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.
Monday, June 3
100 Families Alliance sets meeting
The community is invited to attend the Jefferson County 100 Families Alliance Meeting at 11:30 a.m. Monday at The Generator, 435 S. Main St. A new initiative, 100 Families, is being launched in Jefferson County. To help people learn more about how to work together to solve problems, this community impact meeting has been scheduled. Paul Chapman, executive director of Restore Hope Arkansas, will discuss “The Power of Collective Impact.” The mission of Restore Hope Arkansas is to reduce incarceration and the need for foster care through a community-driven approach, according to the website. Pine Bluff Police Chief Denise Richardson will be the special guest, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The meeting is free and open to the general public. Details: LaTisha Brunson, (870) 543-5903 or lbrunson@seark.edu.
Begins Monday, June 3
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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.
Grand Prairie site holds art camp
The Arts Center of the Grand Prairie at Sttugart announced its 2024 Summer Art Camps. Events are scheduled Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to noon, according to a news release. Camps are held: Camp One K through 5th Grade June 3; Camp Two K through 5th Grade June 17; Camp Three K through 5th Grade July 8. Tuition is $75. Students participate in three classes every morning taught by professional artist teachers covering ceramics and a variety of art mediums. Class size is limited, so participants are asked to enroll soon. Open enrollment is underway. For details, send an email to arts001@centurytel.net or visit the website at www.grandprairiearts.com.
Tuesday, June 4
NPC, UAM to announce nursing degree
National Park College of Hot Springs and the University of Arkansas at Monticello will announce the addition of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to their partnership. The announcement will be made at 1 p.m. June 4 in the Frederick M. Dierks Center for Nursing and Health Sciences at NPC. Leaders from UAM and NPC will speak, along with the president of CHI St. Vincent Hospital Hot Springs and chief medical officer for the health system, Dr. Doug Ross. The event is free and open to the public, according to a news release.
Audubon Society sets picnic
The Three Rivers Audubon Society will host its annual picnic June 4. Participants will meet at 9 a.m. at the Lake Saracen parking lot at the beginning of the walking trail. They will carpool to Arkansas Post. Participants should bring their own brown bag lunch, drinks and binoculars, according to a news release.
Art league reception to feature WH couple
Husband wife, Paul Owens and Gail Greenstreet of White Hall, are exhibiting artwork at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., at Pine Bluff. The two members of the Pine Bluff Art League will be guests at a reception from 5-6:30 p.m. June 4 at the center. The art league invites the community to attend. The art league installed its new “Flower Exhibition” during the May 5 meeting at the Reynolds center. This exhibition will remain up through July 13. The community is invited to see the diverse selection of works by area artists centered around “Flowers” in pastel, acrylic, alcohol ink and more art mediums, according to a news release.
Wednesday, June 5
OEM plans preparedness event
The Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshop will be held at 10 a.m. June 5 in the McGeorge Hall Seminar Room of Southeast Arkansas College, according to the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management. The purpose of the workshop is to identify and set preparedness priorities and to schedule preparedness activities for the multi-year Integrated Preparedness Plan for Jefferson County, according to the news release. Attendees should RSVP as lunch will be provided. Details: Karen Blevins, director, Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management/911, (870) 541-5470.
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.
Friday, June 7
Gun Violence Awareness event set
The city of Pine Bluff will join cities across the nation in observing Wear Orange National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Pine Bluff Group Violence Intervention and other local organizations will lead the event. Local residents are encouraged to wear orange to honor survivors and victims of gun violence, according to a news release. The observance will feature speakers, workshops on conflict resolution, games, interactions with law enforcement, music, additional resources for citizens, free food and refreshments, and vendors. “Please wear the color orange and bring a child, teen and/or young adult with you,” said GVI Director Kevin Crumpton Sr. “Join us as we work together to better Pine Bluff, with our voices, and through our actions.”
Live@5 features Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain
Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain will perform at the Live@5 concert from 5-7 p.m. June 7, in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St., a program of the ARTx3 Campus. The band has deep roots in blues, bluegrass, funk, jazz and rock. It features vocalist Taylor, multi-instrumentalist Matthew Stone, keyboardist Stuart Baer, bass player Dr. Bruce Johnston, percussionist John Roach and saxophonist Dave Williams II, according to a news release. Entry is $5 for ARTx3 members and $10 for nonmembers. Admission is paid at the door. Complimentary beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages are included. This event is for ages 21 and older. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Saturday, June 8
ARTx3 hosts ART ROCKS
The ARTx3 Campus is kicking off the summer season with free activities for all ages. ART ROCKS: Summer Kickoff is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 8 in the ART Yard at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Visitors can create mood paintings, sing and dance to karaoke music, and enjoy complimentary popsicles and drinks, according to a news release. This event is sponsored by the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation and a Kenneth Reams Arts for Justice Grant. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
St. John to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to those in need June 8 from 9 a.m. until all food has been distributed. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. Pickup will be in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks.
Pilgrim to open pantry
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open its pantry June 8 from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be distributed on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and an equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
Through Saturday, June 8
Grace Community sets outdoor revival
Grace Community Church of the Nazarene, 2400 W. 31st Ave., will conduct its Grace Evangelistic Crusade at 6 p.m. June 2-7. The pastor, the Rev. Robert Anderson, invites the community to this outdoor service. If there is rain, the service will be moved inside. Also, at 6 p.m. June 8, the church will host a block party barbecue. “Come and fellowship with us,” a spokesman said.
Sunday, June 9
New Community observes Women’s Day
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will celebrate Women’s Day on June 9. At 11 a.m., the featured speaker will be Taccara Goodwin, a member of New Community. At 2:30 p.m., the guest speaker will be Jenise Sandy Todd, a local pastor. The guest choir director will be Donna Huskey. New Community also has children’s church at 11 a.m. Sundays in the fellowship hall, prayer at noon on weekdays, and Bible Study at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. The community is invited to attend. The pastor/apostle is Patrick Lockett Sr.
Monday, June 10
UAM sets freshman registration
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will offer a fall 2024 class registration event June 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for first-time freshmen and new transfer students who have submitted necessary materials to the Office of Admissions. Students will also have the option to visit any office related to attending school in the fall. Parents and legal guardians are welcome, 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: (870) 460-1026 or admissionsoffice@uamont.edu.
Beginning Monday, June 10
Youth fire camp open
The Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services Department will conduct a free Junior Fire Camp from June 10-14. Sessions will be held Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Detective Kevin D. Collins Center (old public library) in the civic center. Registration is required. Monday through Thursday snacks and lunch are provided. Friday is Fun Day and awards. The camp is designed for boys and girls ages 13-15 to experience what it’s like to be a firefighter as well as learn about fire safety. Details: www.pineblufffire.com or Lt. Larry Murray at (870) 730-2048.
Trinity to host youth camp
Trinity’s Community Learning Center Summer Youth Camp will be held June 10 through Aug. 9 at Trinity annex building, 2900 W. Sixth Ave.. Registration is open for youth ages five to 18, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Sessions are scheduled for Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are included. The camp will feature field trip, mathematics. liturgical dance, Vacation Bible School, swimming, arts and crafts, social media, sports, money management 101, scripture memorization, and public speaking on the book of Proverbs,. The cost is $125 per person. Space is limited. The deadline to register is June 1. Details: (870) 692-1127.
Beginning Tuesday, June 11
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 fund-raising luncheon
YouthPartners 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 fund-raising 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 YouthPartners/Imagination Library, at (870) 718-0654 or (870) 534-8251 or email imaginationlibrary@pbreynoldscenter.org.
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.
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
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
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.
Wednesday, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.