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 21
DAV plans virtual career fair
Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the National Virtual Veterans Career Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active-duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve. More than 90 employers will participate. Veterans can utilize free career counseling and resume assistance, network with fellow veterans and military personnel, and get support with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and claims assistance. To register, visit jobs.dav.org.
Quilters guild to meet
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Pine Bluff Quilter’s Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. May 21 at First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel St. The program will be presented by Kim Bradley on “How to Stop Bleeding,” according to a news release. Newcomers are invited to attend.
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.
Wednesday, May 22
Housing board to meet
The Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will hold its board of commissioners meeting Wednesday at noon at the authority, 2503 Belle Meade. Details: 870) 541-0706.
Civic Auditorium panel to meet
There will be a in-person meeting for the Civic Auditorium Complex Commission at noon May 22, according to a news release. For those who cannot attend, a conference call will be available. Call the Pine Bluff Convention Center at (870) 536-7600 and request to join the call or send an email to receptionist@pinebluff.com.
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, May 22
First Missionary hosts revival
First Missionary Baptist Church, 4500 Faucett Road, will conduct its 2024 Spring Revival at 7 p.m. May 22-23. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Renice Davis, pastor of Bethany Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. The theme is “Kingdom Reset” (Matthew 6:33).
U of A board to meet at Stuttgart
The board of trustees of the University of Arkansas will hold its regularly scheduled board meetings in person and via videoconference May 22-23 at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas Stuttgart Campus. The meetings will be held at the Grand Prairie Center (Salon B), located at 2807 US-165 in Stuttgart, according to news release. Details: https://uasys.edu/leadership/board-of-trustees/meetings/.
Thursday, May 23
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. May 23. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. May 22, 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. The main office of the Little Rock VA Regional Office is located at 2200 Fort Roots Drive in North Little Rock and open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Veteran Assist Phone Line, 501-370-3829, is staffed Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
GOP to meet May 23
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will meet at 6 p.m. May 23 at Larry’s Pizza in White Hall, according to a news release.
Friday, May 24
Fred T to appear at Catfish blues
Fred T & The Band will perform at the Catfish Friday Blues & Soul Night from 6-9 p.m. May 24 at the Freedom & Blues Exhibit inside the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. Held on the fourth Friday of every month, Catfish Friday Blues & Soul Night is a live music series sponsored by the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission/Explore Pine Bluff and is free to the public.
Beginning Friday, May 24
Black Pilots conduct annual event
The Black Pilots of America will touch down again in Pine Bluff for their annual fly-in event, Operation Skyhook on Memorial Day weekend. Member chapters from all corners of the country converge at historic Grider Field at Pine Bluff Regional Airport for a weekend of aviation competition and camaraderie, according to a news release. The activities begin on May 24 at 9:30 a.m. with the official Welcome to Pine Bluff, followed by the Pilot Proficiency Competition at 11:15 a.m. On May 25, the Flour Bomb Drop begins at 10 a.m. and the Balloon Burst and Spot Landing Competition will begin at 10 a.m. May 26. Immediately following the daily competitions, BPA members volunteer to give free airplane rides – “Young Eagle” flights – to hundreds of until 5 p.m. Operation Skyhook events at Grider Field have free admission. Grider Field Restaurant will be open May 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and May 25-26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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.
Tuesday, May 28
St. John plans gardening event
The Lay Organization of St. John A.M.E. Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., invites the community to attend a workshop on “Container Gardening” at 3 p.m. May 28. The Central Arkansas Sphinx Foundation will make a presentation. Advantages of Container Gardening: It saves space. It’s ideal for those who have small gardens and patios. It’s affordable. Almost anything can be used as a container. It’s practical. Container gardening minimizes the workload. It’s movable. It’s protective, according to a news release. Sharon Fletcher is the lay president and the Rev. Chestine Sims Jr. is the pastor at St. John AME.
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.
Saturday, June 1
Cook ‘n’ Swap set at ASC
The first Community Cook ‘n’ Swap will be held from 2-4 p.m. June 1 inside the Creative Construction Zone at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., part of the ARTx3 Campus. The event is free and open to all ages, according to a news release. Community members are invited to bring their favorite dessert and a copy of the recipe to share. They will leave with copies of their favorite recipes from the event. Bethany Gere, ARTx3’s public programs coordinator, organizes and hosts the event. Capacity is limited to 15 people, so registration is requested at artx3.org/all-events/community-cook-n-swap or by calling (870) 536-3375. For more information about this class, contact Gere at bgere@artx3.org.
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.
Tuesday, June 4
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.
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.
Beginning Monday, June 10
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.