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, May 14
TOPPS to provide food boxes
TOPPS Inc., 1000 Townsend Drive, will give away food boxes at 10 a.m. Tuesday on a drive-through basis, and it will be first-come, first-served. To receive a food box, participants will need to provide proof of address. Only one box will be given per household. Please note that this will be the last distribution until Aug. 13, according to a news release. Details: Annette Howard Dove, TOPPS founder/director, (870) 850-6011.
A&P to meet May 14
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. May 14 at the A&P Commission offices, 623 S. Main St., according to a news release.
Wednesday, May 15
UAPB plans STEM, special ed teacher event
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Education will host a STEM and Special Education Teacher Capacity Building Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 15 at the UAPB STEM Conference Center. The keynote luncheon speaker will be Andrea D. Jasper, PhD, immediate past president of the Council for Exceptional Children. The conference is free and open to the public. To register, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/e64ha7s. The CBC conference is a unique opportunity for teachers, school districts, superintendents, principals, and educational cooperatives in Jefferson County and southeast Arkansas to gain insights from Jasper’s expertise as well as to contribute to addressing the critical need for STEM and special education teachers in Arkansas, according to a news release.
Low-income home repair topic at town hall
Low-income homeowners may apply for emergency repair to their properties through the city’s Emergency Rehabilitation Program. The application period is open until May 21. The city of Pine Bluff’s Economic & Community Development Department will host a community town hall to review the Emergency Rehabilitation Program. The meeting will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. May 15 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The department administers federal grant funding to provide emergency repair to properties owned and occupied as the primary residence for low-income homeowners, according to a news release. Interested residents should attend the town hall to learn more about the Emergency Rehabilitation Program. Details: Economic & Community Development Department, (870) 543-1820.
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.
Thursday, May 16
Extension homemakers set recruitment event
Jefferson County residents are invited to “What is EHC? Connecting the Home and Community.” This extension homemakers’ community membership recruitment event will be held from 3:30 -7:00 p.m. Thursday at the Pine Bluff Library, 600 S. Main St., according to Chairman Dot Hart. If you have questions related to EHC, foods and nutrition, financial management, wellness, or child care/parenting, contact Kizer at mkizer@uada.edu or phone (870) 534-1033 or follow her on Facebook at UAEXJefferonCoFCSMaryAnnKizer.
Casino official to address retired teachers group
The Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association will meet at 11:30 a.m. May 16 in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The guest speaker will be Carlton Saffa, chief market officer of Saracen Casino Resort. JCRTA member reservations are required for the complimentary luncheon to be provided by Rice First Class Catering. For more information on JCRTA and to make luncheon reservations call (870) 543-0127.
SEARK holds graduation
Southeast Arkansas College will conduct its 2024 commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. May 16 in the Pine Bluff Convention Center arena. Ernie Murry will be the commencement speaker, according to a news release. Murry, a member of Arkansas’ 1990 NCAA Final Four basketball team, is from Wabbaseka and is currently in medical sales in Little Rock. SEARK will confer 361 degrees and certificates, honoring the Summer and Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduates.
Christian Women’s Connection sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 16 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Pat Smith of Lancaster, Texas, an educator and author of “Roots and Branches,” her memoirs. At the luncheon, Smith will discuss “Finding Pearls” and give an art presentation, according to a news release. The luncheon costs $21, which includes the 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. Participants will be charged for reservations not kept.
