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.

Sunday, Aug. 15 Lakeside slates vaccine clinic, back-to-school bash

Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive St., will host a free covid-19 vaccination and wellness clinic as well as a back-to-school bash and free pantry from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15. The community is invited to attend. The Arkansas Minority Health Commission will present the clinic. The Pfizer shot will be available for those 12 and older and the second dose will be given Sept. 5. The clinic will also include free blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings and colorectal testing kits. Appointments for the vaccine are encouraged but not required. To make an appointment, people may call (501) 912-7402 or visit https://form.jotform.com/bluecares/Micasaclinicform.jotform.com/bluecares/Micasaclinic. Lakeside church will also host a backto-school bash and free pantry, according to its Facebook page. The public is invited to come out for free school supplies, food, games and informational booths.

Beginning Sunday, Aug. 15 ASC holds ‘Macbeth’ auditions

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), 701 S. Main St., will hold auditions for “Macbeth” at the center’s ART WORKS facility, 627 S. Main St., Aug. 15-17. Auditions are open to community members 18 years old and older. Interested participants should register for the auditions at asc701.org/auditions. Callbacks are scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 19, according to a news release. The play will be directed by Martin Carty. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29, Saturday, Oct. 23 and Oct. 30, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. This production is sponsored by Simmons Bank.

One Pine Bluff Praying events set

One Pine Bluff Praying Together services in August will be held with citizens and leaders of Pine Bluff praying for the growth and prosperity of the city. In-person services will be held from 6-7 p.m. Sundays at the following churches: Aug. 15 - New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1317 S. Texas St.; Aug. 22 - City of Love Outreach & Restoration, 1801 W. 17th Ave.; Aug. 29 - St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St. Guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be observed for these in-person meetings, a spokesman said.

Through Sunday, Aug. 15 Agency offers scholarship to single parents

Living Vessels Organization (LVO) of Pine Bluff is offering a $500 scholarship for single parents. The deadline to apply is Aug. 15, according to a news release. An applicant must be a single parent with the primary responsibility of the children; live in the Pine Bluff, White Hall or Watson Chapel communities; be enrolled at Southeast Arkansas College or the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; and have a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average (GPA.) The application and details are available at www.livingvessels.com. The application may emailed to Livingvesselsorganization@gmail.com. LVO is a non-profit, charitable, tax-exempt organization, according to its website.

Grant applications being accepted for charitable programs

Nonprofits in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County may begin Saturday applying online for Giving Tree grants through the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation (PBACF). Applications must be submitted by Aug. 15 at https://www.arcf.org/applyfor-giving-tree-grants/ Any IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, public school, government agency or hospital in Jefferson County is eligible to apply. Grants are not made to individuals. Applications will be reviewed by a grant-making committee from PBACF. Any nonprofit that received a grant in 2020 must complete a grant report to be considered for this current grant cycle, according to a news release.

Underway ‘9 to 5’ The Musical open at ASC

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., is holding in-person performances of “9 to 5 the Musical.” Performances will continue at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, Saturdays, Aug. 14 and 21, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Aug. 15, and 22. This production is sponsored by Simmons Bank. Tickets are available and cost $20 for ASC members and seniors, and $25 for nonmembers, according to a news release. This musical production is based on the 1980 movie. The book is by Patricia Resnick, who also wrote the film. Compositions are by Dolly Parton. To purchase tickets or for details, visit asc701.org or call (870) 536-3375.

Monday, Aug. 16 Caregivers Alzheimer’s supporters to meet

Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will host its Caregivers Alzheimer’s Support Group meeting at 11 a.m. Monday on Zoom, according to a news release. The topic will be Arts and Crafts. People are invited to join Carolyn Ferguson of Area Agency and Nicole Bates, director of education at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) South Central Center on Aging at Pine Bluff. The Zoom link is https://us06web.zoom.us/j/92467500571?pwd=UnA1bnNsUm1hTG5NbUhhVkVua0ZXZz09 with Meeting ID: 924 6750 0571 and Passcode: 6300. Dial by Phone to 1 346 248 7799. Details: Carolyn Ferguson, (870) 543-6309.

