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.
Through Friday, July 26
Small Works on display at ASC
The ARTx3 Campus will host the 37th annual Small Works on Paper exhibition through July 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.
Small Works seeking art entries
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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.
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 26-27, and 2 p.m. 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 27
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.
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.
PBSD stakeholders set fundraiser
The Pine Bluff School District Unified Stakeholders will sponsor a fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 220 S. Poplar St. Proceeds will assist student organizations, especially those members qualifying for national competition, according to a news release. The yard sale will include school supplies, furniture, dishes, educational resources, appliances and shelves. Wilma Kindle is president of the PBSD stakeholders.
Sunday, July 28
Breath of Life has Youth Sunday
Breath of Life Church, 1313 S Pine St., will conduct its Youth Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The guest speaker will be Tavante Calhoun Sr., chief executive officer for the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson County, according to a news release. He is a member of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he is an associate minister. Previously, Calhoun was a social worker for the Pine Bluff School District.
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).
Amos Chapel hosts Women’s Day
Amos Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1307 W. 16th Ave., will present its annual Women’s Day service at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The guest speaker will be Lenora Harris, an elder with Antioch Full Gospel Baptist Church. The guest choir director is Candis Murry and the worship leader is Debra Jones. The Rev. Robert Willis Jr. is pastor of Amos Chapel.
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 28 — NEIGHBORS of the church.
Tuesday, July 30
DAV announces virtual career fair
Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the Central Region Virtual Veterans Career Fair, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active-duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve, according to a news release. More than 50 employers will be on-site. Participants can also utilize career counseling and resume assistance, network with fellow veterans and military personnel and get support with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and claims assistance — all free. To register for the virtual career fair or for other details, visit jobs.dav.org.
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.
Beginning Tuesday, July 30
Bailey Chapel hosts revival
Bailey Chapel United Methodist Church in Gould will conduct a summer revival at 7 p.m. July 30-Aug. 1. The guest speakers will be Tuesday, the Rev. Omar Davis, pastor of St. Mark MBC of Sherrill; Wednesday, the Rev. Julius McDade, pastor of the New Direction Baptist Church of Pine Bluff; and Thursday, the Rev. Phillip Puckett, pastor of the Mount Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Gould. “Everyone is invited to help us worship the Lord.” Rev. Curtis Gibson is the pastor of Bailey Chapel.
Wednesday, July 31
Housing Authority board to meet
The Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will hold its board of commissioners meeting at 6 p.m. July 31 at Colonial Steakhouse, 111 W. Eighth Ave., according to a news release. Details: (870) 541-0706.
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.
Beginning Wednesday, July 31
Election filing, deadlines
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office issued an announcement on the dates and deadlines regarding the Nov. 5 General Election. Candidates who would qualify for the November General Election Ballot are filing as independent municipal or school board candidates, according to a news release. Only those who are seeking city or school board positions should file during the July 31-Aug. 7 filing period. (Municipal positions include Mayor, City Treasurer/Recorder, and City Council Member.) OCT. 21 — Early Voting held at the county courthouse through Nov. 4. Voting occurs Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. OCT. 29 — Deadline to receive absentee ballot applications by mail, fax or email. NOV. 5 — Election Day — Polls will be open 7:30a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, (870) 541-5322.
Saturday, Aug. 3
Annual prayer rally set
The 13th Annual Prayer Rally will convene from 6-7 a.m. Aug. 3 outside the Pine Bluff Civic Center, 200 E. Eighth Ave. The theme is “Light Up the City With Prayer,” according to a news release from Saint Mary Harris, rally leader. The event will include local and national prayer leaders. Prayers of love and unity will be prayed for various spheres and influences, including church, family, education, government, media, military as well as issues that focus on non-violence, the economy and overall betterment for area citizens. Organizers invite pastors, parents, youth, city officials, community and civic leaders to come together to light up the city with prayer. Details: Saint Mary Harris, apostle of House of Bread Deliverance Church, at (870) 872-2196 or www.houseofbreaddeliverance.net.
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
Moscow church observes anniversary
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church at Moscow will celebrate its 137th Anniversary at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 4. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Lee Whitiker, pastor of Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church, accompanied by his congregation. The Rev. Stanley R. Blair Sr. is pastor of New Hope.
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.
Wednesday, Aug. 7
Manufacturing council sets job fair
The Jefferson County Manufacturing Council will host “Manufacturing Made Easy Career Fair” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 7 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Admission is free for job seekers, according to the newsletter of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. Participating companies include Central Moloney Inc., Express Employment Professionals, Kiswire Pine Bluff, Mondi Bags, Pactiv Evergreen and U.S. Steel Wheeling Machine Products. Details: Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, (870) 535-0110.
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.
Sunday, Aug. 11
New Community hosts Choir Day
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will present its Annual Choir Day at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 11. The guest speaker will be the Rev. James Rice, pastor of Battle Chapel Baptist Church, along with his congregation. Everyone is invited to attend.
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.
Friday, Sept. 27
Voices for Children golf tourney set
Voices for Children will host its 20th annual golf tournament at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Registration starts at 11 a.m., according to a flier. Sponsorship opportunities are available. All proceeds will help Voices for Children continue to provide court appointed special advocates (CASA) for all foster children in Jefferson and Lincoln counties. Details: Voices for Children, (870) 850-7105, (870) 536-5922 or vfc@vfcadvocates.org.
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.