Editor’s Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com or use our newsroom email pbcnews@adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Sunday, Sept. 1
Mount Moriah hosts anniversary
Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church of Gould will celebrate its 108th anniversary along with Friends and Family Day on Sept. 1 at 2:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Joshua Pickett, pastor of Grace and Mercy Baptist Church of Pine Bluff, accompanied by his congregation. Everyone is welcome to help celebrate this occasion. The Rev. Phillip Puckett is the pastor of Mount Moriah.
Monday, Sept. 2
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Labor Day closings set
Several agencies have announced plans to observe Labor Day, Sept. 2. Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices will be closed. Pine Bluff City Hall will be closed. Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will be closed. Southeast Arkansas Transportation (SEAT) will still transport cancer and dialysis patients to appointments. Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System will be closed. Waste Management customers scheduled for garbage pickup Sept. 2-6 will be serviced one day late next week due to Labor Day. State Capitol offices and state buildings will be closed. However, the state Capitol building will be open to the public from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., according to a news release.
Through Monday, Sept. 2
Cirque Italia appears at Hestand Stadium
Cirque Italia announces a new production, a captivating story about Rafael, a farm boy swept away by a tornado who lands in the heart of the city’s chaos. The coming performances are scheduled for Aug. 29-Sept. 2 under the white and blue Big Top tent at the Hestand Stadium parking lot, 420 N. Blake St. Cirque Italia contributes to the modernization of the performing arts and the circus industry by abiding by a strict animal-free policy, according to the release. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30; 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31; 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sept. 1; and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2. Tickets are available at cirqueitalia.com/tickets; by phone: (941) 704-8572 (text messages are accepted); on-site box office hours, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 27-28 and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 29-Sept. 2.
Tuesday, Sept. 3
Ivy Center sets event on youth crime
The Ivy Center for Education Inc. will present a Youth Crime Prevention Workshop from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System’s main library, 600 S. Main St. The presenters will be Jefferson County sheriff’s Capt. Yohance Brunson and team. All 7-12th graders are encouraged to attend. The session will also be held virtually using Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. For details, students or parents may email Ivy Center President Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
Fire department celebrates promotions
Pine Bluff Fire Chief Shauwn Howell announced the promotions of several members of the Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department. A ceremony celebrating the promotions will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 4 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The public is welcome to attend, according to a news release.
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, Sept. 5
Art League display opens with reception
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host the 2024 Pine Bluff Art League Annual Exhibition, opening Sept. 5. Celebrate this year’s artists during a free opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Arts & Science Center. Little Rock artist and educator Margo Duvall will award best-in-show, first-, second- and third-place prizes and honorable mention at 6 p.m., according to a news release. Pieces from the exhibition will be available for purchase. The exhibition will remain on display in the International Paper Gallery through Oct. 28. Gallery admission is free. The Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co. is sponsoring the exhibition, and drinks are sponsored by MK Distributors. For details, visit artx3.org/exhibitions/2024-pine-bluff-art-league-exhibition.
Beginning Thursday, Sept. 5
Generator plans business workshops
The Generator, 435 S. Main St., will host free Build a Business workshops, according to a news release. Workshops will include Finances at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 5; and Strategy at 9 a.m. Sept. 14. To register or for details, call (479) 443-2700 or visit ar-mbda.org.
Friday, Sept. 6
Live@5 features Platinum Hitz
Patrons are invited to get into the swing with R&B and jazz band Platinum Hitz from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 6 at The ARTSpace on Main’s ART Yard, 623 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 to 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.
Saturday, Sept. 7
Painting with PAWS set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Painting with PAWS from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 7 at The ARTSpace on Main. Patrons are invited to bring their canine companion, create a unique paw painting with pet-safe ink and then take home the framed keepsake print. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be dedicated to supporting the local animal shelter. The cost is $15 for ARTx3 members and $20 for nonmembers. All ages are welcome. Participants are encouraged to register in advance at artx3.org/all-events/painting-with-paws-2024. For details, contact Bethany Gere at bgere@asc701.org.
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 7
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: 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.
Playwriting Workshop set
Participants will learn how to create a play in the ARTx3 Campus’ Playwriting Workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28 and Oct. 5. The workshop is in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s new theater instructor, Taijee, will lead this five-session workshop. The cost to attend is $25. The workshop is designed for people ages 12 and older. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/playwriting-workshop. For details, contact Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Sunday, Sept. 8
New Jerusalem hosts Women’s Day
New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, 1317 S. Texas St., will celebrate its annual Women’s Day at 11 a.m. Sept. 8. The guest speaker is LaTonyalyn White. The theme is “Christian Women Continuing a Journey Encompassing Past Struggles, Triumphs, and On-going Challenges” (Proverbs 31:20-21.) The Women’s Day Choir rehearsal will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sept. 7. The pastor is the Rev. M. Kriston Wilson.