Young Professionals Mixer set
The ARTx3 Campus invites young professionals to Let’s Link: Young Professionals Mixer from 6:30-8:30 p.m. May 16, at The ARTSpace on Main. This event is for ages 18-35 and is free to attend. “This event connects new and younger businesses in the community to foster mentorship, networking and support for their businesses. This unique networking opportunity mimics speed dating but with business cards. Young professionals will also have the opportunity to set up information tables (limited availability) to further link and explore professional connections with a social hour and drinks,” according to the release. Registration is required at artx3.org/all-events/lets-link-may-2024. Details: J. Tyler Lewis at jtlewis@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Friday, May 17
ART WORKS to host Karaoke
The ARTx3 Campus invites the community to ART WORKS Presents: Karaoke from 6-8 p.m. May 17 at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. The event was rescheduled from May 10. “Participants will step into the spotlight and have a moment to shine. Seasoned performers and first-timers are welcome to belt out their favorite tunes solo and grab friends to sing their hearts out and dazzle the crowd,” according to the news release. This event is for guests 16 and older. Entry is $5 for ARTx3 members and $10 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Golden Hour: Wisdom in Bloom set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Golden Hour: Wisdom in Bloom from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17 at the ARTSpace on Main. This event is for ages 50 and older and is free. Gardening enthusiasts and beginners are welcome to hone their gardening skills in a collaborative environment and assist in cultivating the vertical garden project surrounding the campus’s ART Yard. Attendees are invited to bring 2-liter bottles to make space- and water-saving planters to encourage this reuse greenspace shared by the community. To register, visit.artx3.org/all-events/golden-hour-wisdom-in-bloom. Details: J. Tyler Lewis at jtlewis@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Through Friday, May 17
UAM to continue Special Ed Teacher Academy
The Arkansas Department of Education approved the University of Arkansas at Monticello for funding to continue as a Special Education Resource Teacher Academy during the 2024-2025 academic year. For the 2024-2025 academic year, UAM has received a grant to sponsor 30 teachers to obtain their K-6 or 7-12 Special Education Resource Teacher Endorsement. This includes full tuition and fees for 12 hours of graduate credit, all books and materials and the cost of one application of the Praxis exam. Applications will be accepted until May 17 and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. All requirements must be met by the end of April 2025. The first meeting will be held June 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 102 of the Student Success Center at UAM. This is a mandatory meeting. Details: Deborah Givhan at givhan@uamont.edu.
Saturday, May 18
Trinity Village sets festival fundraiser
An Adopt-a-Need Spring Festival Fundraiser will be held at Trinity Village, 6400 Trinity Drive, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 18. “Adopt-A-Need was created to help our residents who don’t have outside resources, fulfill their daily needs such as soap, lotion, toothbrushes, socks, etc…So please, purchase a space, display your wares, and help us make this fundraiser a big success,” a spokesman said in a news release. For vendors to reserve space or for more details contact Pat Raley, (870) 879-3113.
Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play set
Ages 3-6 are invited to Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me! with Melanie Madkin from 11 a.m. to noon May 18, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, part of the ARTx3 Campus. “Madkin, of Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Program, aims to foster a love of the wonderful world of literacy in a quiet and nurturing environment,” according to the release. This event is free but registration is requested at artx3.org/all-events/come-read-sing-dance-and-play-may-2024. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Yoga in the Loft features meditation
The ARTx3 Campus hosts Yoga in the Loft on the third Saturday of the month in The ARTSpace on Main from 1:30-3 p.m. The next session is May 18 with the theme “Meditation May.” “Participants will immerse themselves in gentle stretches, mindful breathing, and soothing meditation techniques to cultivate balance, flexibility, and mental clarity. Suitable for all levels, this class harmonizes one’s mind, body and spirit to foster tranquility and well-being,” according to the release. This event is for ages 13 and older. It is part of the ARTx3 Campus Flex Pay program with a minimum cost of $5, $15 recommended. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/yoga-in-the-loft-may-2024. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 395-7059.
Begining Saturday, May 18
Area Agency sets fan drive
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will host its Beat the Heat Annual Fan Drive May 18 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, May 19
Grapevine Memorial Service set
The annual meeting for the Grapevine Cemetery Memorial will be held May 19 at Sardis Baptist Church following the church’s 11 a.m. worship service. After the memorial service, there will be a potluck fellowship meal. The event will include grave decorations before morning service. “We encourage anyone connected to the Grapevine Cemetery to come join in the celebration,” according to a news release. The Grapevine Cemetery Association is a registered tax-exempt organization, and donations are tax deductible. If unable to attend, contributors to the upkeep of the cemetery can send donations to: Grapevine Cemetery/Treasurer, 9310 Grant 14, Pine Bluff, AR 71603.