House of Bread to give away food

House of Bread Deliverance Church, 500 S. Main St., will open its food pantry Monday from 1-4:30 p.m. or until the 250 food boxes run out, according to a news release. The church isn’t using the drive-thru system to hand out food. People will have to stand six feet apart in line on the side of the building. The church will let seven people inside at a time. Masks are required to enter the church for a food box. Only one box per household will be given away on a first come, first served basis. Everyone must bring proof of address (utility bills and driver’s license.) All clients must fill out new intake forms for 2021. Details: Saint Mary Harris, House of Bread apostle, (870) 872-2196.

Through Monday, Aug. 16 Small business virtual training set

The Small Business Strategies for Success online training series designed for entrepreneurs of color will be held from 6-8 p.m. Mondays, Aug. 9 and 16. Sessions are free but pre-registration is required, according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. For details or to register, visit https://asbtdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/70371121 or the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) Lead Center at (800) 862-2040.

Wednesday, Aug. 18 Professional development workshop set

The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present a professional development workshop from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Current job seekers are invited to participate, according to a news release. The Pine Bluff Commercial is the sponsor. Details: Chamber Director Ulanda Arnett at ulanda@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.

Wednesday, Aug. 18 UAPB offers weekly vaccination clinic

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is offering a vaccination clinic on Wednesdays through Sept. 1 in partnership with Doctor’s Orders Pharmacy. The clinic is free and open to all unvaccinated enrolled students, faculty and staff, according to a news release. Doctor’s Orders will administer the Pfizer vaccine from 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays at the STEM building (on the corner of L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive and Watson Boulevard) at UAPB.

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, Aug. 19 Christian Women’s Connection meets

The Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 19 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The feature will be Dr. Jennifer Jacks, MD, a dermatologist at Pine Bluff. The speaker will be announced. The cost of the meal is $16, which includes tax and tip. Reservations must be made by noon Aug. 16 by calling Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302.

Through Thursday, Aug. 19 Art league hosts Jennings’ exhibit

The Pine Bluff Art League will host an exhibition featuring work by member Crystal Jennings through Aug. 19 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The community is invited to view work by the artist in the main gallery hall. Jennings’ work has been exhibited throughout Arkansas including in multiple “Annual Pine Bluff Art League Juried Exhibitions” at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, Jonesboro’s Bradbury Art Museum and in the “2021 Small Works on Paper” hosted by the Arkansas Arts Council.

Sunday, Aug. 22 Kings Highway Church observes 100th anniversary

Kings Highway Missionary Baptist Church, 2312 Fluker St., will observe its 100th anniversary at 10:45 a.m. Aug. 22. The observance will be livestreamed on Facebook.

Monday, Aug. 23 Federal retirees to meet

The Pine Bluff Chapter 287 of NARFE (National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees) will be meet at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 23 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building. Participants will dicusss the upcoming state meeting at Conway and local programs for the future. The local president is Waymond Meins, according to a news release.

Tuesday, Aug. 24 Tax-delinquent land auction set

The Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands (COSL) office will auction tax-delinquent land in Jefferson County at 10 a.m. Aug. 24 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center in banquet halls 2 and 4. Participants must register and registration is free. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Prospective bidders can find an online Public Auction Catalog, including a buyer’s guide; statutes governing sales; auction date, time and location; and a complete listing of parcels offered for sale on the commissioner’s website, www.cosl.org. Owners of delinquent parcels may pay those taxes online at www.cosl.org using a credit or debit card or print a Petition to Redeem from the website or call the office at 501-3249422 to request the petition, which must accompany their payment.

Thursday, Aug. 26 Art league to open exhibition at ASC

The 2021 Pine Bluff Art League Exhibition will open at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., Aug. 26. A reception will be held from 5-7 p.m., according to a news release. Juror Bryan Massey, chair of the University of Central Arkansas Department of Art and Design, will announce winners at 5:30 p.m.

Beginning Thursday, Aug. 26 UAPB alumni set popcorn fundraiser

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N National Alumni Association will hold its Double Good Popcorn Fundraising Campaign Aug. 26-28. This fundraiser will help support scholarships, grants, emergency gifting, books, career transition and mentoring of students who attend UAPB, according to Helen Fleming Johnson, campaign coordinator and member of the board of directors. Donations may be given at uapbalumni.org and via CashApp at $uapbamnalumni. Details: National Alumni Association, (870) 536-2309 or admin@uapbalumni.org.

