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.
Underway
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 20 and July 26-27, and 2 p.m. Sunday 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
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
House of Bread to provide school items, food
House of Bread Deliverance, 1501 W. Second Ave., will sponsor its ninth annual Youth Funday from 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Children must be present to receive a free backpack with school supplies. Funday will also consist of giveaways, activities, free food and door prizes. The event is free to attend, according to a news release. Details: Saint Mary Harris, House of Bread senior pastor, (870) 872-2196.
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
Prayer and Pizza for kids set
Kingdom Builders Outreach Church of God in Christ, 3105 S. Apple St., will host the next Prayer and Pizza gathering for the children from 2-3 p.m. Sunday. The guest speaker will be Christopher D. Ross, CEO of F.M. Harbison Memorial Services LLC in Little Rock. This will be the 12th month for the service where people pray for and encourage children. The event is held at a different church once a month and local sponsors provide refreshments. “As school is preparing to resume, it’s imperative to ask God’s blessings over their lives and grant them with a prosperous school year through encouragement and prayer,” said Dee Clay, coordinator. Elder David Jones is the pastor of Kingdom Builders church.
1st 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.
Beginning Sunday, July 21
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 22
A&P to meet
The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. July 22 at the office of the commission, 623 S. Main St, according to a news release. Details: Betty Brown, A&P administrative assistant, (870) 534-2121.
Citywide mission to meet
The Citywide Mission’s monthly meeting will be held at 1 p.m. July 22 at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, 1317 S. Texas St. Annetta Jackson of Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church will be the guest speaker. New Jerusalem’s pastor is the Rev. M. Kriston Wilson and Mt. Nebo’s pastor is the Rev. Larry Battles, according to a news releaase.
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.
Tuesday, July 23
Blood drive set at WH
White Hall will host a blood drive from 1:30-6 p.m. July 23 at the White Hall Community Center. Donors will receive the Bigfoot Returns T-shirt and one ticket to Magic Springs, while supplies last, according to a flier. Walk-ins are welcome, but to make an appointment, contact Our Blood Institute at obi.org or call 877-340-8777.
Wednesday, July 24
Hospital to host blood drive
Jefferson Regional Medical Center will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 24. Participants should look for the bloodmobile. Donors will receive the Bigfoot Returns T-shirt and one ticket to Magic Springs while supplies last, according to a news release. Walk-ins are welcome, but to make an appointment, contact Our Blood Institute at obi.org or call 877-340-8777.
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.
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 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).
Tuesday, July 30
Soybean board to meet in Watson
The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board will meet at 9:30 a.m. July 30 at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Rowher Experiment Station at Watson, according to a news release. To attend via Zoom, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86589124267?pwd=E8gwwiQN7Tm68rL9ub3ki6SOmH4htU.1 and use Passcode: 675719Or One tap mobile: +19292056099,,86589124267#,,,,*675719# US (New York). Details: Arkansas Department of Agriculture, (501) 225-1598.
Saturday, Aug. 3
Mt. Carmel sets scholarship fashion show
The Mt. Carmel Student Scholarship Fashion Show and Brunch will be held at noon Aug. 3 in the fellowship hall of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 900 S. Grant St. Tickets are $20 and available from any member of Mt Carmel Mission Department or at the door. “Please come out to support our youth department and help them further their education,” a spokesman said in the news release.
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 Friday, Aug. 30
Forestry Division seeks grant proposals
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division invites grant proposals for the 2024 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Assistance Program. Funding supports sustainable forestry projects across Arkansas, according to a news release. The program offers: Up to $1.4 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding for projects in economically vulnerable communities, with grants up to $500,000 per project. Up to $30,000 in non-Inflation Reduction Act funding for projects statewide, with grants up to $10,000 per project. The application deadline is Aug. 30. Successful applicants will be notified by Oct. 1. Details: https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/urban-community-forestry/
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.