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.

Through Monday, Sept. 6 Agencies to close for Labor Day

Several agencies have announced their Labor day closings dates. Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices and Pine Bluff City hall and related offices will be closed through Monday, according to their calendars. Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will close its main office Monday, however Southeast Arkansas Transportation (SEAT) will still take cancer and dialysis patients to appointments, according to a spokesman. State Capitol offices and state buildings will be closed Monday. The State Capitol will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the Secretary of State’s news release.

Tuesday, Sept. 7 Governor to visit Sheridan

Gov. Asa Hutchinson will visit Sheridan for the Grant County Fiber Broadband Expansion event at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. The event will be held at the Yellowjacket Arena at Sheridan High School, 800 W. Vine St., according to the governor’s schedule.

Lowe’s, city to make old school men’s home

Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington, Justin Roach of Lowe’s, and several company associates, will host a volunteer day from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 7 at the City of Pine Bluff’s Opportunity House, formerly First Ward School, at 1300 E. Fifth Ave. The city will host the event to work on one of Lowe’s 100 Hometowns

projects. This project will turn the unused school building into a men’s only transitional housing center, according to a news release. Volunteers will come together to clean up the building to prepare it for building renovations and landscaping. The city of Pine Bluff was the only municipality in Arkansas to be awarded the grant.

Wednesday, Sept. 8 Flag retirement ceremony set

The city of Pine Bluff will host a flag retirement ceremony at noon Sept. 8 on the north lawn of the Pine Bluff Civic Center complex, 200 E. Eighth Ave. The American flag currently flown at the complex will be retired and a new banner raised, according to a news release from the mayor’s office. Arkansas Secretary of Veteran Affairs Nate Todd will discuss the significance of the flag and the values it represents. The public is invited to attend and refreshments will be served.

SEARK board to meet

The Southeast Arkansas College Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly meeting at 10 a.m. Sept. 8 in the welcome center training room. SEARK is asking anyone who’s not on the agenda to attend via Zoom, according to a news release. For the Zoom link, contact Wanda Grimmett at wgrimmett@seark.edu.

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. Articles should be submitted by email to shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.

Thursday, Sept. 9 NAACP plans Zoom meeting

The Pine Bluff NAACP Branch will hold its membership meeting via Zoom at 6 p.m. Thursday. Participants must have the Zoom link to join the meeting. Individuals wishing to attend may email pbnaacp@yahoo.com for the Zoom link, according to a news release.

County Road 96 to be inspected

One lane of County Road 96 across Arkansas Post Canal near Tichnor will be closed from 8 a.m. 1 p.m. Thursday to conduct a routine bridge inspection. The closure is being coordinated with emergency services and law enforcement agencies, according to a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) news release. Flaggers will be present to assist with the flow of traffic, but motorists should plan for additional travel time

Underway

‘Deeply Rooted: A Glimpse into Southern Lifestyle’ exhibit open

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host “Deeply Rooted: A Glimpse into Southern Lifestyle,” an exhibition featuring work from its permanent collection, through March 5, according to a news release. The exhibit was curated by Torri Rich

ardson, the center’s curatorial intern and 2021 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. This exhibition will show southern lifestyle from various viewpoints.

UAPB Art Exhibition Featuring Amanei Johnson open

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s art department has opened a new exhibition featuring paintings from student Amanei Johnson at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. This exhibition will be on display in The ARTSpace on Main’s loft gallery at 623 S. Main St. Johnson recently received a $1,000 award from the national group Black Girls Who Paint. This exhibition will run through Nov. 6, according to a news release.

Conservation education grants available

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services has more than $769,000 to give to Arkansas schools and educators for conservation education programs in the 2021-22 school year, thanks to fines from wildlife violations. Educators in every county are encouraged to apply for grants by the Oct. 26 application deadline to make use of these free dollars for education. Any school or conservation district in Arkansas may apply for these grants, according to the Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Newsletter. Details: visit www.agfc.com/conservationgrants.