Friday, Aug. 27 Neighbor to Neighbor hosts vaccine clinic

Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., will have its follow-up covid-19 vaccine clinic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 27. The Pfizer shot will be given by Jefferson Regional Medical Center staff. Those coming for their second shot should bring their vaccination cards. Everyone is welcome even if it is for the first shot. The JRMC staff will tell people how and where to get their second shots, according to a news release. Details: Pat Tate, Neighbor to Neighbor executive director, (870) 534-2883.

Saturday, Aug. 28 SEARK to host food truck festival

Southeast Arkansas College will host the Food Truck Scholarship Festival at the Seabrook Recreation Center, 6808 Hazel St. from 3-10 p.m. Aug. 28. Vendors, a live DJ, and a bounce house will be on site. Admission is free, according to a news release. The event will also include the United Arkansas Basketball 3 on 3 tournament and a $1.000 cash prize. Details: (870) 543-5907.

Through Saturday, Aug. 28 ASC hosts Jerry Colburn exhibition

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is hosting “1995-2021: A Retrospective of Jerry Colburn,” a multi-media retrospective exhibition. Visitors may view the work through Aug. 28. Featuring Colburn’s inkblots, collages and music, this exhibition is an immersive experience for all audiences, according to the news release.

Through Tuesday, Aug. 31 Foster care youth eligible for pandemic relief payments

Arkansans ages 16 to 26 who are or have been in the foster-care system now are eligible for one-time payments of at least $750. The funds come from the federal “Supporting Foster Youth and Families Through the Pandemic Act,” according to a report from Arkansas News Service. People may apply by Aug. 31 at ar.gov/fostercarepayments. Details: https://www.publicnewsservice.org/

Through Tuesday, Aug. 31 Arsenal conducts controlled burns

The community should not be alarmed if they see large plumes of smoke coming from Pine Bluff Arsenal through Aug. 31, depending on the weather. The Arkansas Forestry Commission will be conducting multiple prescribed and controlled burns, according to a news release. These burns serve as an environmental benefit, not only to reduce wildfire risk by removing fuel levels and loading from the forest floor, but also act as timber stand and wildlife habitat improvements. The burns will be conducted by specially-trained and equipped crews skilled at fire management operations, according to the release.

Sunday, Sept. 12 New Community observes pastor, wife anniversary

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, Ill.

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 5:30-7:30 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.

Friday, Sept. 17 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.

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) 6248600 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. Eighty-five 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. 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.

Thursday, Oct. 28 Chamber to honor Jefferson County Farm Family

The 2021 Jefferson County Farm Family of the Year is the Draper Family of S&L Farms. The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will honor the family during the 69th annual Farmers Appreciation Fish Fry set for Oct. 28 at Hestand Stadium at Pine Bluff.

Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022 Jefferson Regional Foundation sets ball

Jefferson Regional Foundation is planning the Winter Wonderland Ball 2022 for Feb. 19. The event will feature live entertainment, according to the Chamber newsletter. Tickets are $250. For ticket and sponsorship information, interested people may contact Laura Beth Shaner, foundation development officer, at (870) 541-7210.

Friday, March 4 Ag Hall of Fame reschedules ceremony

The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame rescheduled its induction ceremony from Aug. 20 due to safety concerns surrounding the increase in covid-19 cases in Arkansas. The induction ceremony is now scheduled for March 4, 2022, according to a news release. The new class includes: Long-time ag educator Joe Don Greenwood of Hermitage; Andrew Wargo III of Watson, farm manager for the 15,000-acre Baxter Land Co. for more than 50 years; the late Russell Roy Reynolds, director of the U.S. Forest Service Crossett Experimental Forest for 34 years; retired Cooperative Extension Service Director Rick Cartwright of Fayetteville; former Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach of Manila; and Mark Waldrip of Moro, founder of Armor Seed Co. Details: www.arfb.com.

Underway Funding available to help workers affected by pandemic

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced funding availability of approximately $43 million in grants to help reemploy dislocated workers most affected by the economic and employment fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a newsletter by the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. Administered by the labor department’s “Employment and Training Administration,” the department will award funds through Comprehensive and Accessible Reemployment through Equitable Employment Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grants. Details are available on the department’s website: https:// www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20210629.

JRMC offers vaccines at local agencies

Jefferson Regional Medical Center will provide covid-19 vaccines to businesses or organizations with 10 or more people. Call JRMC and a nurse will come to the site and administer the vaccine, according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. For details or to schedule a covid-19 vaccine clinic, agencies may call (870) 541-8621.