Through Sunday, Sept. 8
Walk Across Arkansas set
The registration window for the fall session is open until Sept. 8 for the Cooperative Extension Service’s biannual health initiative, Walk Across Arkansas. Arkansans are encouraged to form teams in their workplaces, neighborhoods or other communities and join the effort, according to a news release. During the eight-week session, individuals will log their daily total number of minutes of physical activity — which isn’t limited to walking. Running, gardening, playing or coaching a team sport — it all counts. The session begins Sept. 9 and will conclude Nov. 3. To register, visit https://walk.uada.edu/walk/.
Monday, Sept. 9
UAM opens PB adult education
The University of Arkansas at Monticello Adult Education Center-Pine Bluff, 3000 S. Olive St., will hold a grand opening Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free refreshments and door prizes. Arkansas’ mobile Workforce Center will be on site, according to the flier on the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter. Details: (870) 619-1164.
Tuesday, Sept. 10
Suicide prevention session set
The public is invited to Suicide Prevention: A Community Conversation at 6 p.m. Sept. 10 at 615 S. Main St., the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator. The event host is the D’Andre Seals Prevention Outreach Project, according to a news release. September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and the community conversation will feature various speakers including: Bessie Lancelin, a licensed clinical social worker and board member of DSOP; Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr.; Tabitha Jones, assistant manager of Emergency Ambulance Services Inc.; and Josh Crater, vice president of DSOP. The sponsor of this event is the Saracen Casino Resort. Details: D’Andre Seals Prevention Outreach Project’s website at https://www.thedsop.org/ or social media.
Ivy Center sets engineering, coding event
The Ivy Center for Education will present a Focus on Engineering and Coding Workshop from 6-7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Generator, 435 S. Main St., with Karl Walker of the University of Arkansaas at Pine Bluff. All 7-12th graders are encouraged to attend. The session will also be held virtually using Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. For details, students or parents may email Ivy Center President Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com.
Thursday, Sept. 12
Wreath Making Class set
The Horticulture Department of the Jefferson County Extension Service will present a Fall Wreath Making Class as a part of its Community Engagement and Beautification How to Workshop Series. The class will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the extension service, 500 Idaho St. The cost is $20 per person. All supplies will be provided. The class will be presented by County Agent Timothy Wallace of the Jefferson County Extension Service, a part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. To sign up for the class, contact the extension office at (870) 534-1033.
Beginning Thursday, Sept. 12
Post-prison board to meet
The Arkansas Post-Prison Transfer Board will hold its monthly board meetings at 9 a.m. Sept. 12 and Sept. 26 in the Richard Lee Richardson Auditorium of the parole board building in North Little Rock, according to a news release. The full calendar of hearings and meetings slated for and by the board can be found at https://portal.arkansas.gov/state_agencies/department-of-corrections-1/the-parole-board/ under Meeting Information and Hearings & Board Schedule.
Friday, Sept. 13
ARTx3 sets Movement and Agility
The ARTx3 Campus will host the community health-driven workshop Movement and Agility, led by exercise therapist Lauren Robertson. The workshop is from 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 13 at The ARTSpace on Main. “Designed for women ages 30 and older, this functional strength-building class aims to increase strength, mobility, balance, flexibility and confidence,” according to the news release. The cost to attend is $15 for ARTx3 members and $20 for nonmembers. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/movement-agility-sept-2024 or call (870) 536-3375. For more details, contact Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 395-7059.
Dance on Main with Grace McKissic set
The ARTx3 Campus invites the community to an evening of dance from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 13 during ART WORKS Presents: Dance On Main at ART WORKS on Main. Grace McKissic, choreographer of the ARTx3 Campus’ recent production of “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical,” will lead the event. Participants must be 16 or older to attend. Beer and wine will be available for purchase for guests ages 21 and older. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks will also be available. The cost to attend is $5 for ARTx3 members and $10 for nonmembers. Registration is required. Sign up at artx3.org/all-events/art-works-presents-dance. For information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Tinkerfest: Liftoff set
Liftoff with The ARTx3 Campus during Tinkerfest 2024 will be held from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 14 at The ARTSpace on Main’s ART Yard. This event is free. This year, Tinkerfest: Liftoff includes engineering and launching rockets, building hovercrafts and flying saucers. “Tinkerfest is a celebration of curiosity and creativity. It allows individuals to explore and have hands-on interactive-themed experiences,” according to the release. The event is sponsored by the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Arkansas Community Foundation. For more information, contact Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Training set for National Register
The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program will hold a training on the National Register of Historic Places at 9 a.m. Sept. 14 at the Arkansas Heritage Building in the Diamond Room in Little Rock. “The National Register of Historic Places is a program of the National Park Service that is administered in Arkansas by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program,” said Ralph Wilcox, national register and survey coordinator and deputy state historic preservation officer for the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. Details: https://www.arkansasheritage.com/events/2024/09/14/default-calendar/national-register-training.