Underway
Classic tailgate packages available
The Southern Heritage Classic at the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn., will feature the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions against the Tennessee State University Tigers on Sept. 14. Premium packages for the Classic Tailgate went on sale May 3 at https://bit.ly/445YlhV. “Be ready to secure your space for this unforgettable event that highlights friends, food and football,” according to a news release. For additional tailgate/RV information, visit https://bit.ly/3UlAyr9. Details: www.southernheritageclassic.com.
Monday, May 20
PB school board sets meeting
The Pine Bluff School Board will meet at 6:30 p.m. May 20 in the boardroom of the Jordan Chanay administrative building, 1215 W. Pullen St., according to a news release.
Beginning Monday, May 20
McGehee slates school board meetings
McGehee School Board meetings will be held at 5 p.m. May 20 and July 15 at the high school library. Details: (870) 222-3670 or www.mcgeheeschools.org.
Tuesday, May 21
3rd Ward neighbors to meet
The 3rd Ward Community Watch residents will meet at 6 p.m. May 21 at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave., according to a news release.
Johnny Cash topic at DAR
The Pine Bluff – John McAlmont Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet at 1:30 p.m. May 21 at the Lakeside United Methodist Church Center, 1500 S. Laurel St. The program will be “The Johnny Cash Statue in the Capitol’s Statutory Hall in Washington, D. C.” The presenter will be Rita and Wayne Cash of Pine Bluff, who are relatives of Johnny Cash. The hostesses of the meeting will be Sabrina Self and Claire Holmes, according to a news release.
Saturday, May 25
ARTSpace hosts Game on Main
Youths are invited to Game on Main from 1-3 p.m. May 25 at The ARTSpace on Main, part of the ARTx3 Campus. This free event is for students in fifth through 12th grades. “From epic gaming sessions to hands-on experiences with 3D printing, this monthly workshop offers a unique fusion of entertainment and education,” according to the release. Teens can engage in games, tackle homework, and explore the world of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 395-7059.
Through Friday, May 31
UAM Kids’ University set July 8-11
UAM Kids’ University will be held at the University of Arkansas at Monticello from July 8-11. Early registration is open through May 31. The summer enrichment program is a day camp is offered for students entering grades 1-3 from 9 a.m. to noon. Students entering grades 4-6 will attend from 1-5 p.m. An early drop-off option is available for both sessions. For those who pay by May 31, the registration fee is $80. Checks made payable to “UAM Kids’ University” can be mailed to Attn: Rebecca Newton, P.O. Box 3608, Monticello, AR 71656. Payments may also be made over the phone by contacting the UAM Cashier’s Office at (870) 460-1043. Details: Rebecca Newton at kidsu@uamont.edu or call (870) 460-1596.
Transportation, trails forms available
Applications for the Arkansas Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and the Arkansas Recreational Trails Program (RTP) are available, according to the Arkansas Highway Commission. Virtual seminars will occur on March 14 and April 2 to inform potential eligible applicants of TAP and RTP requirements and responsibilities. Project applications and registration are available at ardot.gov/TAP or ardot.gov/RTP. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. May 31. Also, applications may be submitted year-round for Motorized RTP projects. Details: ardot.gov/RTP.
Century Farm applications available
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2024 Arkansas Century Farm Program until May 31. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. The program is voluntary and there is no cost to apply, according to a news release. Online and printable applications are available at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/. Applications must be received via email at beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov or postmarked by May 31 to be eligible for designation as a 2024 inductee. Details: Beth Moore, (501) 539-4027.
Beginning Saturday, June 1
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: June 1, Kent Burnside Band; 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 Saturday, June 1
Technical Theater Workshop
The ARTx3 Campus will host a four-session Technical Theater Workshop with J. Tyler Lewis from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, May 4, 11, 18, and June 1, at ART WORKS on Main. This workshop is sponsored by a Kenneth Reams Arts for Justice Grant. This event is for ages 16 and older. The cost is $5 for each session and $20 for the series. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/technical-theater-workshop. For more information, contact Lewis at jtlewis@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Begins Monday, June 3
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.