Beginning Friday, Sept. 10 St. John celebrates men’s day virtually

St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will host its annual men’s day worship and praise services virtually. At 6 p.m. Sept. 10, the guest preacher will be the Rev. Rodney Smith, pastor of First AME Church at Oakland, Ca. At 6 p.m. Sept. 11, the guest preacher will be the Rev. Derick Easter, pastor of New St. Hurricane Baptist Church of Pine Bluff. At 11 a.m. Sept. 12, services will feature the Rev. Robert Shaw, pastor of Bethel AME Church at San Francisco, Ca. To attend virtually, visit www.stjohnamepinebluff.org or https://www.facebook.com/St.JohnPineBluff/ or https://www.facebook.com/rev.cwilliams. To attend by Zoom the ID number is 4322086226 and password: 1117. By audio, dial 1-312-6266799 and when prompted enter 4322086226# then when prompted enter 1117# Saturday, Sept. 11

St. John AME slates free food boxes

St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to people in need from 9-11 a.m. Sept. 11. One food box per family will be provided in a drive thru event in front of the church on Cherry Street. Participants are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks to receive the food. State ID’s are required, according to a news release. The sponsor is St. John’s Soul Food for the Mind, Body, and Spirit Feeding Ministry. To volunteer for this ministry people may email Pearl Matlock at pearl1948@sbcglobal.net. Financial donations may be sent to St. John AME Church-Feeding Ministry, 1117 W. Pullen St., Pine Bluff,

Ark., 71601, or electronically through Givelify St John AME Pine Bluff.

Governor to speak at state’s 9-11 ceremony

Gov. Asa Hutchinson is scheduled to speak at the state commemoration of Patriots Day at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, on the steps of the Arkansas Capitol building. The ceremony is open to the public and will be broadcast via Facebook live at https://www. facebook.com/ADVAVets/ under events, according to a news release from Sue Harper, District 9 Veteran Service Officer.

Sunday, Sept. 12

Art league holds meeting

The monthly meeting of the Pine Bluff Art League will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., Room A & B. Crystal Jennings will present a new technique on framing without glass. The public is invited to attend. Due to the continued rise in covid-19 cases, the league will require all members and visitors to wear masks during the meeting. Social distancing is encouraged, according to a news release. Details: PBAL President Spainhour at mediapinebluffartleague@gmail.com.

New Community honors pastor, wife

New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will present the 18th anniversary celebration of the pastor and wife, Apostle Patrick and Janice Lockett, at 4 p.m. Sept. 12. The guest speaker will be Bishop Jeff Davis of the Word Works Church of Chicago.

Monday, Sept. 13 Walk Across Arkansas begins

The fall edition of Walk Across Arkansas, a teambased event, runs from Sept. 13-Nov. 7 and uses friendly competition among teams to motivate exercise. There’s no cost to register at https://walk.uada.edu/walk/. The public health initiative is open to all who want to get into the habit of exercise or renew a commitment to fitness. The event isn’t limited to walking, according to a news release.

Wednesday, Sept. 15 Procurement topic of Generator session

The Generator, 435 S. Main St., program of Go Forward Pine Bluff, will host a workshop on Selling to the State of Arkansas from 5:307:30 p.m. Sept. 15. Participants will learn about state procurement regulations and procedures for submitting bids. Seats are limited due to covid-19. Details: Liz Russsell of the Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (AR PTAC) at erussell@uada.edu. Russell will also be available at The Generator on the third Tuesday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., according to a news release.

Thursday, Sept. 16 Retired teachers to meet virtually

The Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association will host monthly Zoom meetings until further notice. Members will receive Zoom information prior to the scheduled Sept. 16 meeting,, according to a news release. Details: Lura Campbell, (870) 247-4734.

Friday, Sept. 17 Deadline set for UAPB tobacco grant applications

The Minority Research Center on Tobacco & Addictions (MRC) at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is accepting applications to award four grants up to $9,999 to cover the cost of research. The deadline to apply is Sept. 17. MRC is offering grants that support researchers who are engaged in evidence-linked research that directly contributes to the elimination of smoking and tobacco use among minority populations, according to a news release. For applications or details, contact Earnette Sullivan, program manager, at sullivane@uapb.edu or (870) 730-1137.