Thursday, Sept. 19
Taste of Southeast Arkansas set
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present An Evening in Paris for the Taste of Southeast Arkansas. The taste will begin at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The cocktail hour starts at 5:30 p.m., according to the Chamber’s newsletter. Entertainment will be provided by the Rodney Block Collective. “The Taste provides samplings of food from chefs around the region along with beverages and good music,” according to the Chamber’s events’ list. Admission is $55 for Chamber members, $65 for non members, and $600 for a table. For tickets or details, contact the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce at (870) 535-0110.
Beginning Friday, Sept. 20
Smoke on the Water set Sept. 20-21
Smoke on the Water Productions’ namesake barbecue competition is returning to its birthplace, Regional Park, on Sept. 20-21. The contest touts $50,000 in guaranteed prize money. The evening of Sept. 20 will mark the start of competitive barbecue smoking among the cook teams. Cook teams will compete for cash prizes paid out to 15 places in each of four categories: brisket, chicken, pork butt and ribs. Additional cash awards will be handed out to five overall winners. The general public is invited on Sept. 21. Gates will open at noon with free admission, allowing everyone to enjoy a kids’ fun zone, craft vendors, food trucks, grilling demonstrations by the pros and refreshments by Budweiser. Live music will be presented by White Hall’s Addyson Kennedy Band, then the Jon Bailey & The Heathen Revival and ending with the headliner, Tina Cossey Band. Underwritten in part by the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission, the event’s naming sponsor is Sissy’s Log Cabin and the presenting sponsor is Saracen Casino Resort. Details: www.smokeonthewaterbbq.com.
Sunday, Sept. 22
Pleasant View honors pastor
Pleasant View Ministries Church, 1117 N. Palm St., will celebrate the 38th pastoral anniversary of the Rev. William A. Shaw Jr. at 11 a.m. Sept. 22. This service will include special guests, tributes, and music.
Friday, Sept. 27
Local UAPB alumni plan scholarship gala
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N Alumni Chapter will host its annual Scholarship Gala at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The tickets for the black tie affair are $40 each or $400 for a table of 10. With community support, the alumni chapter will be able to provide four $1,000 scholarships to students at UAPB. The scholarships will assist some students in meeting their financial obligations in college. For questions, call Robert E. Carr, first vice president and banquet chair, at (210) 334-5420, or Mary Liddell, president, at (870) 643-2383. The deadline to purchase ads for the souvenir booklet is Sept. 6 and to purchase tickets is Sept 10.
Voices for Children golf tourney set
Voices for Children will host its 20th annual golf tournament at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Registration starts at 11 a.m., according to a flier. Sponsorship opportunities are available. All proceeds will help Voices for Children continue to provide court appointed special advocates (CASA) for all foster children in Jefferson and Lincoln counties. Details: Voices for Children, (870) 850-7105, (870) 536-5922 or vfc@vfcadvocates.org.
Through Monday, Sept. 30
LIHEAP 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. Applications will be taken through Sept. 30 or until funds are depleted. The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and Entergy Arkansas released statements on this program. Households can find a location to apply for LIHEAP at https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/caad.aspx or https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/initiatives/pdfs/LIHEAP_Flyer.pdf.
Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 9
Pink luncheon, walk set
A Pretty in Pink Luncheon and Pink Out 5K are being planned. Jefferson Regional Foundation will host the Celebrating Survivorship Luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 9 at White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Tickets are $60 and proceeds benefit the Jefferson Regional Breast Center, according to a flier on the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter. Details: Laura Beth Shaner, (870) 541-7210. The Pink Out 5K will be held Oct.12. For details or to register, call the Jefferson Regional Wellness Center in Pine Bluff at (870) 541-7890. “We’re going pink this fall,” according to a flier.
