CALENDAR

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 to make additions or changes.

Thursday, March 25 AM&N credit union sets annual meeting

Arkansas AM&N College Federal Credit Union, 1200 University Drive, will hold its annual meeting virtually Thursday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. All members of the AM&N credit union are invited to attend by Zoom, according to a news release from spokesman Calvin Matlock. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81508569415?pwd=RHAvZ093NDZiVVg0MERySWpGR0pjUT. The meeting ID is 815 0856 9415 and passcode 256623. To find a local telephone number, participants may visit https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kh6Jnrjyl.

Community blood drive set

The Arkansas Blood Institute is hosting a community Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 25 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center in the banquet hall. All blood donations will support Jefferson Regional Medical Center, according to a news release. To check eligibility or to schedule an appointment, interested people may visit https://www. yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/348517.

UAPB to host virtual horticulture conference

The 11th annual Bi-States Cooperative Extension Program Horticulture Conference will be held virtually March 25 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The conference is sponsored by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Small Farm Program and Prairie View A&M University Agriculture and Natural Resources Program, according to a news release. Topics will include lost heirloom apple cultivars, specialty crops, small acreage crop production, soil health, plant diseases, beneficial insect pollinators in the garden and urban forestry. Interested participants should register at https://pvpanther.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scu-hqzMoGNS85w9lbRCzKmgjTYs4qm66. Details: Kandi Williams, UAPB Extension program aide, at (870) 5719428 or williamska@uapb.edu or Brandon Hawkins, PVA&MU Extension agent, at (903) 628-6702 or brhawkins@pvamu.edu.

Through Thursday, March 25 Deadline set for virtual veterans’ event

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) invites all Arkansas veterans to register for the Virtual Veterans Experience Action Center (V-VEAC) on April 6-8. The deadline to register is March 25. This event will offer veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors personalized assistance to access various VA and community-based services and resources, according to a news release. The services include: VA benefits (file or check status of claims and appeals); VA healthcare (enrollment, eligibility, schedule appointments); and crisis resources (homelessness, mental health, financial). Registration is available through March 25 at https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/ch422seq/.

AgDiscovery teen program applications set at UAPB

Applications are being accepted for AgDiscovery, a residential career and science exploration program for teens. March 25 is the application deadline, said Willie Columbus, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff educational outreach coordinator and AgDiscovery program director. UAPB will host AgDiscovery June 12-25 on campus. UAPB is among 21 institutions to host the event. A complete list of host universities, brochures, information and application forms and instructions are available online at www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery. Details: Willie Columbus at UAPB at (870) 575-7145 or columbusw@uapb.edu or the UAPB AgDiscovery Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/uapbagdiscovery/.

Cherry Street church opens pantry

Cherry Street AME Zion Church, 800 S. Cherry St., gives away food every Monday through Thursday, from 4:15-5:30 p.m. The church serves a grab and go sack meal consisting of an entree, vegetable, bag of chips, cheese stick, juice and milk on a first come, first served basis.

Beginning Thursday, March 26 Grand Prairie arts festival taking entries

The Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts will accept entries in the decorative arts category, according to the Grand Prairie Arts Council news release. Due to the health crisis, all arts festival exhibitions will be online. Entries from adults and youth will be received from noon to 5 p.m. March 26 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 27. The exhibit will be open April 5-30. An artists’ reception open house will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. April 6. Entry pick ups will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 30 and May 1. To enter art work and for details, visit www.grandprairiearts.com. For questions, participants may send emails to arts001@centurytel.net. The Arts Center of the Grand Prairie at Stuttgart/ Grand Prairie Arts Council is committed to safe practice following the guidelines as directed by the governor, Arkansas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Through Friday, March 26 Homegrown By Heroes Scholarship forms available

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture and Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas are partnering to provide two $1,000 Homegrown by Heroes academic scholarships to military veterans and active military personnel, their spouses, and children who are pursuing degrees in agriculture. Funding for the scholarships is provided by Farm Credit. Applications are due March 26 and are available at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-programs/. Details: arkansasgrown.org/homegrown-by-heroes/.

Saturday, March 27 Ribbon cutting set at community center

The Pine Bluff Community Center (formerly the Merrill Center), 1000 S. Ash St., will host a ribbon cutting and open house at 1 p.m. Saturday. The center has been newly renovated. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed at the event, according to a news release.

