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.
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.
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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, June 27
Civic panel sets interviews
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission will hold a called meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday to conduct interviews for the executive director’s position of the Pine Bluff Convention Center. This is a closed session and will not be recorded, according to a news release.
GOP meets June 27
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will meet at 6 p.m. June 27 at Larry’s Pizza in White Hall, according to a news release.
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.
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 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.
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.
Saturday, June 29
Russ NAACP to meet
The Carnell Russ Branch NAACP Quarterly Meeting will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at 404 Cook Street in Star City. Refreshments will be served. Topics will be community trends and inclusivity, according to a news release.
Ceramic Handbuilding workshop set
The ARTx3 Campus will host a ceramics workshop led by Jennifer Solano from noon to 3 p.m. 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.
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.
Sunday, June 30
Kings Highway honors retiring pastor, wife
Kings Highway Missionary Baptist Church, 2312 W. Fluker Ave., will honor its pastor and wife, the Rev. Anthony J. Howard and Julia A. Howard, with a Retirement Worship Service at 10:45 a.m. June 30. The guest preacher will be the Rev. Lorenzo Jones IV, senior pastor of the Mount Gilead Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. “The public is invited to join us as we say thank you and bid them farewell,” a spokesman said.
Word of Faith welcomes friends, families
Word of Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1108 S. Poplar St., welcomes everyone to its Family and Friends Day on June 30. Sunday School begins at 9:45 a.m. and worship service starts at 10:45 a.m. The message will be by the pastor, Henry Land Jr.
Thursday, July 4
City to host fireworks display
The 4th of July Celebration will take place at the softball complex in Pine Bluff Regional Park, according to Kerry Battle, director of the Pine Bluff Festival Association. The evening will start at 8 p.m. with Laron Marbley of Deltaplex Radio’s The Beat 99.3 FM playing music. Then, southeast Arkansas’ largest fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Admission is free. There will be limited parking near the softball complex as well as at Saracen Landing. Parking will also be available at the Jefferson County Courthouse parking lot and surrounding areas. In case of severe weather, the fireworks will only be available for viewing at the complex at 9 p.m. July 5. Details: (870) 536-0920.
VFW sets hot dog giveaway
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4455 at 1518 E. Harding Ave., will host its annual Independence Day Hot Dog Giveaway from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 4. VFW is accepting donations from individuals, businesses, and other non-profit agencies that would like to contribute this and future programs. Donations can be dropped off at the post or by contacting Matthew Yarnell, Toys for Tots coordinator, at (509) 675-3420 or pine.bluff.ar@toysfortots.org.
Friday, July 5
Live@5: Platinum Hitz to appear at ASC
Patrons are invited to get into the swing with R&B and jazz band Platinum Hitz from 5-7 p.m. July 5, set to perform at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas’s Catherine M. Bellamy stage, 701 S. Main St. Entry is $5 for ARTx3 members and $10 for nonmembers. Guests must be 21 or older. Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and snacks are provided by the Live@5 sponsor, MK Distributors. The long-running Live@5 concert series is home to live jazz, blues, and rock & roll at 5 p.m. on the first Friday of each month, according to a news release.
Beginning Friday, July 5
Small Works on Paper opens 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 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.
Sunday, July 7
New Community reschedules Women’s Day
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., rescheduled its Women’s Day service to 2:30 p.m. July 7. The featured speaker will be Jenise Sandy Todd, a local pastor. A Women’s Day choir will sing. Choir rehearsal will be held at 6 p.m. July 2 and July 5. The original service was cancelled because of a power outage in the community June 9.
Beginning Monday, July 8
LIHEAP to begin 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. The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas released a statement Monday reminding Arkansans that this financial assistance for their electricity bills will soon be available. Households can find a location to apply for LIHEAP at https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/caad.aspx
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.
Beginning Monday, July 8
Hip-Hop Camp set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Epiphany “Big Piph” Morrow who will help teens harness the energy of hip-hop and rap to transform their feelings and struggles into lyrics. This camp is from 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday, July 8-12. It is for ages 12-17, with a maximum capacity of 15 students. Through The ARTx3 Campus’s Adopt-Camper drive, parents or guardians who submit a scholarship form may have the cost of the camp waived, which is $100 for ARTx3 members and $120 for nonmembers. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Poetry Camp set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Jasmine Harris who will lead this camp focusing on poetry and the spoken word, and how rhythm and rhymes can help develop a love of language. This camp is from 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, July 8-12. It is for ages 12-17, with a maximum capacity of 15 students. Through the Adopt-A-Camper drive, parents or guardians who submit a scholarship form may have the cost of the camp waived, which is $100 for ARTx3 members and $120 for nonmembers. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
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
Movement and Agility class set
The ARTx3 Campus will host the workshop Movement and Agility, led by exercise therapist Lauren Robertson. Designed for women ages 30 and older, this functional strength-building class aims to increase strength, mobility, balance, flexibility, and confidence. The workshop is from 11 a.m. to noon July 12 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The cost is $15 for ARTx3 members and $20 for nonmembers, ages 30 and older. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/movement-agility-july-2024 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
ART WORKS Presents: Comedic Relief — July 12
The ARTx3 Campus invites the community to a night of laughter from 6-8 p.m. July 12 at ART WORKS Presents: Comedic Relief. The event is at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. Attendees 16 and older can show off their comedic stylings during the open-mic section, and enjoy two sets by host The Frisco Kid. Beer and wine will be available for purchase for patrons over the age of 21. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks will also be available. Entry is $5 for ARTx3 members and $10 for nonmembers. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
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.
Tuesday, July 16
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.