline is Aug. 20. For further information and a nomination form, visit aarp.org/AndrusAward. To learn more about AARP Arkansas visit states.aarp.org/arkansas/.
Wednesday, Aug. 21
UAPB slates resource fair
A Community Resource Fair will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at the W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Agencies may sign up to grow their clientele, promote their businesses, educate students and meet potential customers, according to a flier. Details: Chris Riggins at rigginsc@uapb.edu.
Through Saturday, Aug. 31
League hosts Water in Art exhibition
The Pine Bluff Art League will present its new “Water in Art” exhibition at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center. Members may hang water-themed works along the East wing of the center through July. Art will be displayed through Aug. 31. The PBAL seeks to engage the public through selected themed exhibitions and invites the community to enjoy a diverse selection of art by southeast Arkansas artists.
Through Monday, Sept. 30
LIHEAP taking applications
Starting July 1, on a first-come first served basis, residential households can apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through the network community-based action agencies that serve the county where they live. Applications will be taken through Sept. 30 or until funds are depleted. The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and Entergy Arkansas released statements on this program. Households can find a location to apply for LIHEAP at https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/caad.aspx or https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/initiatives/pdfs/LIHEAP_Flyer.pdf.
Through Sunday, Dec. 1
Fund drive for artwork set
The Pine Bluff Art League will have a drawing for artwork by Richard Stephens titled “First Snow” valued at $1,000. The drawing will be held Dec. 1 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building. Funds generated from the fund drive will continue the funding of publicly accessible art league demonstrations, workshops and art recognition of community members in and around southeast Arkansas, according to a news release. For more on Stephens, visit raswatercolors.com/ and facebook.com/richard.stephens.545. Art collectors wishing to add this piece to their collection may purchase $5 raffle tickets by making a check to the Pine Bluff Art League. Mail the check and contact information, name, address, email, and phone number to the Pine Bluff Art League, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave., Box 8, Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
Underway
Covid-19 vaccines, testing available
The Arkansas Department of Health, various pharmacies and healthcare providers offer the covid-19 vaccine, tests and other information about coronavirus. Details: Call the Arkansas Department of Health at (800) 985-6030, visit the website at healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan or contact area medical professionals, according to spokesmen.
Tuesdays
Unity Christian offers free financial classes
Unity Christian Fellowship Church (UCFC), 2712 S. Bay St., invites the community to its free Small Business and Personal Financial Education classes at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Recent subjects included “The Importance of Having a Financial Plan” and “Financial Literacy,” according to Stuff in the Bluff website. “You cannot afford to miss out on these life-changing classes. We are practicing social distancing and will have hand sanitizer wipes available,” according to the site. Anthony Armstrong is the senior pastor. Details: unitychristianfellowship@live.com or (870) 329-1182.