New Community to give away food boxes

New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will be giving away food boxes Saturday from noon until all the boxes are gone, according to a news release. New Community follows health guidelines and practices social distancing.

Pilgrim church pantry opens Saturday

Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will be open March 27 from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be handed out on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification.

Easter Bunny to visit White Hall

The White Hall Chamber of Commerce will hold a drive-through visit with the Easter Bunny from 10 a.m. until noon March 27 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Children up to 10 years of age are welcome, said Lydia Scholebo, Chamber spokesman. The bunny will hand out bags of candy-filled eggs until supplies run out.

Through Saturday, March 27 Arts center invites public to help paint canvas

The public is invited to take part in a drop-in community art project March 23-27 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC). Ages 7 and older can help complete a large canvas celebrating ASC’s 2021 theater season. There is no cost to participate, according to a news release. Using a color-by-number key, visitors can paint in the outlined image on the canvas. A variety of mixed-media materials — such as small mirrors, jewels, sequins and small trinkets — will be available for participants to glue to the frame, decorating as they choose. The finished artwork will remain on display at ASC throughout the year, according to the release. Visitors can stop by during regular business hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@asc701.org or (870) 536-3375.

Sunday, March 28 Raye Jean Montague Day set for Women’s History observance

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) will celebrate Raye Jean Montague Day on March 28, according to a news release. The late Montague, who graduated from Merrill High School at Pine Bluff and Arkansas AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), is credited with the first computer-generated rough draft of a U.S. naval ship. At 2 p.m. LRWRA will co-host a virtual book reading for K-5 students. Montague’s son, Dr. David Montague, will read “The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague.” The event is free and open to the public. RSVP is required and can be made at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMude2rrTssE9Mz0yjclTvimaXx-PSg9Qhz or by visiting pyramid1988.com.

Tuesday, March 30 Workshop to address doing business with government

The Generator will host a workshop about doing business with the government. The presenter will be Liz Russell, procurement counselor with the Arkansas Procurement Technical Center. Due to covid-19, seats will be limited, according to a news release. March 30 – 6-7 p.m. Marketing to the Government will be held. Interested participants may register at https://goforwardpinebluff.org/the-generator/#doingbizwgovt. Details: Mildred Franco, executive director, at francomildred@goforwardpb.org.

Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline

Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday. The deadine to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Announcements can be for in-person services or online services as well as other ministry events. Articles may be submitted by email to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Please include your phone number, the name and location of your ministry or city where you reside, and your photo.

Thursday, April 1 Deadline set for Korean War vet stories in yearbook

April 1 is the deadline to submit entries for the 2021 Arkansas Korean War Veterans Yearbook. The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is participating in the project honoring Arkansas veterans. To be included, a veteran must have served in Korea or its territorial waters between June 25, 1950, and July 27, 1953. Veterans or relatives may submit photographs and biographies, which will be accepted on a first-come, first-accepted basis. The submission form is available at https://forms.gle/DfzvkGyN3TNAFrsC9. Submissions also may be sent by email with the veteran’s first, middle, and last name in the subject line to Koreayearbook2021@gmail.com.

Beginning Thursday, April 1 UAM Rodeo Weevil Stampede set

The University of Arkansas at Monticello will host the 2021 Weevil Stampede at the Drew County Fairgrounds at Monticello. The UAM College Rodeo starts at 7 p.m. April 1-2 and the Championship Round will be held at 1 p.m. April 3. Concessions and parking will be available. Three hundred student-athletes will participate and 15 teams from the Ozark Region will compete, according to a news release. Masks will be required. Seating will be limited to about 400 people to remain in compliance with state health guidelines, according to Head Rodeo Coach Rusty Jones.

ASC hosts Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host its first 2021 production, “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: A Virtual Fractured Fairy Tale.” The event will stream at 7 p.m. April 1-4. The production features a full cast of Southeast Arkansas youth ages 21 and younger. This production is directed by Kayla Lake and written by Brian D. Taylor. The play is inspired by classic fairy tales. Tickets are $7 for ASC members and $10 for nonmembers and can be purchased at asc701.org/.

Saturday, April 3 St. John AME to give away food for Easter

St. John AME Church’s “Soul Food for the Mind Body and Spirit” Feeding Ministry will give away 150 baskets with items to prepare an Easter dinner. The drive through giveaway will be held April 3 beginning at 10 a.m. One basket per family will be available and a photo identification will be requested, according to a news release.

