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, June 16
UAMS plans white coat ceremony at PB
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences will hold a white coat ceremony to kick off the inaugural summer academy of the Arkansas Delta Health Careers Opportunity Program Academy. The event will be held at 5 p.m. today at the Kountz-Kyle Auditorium of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, according to a news release. The academy is an initiative that supports students in the Delta and South Arkansas as they pursue careers in health care. Thirty-five rising high school seniors from the program’s 20-county service area will take part in the ceremony, where they will receive white coats that symbolize their first step on the pathway to health careers.
Gospel singer Paul Porter to sing
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Gospel artist Paul Porter will appear in a Father’s Day Gospel Concert entitled “Saluting Fathers” at 5 p.m. Sunday at Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 2101 W. Reeker St. The concert is free and open to the public. Porter is a founding member, leading vocalist, songwriter, and producer of the legendary group, The Christianaires, according to https://www.porterboyentertainment.com/. At the Sunday concert, Dee Clay and other announcers will serve as hosts. Guests will also include the Shaw Boyz, Pastor T.W. Scott and the Singing Revs, Mario Clifton Sr. and the Clifton Boys, Joe and the Spiritual Disciples and Unity of Praiz Praise Dancers. The Rev. Glenn Barnes is the pastor at Pine Hill.
Monday, June 17
Civic panel to meet Monday
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission will hold an in-person special called meeting regarding staffing at 2 p.m. Monday, according to a news release. Participants may call the Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600, requesting to join the conference call or send an email requesting information to join. Details: receptionist@pinebluff.com.
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 Caregiving and the speaker will be Louise Spaunhurst, Alzheimer’s Association Arkansas Chapter volunteer and education facilitator. To attend virtually, visit https://alz-org.zoom.us/j/97274602333?pwd=pr9G55O8qNfjfM16w1cNLVNKsbaIMv.1 and use Meeting ID: 972 7460 2333 with Passcode: 593925 or One tap mobile at +16469313860,,97274602333#,,,,*593925# U.S. Details: Carolyn Ferguson at Area Agency, (870) 543-6309.
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
PB quilter’s guild to meet
The Pine Bluff Quilter’s Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. June 18 at First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel St. The program, which will be presented by Sylvia Ngar, will be on needle turn appliqué. Information about the day retreat to be held June 25-27 at First Baptist will be available. Dianne Graham will lead the “question of the month” discussion and there will be a sign-up sheet for the Oct. 8 workshop. Show-and-tell, along with fat quarter and door prize drawings will be held after the business meeting, according to a news release. Visitors are invited to attend.
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.
Wednesday, June 19
Juneteenth closings set
Several agencies will be closed June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.
Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices
Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices
Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System
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, 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
JRMC to hold blood drive
Jefferson Regional Medical Center will hold a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 20 in south classrooms 2-3. Donors will receive a Team Donor T-shirt and one ticket to Magic Springs while supplies last, according to a flier. To make an appointment or for details, visit obi.org or call 877-340-8777.
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.
JRMC to hold blood drive
Jefferson Regional Medical Center will hold a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 20 in south classrooms 2-3. Donors will receive a Team Donor T-shirt and one ticket to Magic Springs while supplies last, according to a flier. To make an appointment or for details, visit obi.org or call (877) 340-8777.
Saturday, June 22
ACO plans catfish dinner fundraiser
Pine Bluff Arkansas Community Organizations will hold a catfish dinner fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 22 at the National Trusted Partners for Christ, 2101 E. Sixth Ave. Catfish filet dinners will be $15 per plate. Sides include potato salad or cole slaw and baked beans. Sodas are available for $1 each. Cake can be purchased for $1.50 per slice. Orders must be picked up. No delivery service will be available. Call your orders in to Rosetta Madison at (870) 360-1934. Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Pine Bluff Branch NAACP ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technology and Scientific Olympics) contestants’ trip to the National ACT-SO Academic Olympics July 10-15 in Las Vegas, Nev., according to StuffinTheBluff.com.
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 entry deadline has passed. 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 Saturday, June 22
Ceramic Handbuilding workshop set
The ARTx3 Campus will host a ceramics workshop led by Jennifer Solano from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays, 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.
Sunday, June 23
New Community sets Kingdom Builders service
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will host its Kingdom Builders program at 6 p.m. June 23. The speaker will be Sandra Hope, a member of New Community. The pastor/apostle is Patrick Lockett.
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.
Wednesday, June 26
Rice board to meet in Stuttgart
The Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board will meet June 26 begining at 8:30 a.m. at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart. A tour of the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center will be held from 8:30-10 a.m. Those interested in participating in the tour must register in advance by 5 p.m. June 24 at 2024 Dale Bumpers Rice Research Center Tour (cognitoforms.com). The business meeting will start at 10 a.m. at the UADA Rice Research and Extension Center. For those wishing to join the meeting virtually via Zoom, visit https://arkansas-gov.zoom.us/j/88557534823pwd=bVLhLymsVIHaNo0gUYbdaT4MciYMb0.1. Use Meeting ID: 885 5753 4823 and Passcode: 642933 or One tap mobile at +19294362866,,88557534823#,,,,*642933# US.
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.
Beginning Friday, June 28
Women’s victory conference set
The Women on Spiritual Assignment Victory Conference 2024 will be held June 28-30 at Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 2121 W. 26th Ave. June 28 — A Victory Musical Kickoff reception begins at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall followed by the musical at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. June 29 — The victory conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The registration is $25 per person. Continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Guest panelists include Lola Thrower, Margarette Williams, Britany Dodson and Connie Tindell. June 30 — The Lord’s Day Worship Experience will be held at 2 p.m. Cleo Cooper of Mt. Gayle Missionary Baptist Church will be the guest speaker. Bessie Lancelin will be the guest director for the conference choir. Details: Jackie Flowers, (870) 540-7116 or jfsfflowers@gmail.com; Monica Griffin at (870) 643-7266; or Justin Harmon at (501) 672-3376.
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 and 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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.