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.
Tuesday, June 11
WHSB to meet
The White Hall School Board will have a meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the White Hall administration building, 1020 W. Holland, White Hall. Details: (870) 247-2002.
Beginning Tuesday, June 11
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
UAM plans music camps
The Division of Music at the University of Arkansas at Monticello will host three band camps, a jazz camp and an auxiliary camp for sixth to 12th graders. Students can choose to stay on campus or off campus during their camp, according to a news release. Beginner band camp will be held June 11-15 for students who have played an instrument for at least one year. Junior high band camp will be held June 11-15 for incoming seventh and eighth graders. High school band camp will be held June 11-15 for incoming freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Jazz camp will be held July 16-20 for incoming freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Auxiliary camp will be held July 16-19 for incoming freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors and offer two track options: drum major and color guard/majorette. June 6 is the deadline to apply for the June camps, and July 11 is the deadline to apply for the July camps. To complete a camp application or view additional information including placement audition procedures and camp schedules, visit https://www.uamont.edu/academics/music/camp.html. Details: bandcamp@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1060.
Wednesday, June 12
Imagination Library sets fundraising luncheon
Youth Partners of Pine Bluff will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Imagination Library for Jefferson County, an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, with a fundraising luncheon. The Imagination Library Summer Salad Luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 12 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building. Tickets are $15 and meals can be served to dine in or carry out, according to a news release. Details: Linda Bateman, executive director of Youth Partners/Imagination Library, at (870) 718-0654 or (870) 534-8251 or email imaginationlibrary@pbreynoldscenter.org.
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.
Through Wednesday, June 12
Grady church hosts VBS
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Gould will host Vacation Bible School at 5:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday. The theme is God’s Superheroes. All are invited to attend. The Rev. Jarrett Miles is the pastor and Barbara Dixon, is the director.
Beginning Wednesday, June 12
Dumas church holds VBS
Bethlehem Worship Center Church in Dumas invites the community to attend Vacation Bible School from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. The theme is “Growing with Jesus” (Galatians 5:22-23). There will be classes for all ages, games, and food, according to a news release. The pastor is Timothy Jones.
Thursday, June 13
Central Park/Shady Grove meeting set
The Central Park/Shady Grove Community Watch Group will meet at 6 p.m. June 13 at Family Church, 2309 S. Poplar St. “Let’s continue to keep one of the longest established Watch Groups in our city active,” said Joyce C Brown, president.
Ivy Center tour group to meet
The Ivy Center for Education’s 2024 College Tour and Cultural Experience Group will meet from 5-6 p.m. June 13 at the Generator, 435 S. Main St. All participants, parents and chaperons are encouraged to attend. This is the last meeting before the tour, according to a news release. Details: Ivy Center President Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com or kencol1@msn.com.
Friday, June 14
UAPB announces downtown Juneteenth festival
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host the inaugural Juneteenth in the Bluff: Arts & Culture Festival from 3-10 p.m. June 14 in Pine Bluff’s downtown Delta Rhythm and Bayous Cultural District at Third Avenue and Main Street. The festival, sponsored by the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission, is free and open to the public, according to a news release. The festival will feature Blues Hall of Famer Latimore along with Fuzzy Jeffries and the Kings of Memphis, Ms. Zeno The Mojo Queen, and local musicians. There will also be a farmers market and food tastings by the ACF Arkansas Delta Chefs Association, art activities for youth and art exhibits by the UAPB Art Department, vendor booths, and giveaways. Food trucks will also be present selling food and beverages.
Golden Hour: Bingo! set
The ARTx3 Campus invites all bingo enthusiasts for an afternoon of laughter and friendly competition from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 14 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. This event is free and open to ages 50 and older. Register at artx3.org/all-events/golden-hour-bingo-june-2024 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
Through Friday, June 14
School Garden contest open
Entries are being accepted for the annual Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest, sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas. Applicants may be any school, early childhood education facility, or alternative learning environment that had a school garden in the 2023-2024 school year or is planning a garden in the 2024-2025 school year, according to a news release. Entries will be accepted through June 14 and the application can be found at cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/ArkansasGrownSchool GardenOfTheYearContest2024. Winners will be announced in the fall of 2024.