Friday, Oct. 11
Gala to feature national NAACP leader
The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP will present the NAACP National President and CEO Derrick Johnson as the keynote speaker during the NAACP’s annual Dove Freedom Fund Dinner. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, according to a news release. “We are honored to welcome President Johnson to Pine Bluff,” said Ivan Whitfield, president of the Pine Bluff NAACP Branch. “His presence not only celebrates our branch’s on-going work, but also pays homage to the legacy of leaders like Harold Flowers and Wiley Branton Sr., whose efforts paved the way for national civil rights advancements.” The Dove Freedom Fund Dinner serves as a major fundraiser for the Pine Bluff NAACP Branch, supporting its on-going civil rights advocacy, community outreach, and youth programs. For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities to the Dove Freedom Fund Dinner, contact Michael McCray at (870) 543-0024 or mccray.michael@gmail.com.
Friday, Oct. 18
Small Museum Grants available
Arkansas Heritage Small Museum Grant applications for fall are due Oct. 18. Communities interested in applying for the grants are encouraged to act now. The goal of the Small Museum Grants program is to promote education, awareness and enjoyment of Arkansas history and to increase the ability of community-based small museums and organizations to research, preserve, present and conserve Arkansas history. This grant program is funded by the one-eighth cent conservation tax. Eligible organizations must have an annual operating budget of $250,000 or less; must have a staff of at least one person, either paid or volunteer; and must be open to the public at least 90 days per year. Eligible activities include buildings and grounds maintenance, operating costs, equipment purchases up to $1,000, accessioning of artifact collections, educational programming, research, exhibits and web site design and maintenance. The maximum grant award is $2,500. For details or to apply, visit https://www.arkansasheritage.com/available-grants/division-of-arkansas-heritage-grants.
Saturday, Oct. 19
White Hall hosts Founder’s Day
White Hall is preparing to host the 60th anniversary of White Hall Founder’s Day on Oct. 19. Entertainment will include Marybeth Byrd (The Voice/America’s Got Talent contestant) and The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band, according to https://www.facebook.com/whitehallar/ The community is invited to participate. “It’s a work in progress, but go to https://whitehallfoundersday.com/ and register to have a booth, food truck, be in the parade or all the above. Also, the talent page will be up and running soon. Thank you for your patience,” according to the Facebook post. Participants may also register a car for this year’s Classics in the Park Car Show at Founders Day Oct. 19. To register for the car show, call Jeff Insley at (870) 718-2316. “Also if you want to drive your car in the parade be sure to let Jeff know,” according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC/
Beginning Monday, Oct. 21
Election information, dates
Voters will decide upon the next U.S. President as well as local candidates running for city offices and school boards in the Nov. 5 General Election. OCT. 21 — Early Voting will be held at the county courthouse Oct. 21 through Nov. 4. Voting occurs Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. OCT. 29 — Deadline to receive absentee ballot applications by mail, fax, or email. NOV. 5 — Election Day — Polls will be open 7:30a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, (870) 541-5322.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Fish fry to honor agribusinesses
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a fish fry to honor Jefferson County agribusinesses. The event will be held Oct. 24 at Hestand Stadium. The gates open at 5 p.m. and dinner continues until 7 p.m. The fish fry, catered by King Kat, is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members, according to the Chamber newsletter. Sponsorships are $400 and include five meal tickets, the ability to place your company banner inside the arena, and your company name listed on all sponsorship marketing materials. If you are interested in serving as a fish fry volunteer or becoming a sponsor, contact the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Thursday, Nov. 7
Aquaculture/Fisheries day set Nov. 7
The Aquaculture/Fisheries Aquatic Sciences Day will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. This is a chance for students to learn about the wide range of opportunities in aquaculture and fisheries. The event is for all high school students, especially juniors and seniors interested in natural resources and agriculture/aquaculture careers, according to a news release. For details or to register, contact Denise Haynes at (870) 575-8094 or haynesd@uapb.edu or Cheryl Waddell at (870) 575-8968 or waddellc@uapb.edu.
Through Sunday, Dec. 1
Fund drive for artwork set
The Pine Bluff Art League will have a drawing for artwork by Richard Stephens titled “First Snow” valued at $1,000. The drawing will be held Dec. 1 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building. Funds generated from the fund drive will continue the funding of publicly accessible art league demonstrations, workshops and art recognition of community members in and around southeast Arkansas, according to a news release. For more on Stephens, visit raswatercolors.com/ and facebook.com/richard.stephens.545. Art collectors wishing to add this piece to their collection may purchase $5 raffle tickets by making a check to the Pine Bluff Art League. Mail the check and contact information, name, address, email, and phone number to the Pine Bluff Art League, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave., Box 8, Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
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.