Delta Network Food Bank to give away food

The Delta Network Food Bank will give away food in a drive-thru session at the Pine Bluff Convention Center on April 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. while supplies last. The Covid-19 Hunger Relief Donation will include a 33 pound box of chicken and will be distributed to each vehicle. Registration forms will be available on site, according to a news release. Vehicles will enter the convention center’s “parking lot D” from Missouri Street. Vehicles will circle around and exit out of the parking lot and follow the directions of the traffic directors. People must remain in their vehicles at all times. Details: (870) 536-2424.

Through Saturday, April 10 ASC slates exhibits

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas announces two new exhibits. “New Territory: Paintings by Michelle Fair” will be open at ASC through April 3. The display conceptualizes figures interacting with their environment autonomously, giving the subjects of the paintings a home, yet allows the subjects and spaces to disconnect, reflecting a new stage in Fair’s life, according to a news release. The exhibition, “Feeling Through: Examine Emotion in the Midst of Unrest,” by photographer Catherine Elizabeth Patton will be open through April 10. The display is a self-reflection of the artist’s emotions and her attempt to examine and understand them during covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement. Details: asc701.org.

Wednesday, April 14 Circus coming to Pine Bluff

The Carden International Circus will host its Spectacular Circus at 6:30 p.m. April 14 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The two-hour performance will include acrobats, aerialists, animals, daredevils, clowns and animals, according to a news release. Acts are subject to change without notice. The doors will open one hour before show time for the preshow festivities. General admission tickets are $10 for children 12 and under. Adult tickets are $20, however they are available for $9.99 online while supplies last. Tickets are available at www.spectacularcircus.com or one hour before show time at the convention center.

Friday, April 16 White Hall scholarship deadline set

The White Hall Chamber of Commerce will award three $1,000 scholarships to three White Hall High School seniors. Any interested White Hall senior can pick up an application from the high school counselor’s office. The application must be completed and postmarked by April 16.

Beginning Sunday, April 18 ASC sets Auditions for ‘9 to 5 The Musical’

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast ArkansasASC is seeking people ages 16 and older to audition for its theatrical production, “9 to 5 The Musical.” Audition dates are April 18-20. To sign up, visit asc701.org/auditions. Performances will be 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6-7, 13-14, and Aug. 20-21; and 2 p.m. Aug. 8, 15, and 22. Cast must be available for all performances. Details: asc701.org.

Through Friday, April 30 First Electric accepting scholarship applications

First Electric Cooperative is accepting scholarship applications. High school seniors whose parents or guardians are First Electric members may apply for one of nine $2,000 scholarships available each year, according to a news release. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and after graduation, they must attend an accredited institute of higher learning in Arkansas on a full-time basis. The deadline to apply is April 30. For an application and details, visit online at www.firstelectric.coop/scholarship or contact any First Electric office.

Friday, May 7 Jefferson Regional sets golf tournament

Jefferson Regional Foundation will host its first golf tournament May 7 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and the tournament starts at 1 p.m. A morning event will be added if needed, according to a news release. The team cost is $500. Proceeds will benefit nursing scholarships and special projects, according to a news release. Sponsorships are available. Details: Laura Beth Shaner, at shanerl@jrmc.org or (870) 541-7210.

Monday, May 31 Century Farm applications due

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2021 Arkansas Century Farm program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. To apply, the same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec. 31, 2021. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, nephews or nieces, including through marriage and adoption. The farm must be at least 10 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income. There is no cost to apply. Online applications are available at: www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/. Details: Beth Moore, (501) 539-4027 or beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov.

Through Monday, May 31 GYM sponsors free meals

GYM is giving away free supper and snack grab meals in a youth feeding program until May 31, according to a news release. Meals can be picked up Monday through Thursday at Watson Chapel High School Cafeteria, 4000 S. Camden Road, from 4:305:15 p.m.; Coleman Intermediate School Cafeteria, 4600 W. 13th Ave., from 3:30-5 p.m.; and Cherry Street Memorial AME Zion Church, 800 S. Cherry St., from 4:155:45 p.m. GYM is an equal opportunity provider and employer. The director is Antoinette Burks.