Saturday, June 15
City of Pine Bluff sets Juneteenth celebration
The city of Pine Bluff will present its annual Juneteenth Celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 15 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center arena. The event promises a day filled with entertainment, education, and community engagement. Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of activities, including free food, activities for children and teens, and live musical and dance performances. Admission is free and all members of the community are encouraged to attend, according to a news release from Mayor Shirley Washington’s office. Details: Mary Liddell at (870) 643-2383, marylddll@yahoo.com or Mayor’s office, (870) 730-2000, ext. 7 or martavius.proctor@cityofpinebluff-ar.gov.
House of Bread to give away food
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will hold its monthly food giveaway Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until all food boxes are gone. Each client must have filled out an intake form for 2024. If not, they must have proof of address, at least their driver’s license, identification card or utility bills. The person’s evidence must match, according to a news release. Details: Saint Mary Harris, senior pastor, (870) 872-2196.
Summit plans patriotic concert
The Summit Soundz Celebration Band will present a patriotic concert at 6 p.m. June 15 in the worship center of Summit Baptist Church, 901 Ridgway Road. “It’s always a good time when we can get together to celebrate the greatest nation on the face of the earth,” said Lewis Hinkle, director for Summit Soundz. “The band is ready to play a lot of your favorite secular and sacred patriotic music.” The Watson Chapel High School ROTC Color Guard will present and post colors during the concert. The concert is free and open to the public. Contributions to the Summit Soundz Scholarship Fund are appreciated, according to news release.
Yoga in the loft set for couples
Couples Yoga will be the feature at Yoga in the Loft from 3-4:30 p.m. June 15 in the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main. Bring a partner or close friend for a special couples edition of Yoga in the Loft. Learn collaborative yoga poses with certified yoga instructor Florence “FloEssence” Love. Yoga is held on the third Saturday of each month. Attendees must be 21+, and wine and light refreshments will be served. Yoga is part of the ARTx3 Campus’ flex pay program with a minimum cost of $5, although $15 is recommended. Register at artx3.org/all-events/yoga-in-the-loft-june-2024 or call (870) 536-3375.
65th All Tomato Luncheon set
As part of the Pink Tomato Festival in Warren, the annual All Tomato Luncheon will be held June 15 at 12:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Activities Center. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from the Bradley County Extension Office. The All Tomato Luncheon has grown over the years and is now one of the highlights of the Pink Tomato Festival. Tickets are limited so people should make plans to attend, according to a news release. For festival details, visit https://www.pinktomatofestival.com/schedule.
Beginning Saturday, June 15
Ceramic Handbuilding workshop set
The ARTx3 Campus will host a three-part ceramics workshop led by Jennifer Solano from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays, June 15, June 22, and June 29, at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Learn the ancient art of clay manipulation and fundamental handbuilding techniques. Students will also create a ceramic piece using a pottery wheel. No experience is necessary. This workshop is for ages 18 and older. The cost is $60 for ARTx3 members and $75 for nonmembers. Class size is limited. Register at artx3.org/all-events/ceramic-handbuilding, call (870) 536-3375 or visit in person. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org.
Monday, June 17
Citywide Mission to meet
The Citywide Mission meeting will be held at 1 p.m. June 17 at Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St. The Rev. Sidney Milton Sr. is the pastor. The guest speaker will be Tameki Cloird of Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
Tuesday, June 18
Third Ward residents to meet
The Third Ward Community Watch will meet at 6 p.m. June 18 at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave. Topics include Group Violence Intervention (GVI) crime reduction, park renovation plan, and community issues. The residents of the Third Ward are encouraged to attend, according to a news release. The president is Kenneth L. Gray.
Beginning Wednesday, June 19
APEX sets business seminars
The Arkansas APEX Accelerator offers Arkansas businesses free guidance in securing government contracts through workshops and one-on-one counseling. Local sessions include June 19 — Mentor Protégé Program Overview, 2-3 p.m., The Generator, 35 S. Main St.; Pine Bluff; and June 27 — Delta Dreams: Financial Empowerment for East Arkansas Entrepreneurs, 1-4 p.m., Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, Stuttgart Campus. In-person office hours are scheduled throughout June in in Camden, Conway, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Heber Springs, Little Rock, Newport, Pine Bluff, Russellville and Texarkana. Virtual sessions are also available. To find training near you or for more information, visit http://www.uaex.uada.edu/APEX or email APEX@uada.edu. To register for any of the June trainings, visit https://arapex.ecenterdirect.com/events.