Voices for Children sets golf tournament

The 17th annual Voices for Children Golf Tournament will be held Sept. 17 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and tee off at 12:30 p.m., according to a news release. The tournament is $400 per team or sponsorships of $2,500 for platinum, $1,000 for gold, $500 for silver and $150 for hole sponsor. All proceeds will help Voices for Children continue to provide Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for every foster child in Jefferson and Lincoln counties. Details: Voices of Children, (870) 536-5922 or vfc@ vfcadvocates.org.

Beginning Friday, Sept. 17 ‘The Miracle Worker’ at ASC open Sept. 17-19

Tickets are on sale for the Arts & Science Center’s production of “The Miracle Worker.” Kayla Ernest will direct the inaugural production for the center’s Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater, 627 S. Main St. Performances are 7 p.m. Sept. 17-18, and 2 p.m. Sept. 19. Anna Grace Bailey of Monticello and Lily Jennings of Rison star as Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller. “‘The Miracle Worker,’ written by William Gibson, dramatizes the classic true story and life of Anne Sullivan and her student Helen Keller. Tickets are $13 for center members and seniors, $18 for non-members and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased at asc701. org or by calling (870) 5363375.

Saturday, Sept. 18 John H. Johnson Museum hosts event

The John H. Johnson Museum and Educational Center at Arkansas City will be open for tours from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 18 as part of Smithsonian magazine’s 17th annual Museum Day. Admission is free. A native of Arkansas City, the late John H. Johnson was the founder, chairman, chief executive officer and publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines and Johnson Publishing Co. Friends of John H. Johnson Museum will open the site during Museum Day, a national celebration where museums emulate the free admission policy at the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.-based museums, according to a news release. Details: www.johnhjohnsonmuseum.org and Smithsonianmag.com/MuseumDay.

Tinkerfest 2021 set at ASC

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is partnering with local organizations to provide Tinkerfest, from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 18. The event will feature learning powered by exploration, creativity and discovery through tinkering. Representatives from the Delta Rivers Nature Center will bring animal friends and Novel Ts owners and Tour De Bluff creators Sandra and Kenny Fisher will set up a bike-shop stand. This program is free and open to the public. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan, ASC public programs coordinator, at srahmaan@asc701.org.

Thursday, Sept. 23 United Way to kick off campaign

The United Way of Southeast Arkansas will kick off its fund-raising campaign at noon Sept. 23 in the ballroom of the Pine Bluff Country Club. The announcement will be made during a combined meeting with the Rotary Club of Pine Bluff, according to a newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. United Way will also hold its Day of Caring beginning at 9 a.m. Sept. 24.

Beginning Thursday, Sept. 23 Chamber offers candidate course

The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber, in association with Go Forward Pine Bluff, will host a Candidate Development Institute (CDI), according to the Chamber newsletter. CDI offers training in the basics of organizing and implementing a campaign for public office. The six-course program will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, starting Sept. 23, at the Chamber, 510 Main St. The course costs $100. Applications are available at the Chamber and must be returned with registration fee by Sept. 15. Details: Ulanda Arnett, Chamber director, (870) 535-0110 or ulanda@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.

Friday, Sept. 24 Stormwater program seeks artists

The Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office and the Southeast Arkansas Stormwater Education Program is seeking artists to paint storm drain murals in Pine Bluff and White Hall. The deadline to submit applications is Sept. 24, according to a news release. The main idea with the storm drains murals is that observers will stop to think about where water flows after it enters the storm drain, according to spokesman Kevin Harris. All painting supplies will be provided to the artist by the stormwater education program. For details or to receive an application packet, artists may contact Kevin Harris at the extension office at 870-534-1033 or klharris@uada.edu.

Beginning Friday, Sept. 24 Grand Prairie arts festival seeks entries

The Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts will accept entries in the Visual Art Competition for adults and children at the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie at Stuttgart. This professional juried competition will celebrate its 67th year this fall, according to the Grand Prairie Arts Council. The arts center will receive entries Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The artists’ reception/open house will be held Oct. 5 from 5-6:30 p.m. The exhibit will be open Oct. 1-28. Entries may be picked up Oct. 29-30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to the news release. Artists may register their works online and see guidelines and other information at www.grandprairiearts.com.