Thursday, June 20
Christian Women plan luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 20 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Melanie Golightly of Lenexa, Kan., and her topic will be “Pursuing Perfection-Provided With Peace.” Also featured will be Tammy Haynes Cole, who will introduce the Simple Southern Freeze-Dried Foods. The luncheon cost is $21, which includes meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All reservations must be made three days in advance and participants will be charged for reservations that aren’t kept. The gathering is a Stonecroft Christian Women’s Luncheon, according to a news release.
Saturday, June 22
Star City nursing center sets BBQ contest
Gardner Nursing and Rehabilitation in Star City will host Barbecue Wars on June 22. The judging starts at 5 p.m., but participants who are grilling on site can set up anytime, according to a news release. The center invites the community to participate in the contest. There will be cash prizes for best barbecue ($500) and best side dish ($250). The deadline for entry is June 8. There’s a $50 entry fee for barbecue and $25 entry fee for side dish. If there’s inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled. Entry forms can be picked up at Gardner, 702 N. Drew St., Star City, AR 71667 or can be emailed upon request. Details: Gardner, (870) 628-4144.
Beginning Monday, June 24
Consolidated St. Marion sets VBS
The Consolidated St. Marion Baptist District Association invites all youth and adults of Pine Bluff and surrounding areas to attend their annual Community Vacation Bible School from 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 24-26. Classes will be held at Mt. Harmony Missionary Baptist Church, 812 E. Harding Ave. For information and transportation, contact Louise Bracey, director, (870) 489-4886.
Thursday, June 27
UAM Crossett set graduation
The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-Crossett will hold its graduation for the 2024 class at 7 p.m. June 27 at the Crossett High School Arena. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. More than 100 UAM-CTC graduates will receive technical certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees and those who earned GEDs will be awarded diplomas. UAM-CTC will also recognize its 2024 Outstanding Alumnus, Zachary Meeks, who is a field service manager with Honeywell.
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. June 27. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. June 26, 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.
Workers Safety Conference set
The Southeast Arkansas Human Resources and Safety Committee invites people to its annual Workers Safety Conference on Educating Hourly Employees in Safety beginning at 7:30 a.m. June 27 at Southeast Arkansas College in McGeorge Hall, 1900 Hazel St. Registration fee is $25 for attendees and $30 for exhibitors and lunch is included,, according to a news release. The topics for the safety seminar include: Safety Awareness, Mental Health and Violence in the Workplace, OSHA Updates, Slips-Trips-and Falls, and Situational Awareness. Mike Rogers, chief workforce officer from the governor’s office, will host a special session. To reserve a booth, please call Nita Matlock at 501-682-9092. Conference registration is required for all participants. Details: Lyric Seymore, (870) 543-5966.
Through Friday, June 28
ARTx3 hosts new artist
Tra Bouscaren, an artist and assistant professor of art at Arizona State University, will participate in the ARTx3 Campus’ artist-in-residence program from June 3-28. The artist-in-residence program is for working artists and is held in the ART WORKS on Main building, at 627 S. Main St. “Bouscaren is a post-disciplinary artist focused on spectacle at the crossroads of waste culture and the surveillance state,” according to a news release.
Through Saturday, June 29
Area Agency sets fan drive
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will host its Beat the Heat Annual Fan Drive through June 29 in Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew, Grant, Lincoln and Jefferson County. People who want to donate a fan or an air conditioner, should call the agency in their area. All donations will remain in their designated county. For applicants to receive a fan, they must be disabled or 60 years old or older, according to a news release. To obtain a fan, call the agency. The applicant’s name will be placed on a waiting list amd the applicant will be notified by a case manager or the coordinator on the date and time the fan may be picked up. Distributing the fans will depend on the number of fans received. Applicants will be asked to present ID and an award letter from Social Security or Department of Human Services. If the agency should receive any air conditioners, an applicant must have a doctor’s statement with diagnosis indicated, their ID, and an award letter. Details: Carolyn Ferguson, (870) 543-6309 or Pauline Jones, (870) 543-6313.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, July 27
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.
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.