Saturday, Sept. 25 Public Lands Day cleanup set near Dumas

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District field office at Arkansas Post will host a park cleanup day at the Jardis Point Day Use Area near Dumas from 8 a.m. until noon Sept. 25. A complimentary lunch will be provided. The event is organized as part of National Public Lands Day, a nationwide cleanup effort that unites thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands, according to a news release. Interested volunteers will help USACE personnel refurbish the picnic areas and collect litter from around the park. Details: Arkansas Post field office, (870) 548-2291 or ceswl-pa@usace.army.mil.

ASC sets Teen Minecraft Lampworking Workshop

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will provide youth 12-17 an opportunity to work with glassmith Olivia Valentine in a Minecraft lampworking workshop at The ARTSpace on Main from 1–4 p.m. Sept. 25. This technique is a type of glasswork using a torch to melt glass. The registration fee is $55 for center members and $65 for non-members. Materials fee is $25. To register, visit asc701. org/youth-classes.

Beginning Sunday, Sept. 26 ‘Razzle Dazzle: The Show Must Go On’ auditions set

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host auditions for “Razzle Dazzle: The Show Must Go On,” Sept. 26-28. This is the center’s biennial variety show fundraiser, according to a news release. People 16 and older will have the opportunity to show their talents with a collection of well-known Broadway and mainstream hits. Proceeds benefit the center’s youth theater programming. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12-13 and 2 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater in ASC’s main building. Those wishing to audition must be available for all performances. Details: asc701.org.

Through Thursday, Sept. 30 Delta Leadership Institute forms available

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) opened the application period for the 2022 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy. Those interested can apply through Sept. 30 at dra.gov/leadership. DLI is an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. The 2022 Executive Academy class will include approximately 30 fellows from each of the eight DRA states, according to an Aug. 5 news release. Details: Delta Regional Authority, (662) 624-8600 or https:// dra.gov/. Through Friday, Oct. 1

Wildland Fire Suppression forms available

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is accepting applications for Wildland Fire Suppression Kits through Oct. 1. Eightyfive kits will be awarded to rural volunteer fire departments, according to a news release. Applications should be submitted to a district forester. The application is available at https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Application.pdf. Details: Kathryn Mahan-Hooten at Kathryn. Mahan@agriculture.arkansas.gov or (501) 679-3183 or www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/rural-fire-protection-program/.

Saturday, Oct. 2

ASC sets Beginner’s Adult Lampworking Workshop

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host glassmith Olivia Valentine in an adult lampworking workshop for those 18 and older at The ARTSpace on Main from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. No experience is necessary. Patrons may learn the beginner stages of utilizing glass and designing miniature sculptures such as leaves, pumpkins and witchs’ hats. Adults 21 and older may have complimentary wine or beer. The registration fee is $75 for center members and $100 for nonmembers. Materials fee is $25. To register, visit asc701.org/adultclasses.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 11 Watson Chapel sets flu vaccination clinics

Watson Chapel School District will conduct its flu vaccination clinics at the following campuses: Edgewood Elementary School — Oct. 11 from 8:30-11 a.m.; L.L. Owen Elementary School — Oct. 11 from 12:30-3:p.m.; Coleman Intermediate School — Oct. 12 from 8:3011 a.m.; Watson Chapel Junior High School — Oct. 12 from 12:30-3 p.m.; and Watson Chapel High School — Oct. 13 from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

Saturday, Oct. 16 UAPB to host Homecoming 2021

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will celebrate fall Homecoming 2021 on Oct. 16, with a week of festivities culminating in the university’s annual parade and football game. UAPB will welcome the return of an in-person homecoming, a longtime favorite among community members, students and alumni, according to a news release. More fall homecoming 2021 details will be released soon, including the full schedule of events with specific times and dates.

Through Saturday, Oct. 16 Rosenzweig Exhibition closes

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host the 2021 Irene Rosenzweig Biennial Juried Exhibition through Oct. 16. The exhibition is named for Irene Rosenzweig, a noted scholar and teacher. Admission to ASC’s galleries is always free.