Wednesday, May 31 Election board to meet
Michael Adam, chairman of the Jefferson County Election Commission, called a meeting of the Board of Election Commissioners for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the election commission office. The agenda includes public comments on new business agenda items (two minutes per speaker) and approve ballot proofs for the Aug. 8 Pine Bluff School Millage Election. Participants are asked to park on Second Avenue to allow workers access to the building and parking. Main Street is blocked near the courthouse due to a partial building collapse so participants must approach from Second Avenue, 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 or shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Through Wednesday, May 31 Century Farm applications available
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2023 Arkansas Century Farm Program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years, according to a news release. Applications are available at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/. There is no cost to apply. The deadline is May 31. Details: Beth Moore, (501) 539-4027 or beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov.
Thursday, June 1 DHS plans grand opening
The Jefferson County Department of Human Services will hold a grand opening at its new location, 912 S. Poplar St., at 3 p.m. Thursday. DHS recently moved from its previous location on Sixth Avenue, according to a spokesman.
Through Thursday, June 1 Amos Chapel has revival
Amos Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1307 W. 16th Ave., will hold its annual spring revival at 7 p.m. May 30 through June 1. The evangelist will be the Rev. Leon Williams Jr., pastor of True Vine E Missionary Baptist Church Church. The Rev. Robert Willis Jr. is the pastor at Amos Chapel.
ASC accepts entries for Rosenzweig exhibit
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is accepting entries for the 2023 Irene Rosenzweig Biennial Juried Exhibition. The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. June 1. The exhibition is open to artists 18 years or older who reside in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee or Texas, according to a news release. The Rosenzweig exhibition opens July 20 with a free, public reception from 5-7 p.m. and an awards presentation at 6 p.m. The works will be on view in the William H. Kennedy Jr. Gallery through Oct. 14. Visit asc701.org/rosenzweig for the submission guidelines and entry portal. The cost is $25 per entry, with a maximum of five entries accepted per artist. Details: Visitor Relations Coordinator Matthew Howard at mhoward@ asc701.org or (870) 536-3375.
Friday, June 2 Live@5 to feature Port City Blues Society
The Port City Blues Society Players will perform from 5-9 p.m. June 2 during the Live@5 concert series and is part of ART ROCKS! Summer Bash at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The group’s m e m b e rs i n c l u d e L ex Capraitalia (drums), Gene “Pops” Cooper (keyboard), Jerry A. McCoy (guitar and vocals), Mark Morgan, Dave Sadler (guitar and vocals), George “Butch” Scaife (guitar and vocals), and C. Roscoe Willis (bass). The Port City Blues Society is dedicated to preserving the blues art form in Pine Bluff and Southeast Arkansas, according to the release.
Beginning Friday, June 2 ASC sets reception for “Blueprints”
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkanas will host a reception for its newest exhibition “Blueprints” by Batesville artist Dustyn Bork from 5-9 p.m. June 2 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The reception takes place during ASC’s ART ROCKS! Summer Bash event. The work is inspired by architecture in various stages of building and renewal. Bork’s works incorporate techniques of collage, relief printmaking, and screen printing. The exhibition is in conjunction with Bork’s artist residency later this summer at The ARTSpace, featuring printmaking workshops for different age groups. The program is supported by a grant from Synergy Forum Inc.
Art Rocks Summer Bash set
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is kicking off summer with Art Rocks: Summer Bash at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The fundraising event will feature live music, food trucks, games, art demos, art auctions, kid-friendly activities and more from 5-9 p.m. June 2 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 3. On June 2, festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with traditional and modern blues featuring the Port City Blues Society. Complimentary beer, wine, and soda will be available to ages 21 and older from 5-9 p.m., courtesy of MK Distributors. The June 3 portion of the event will be all about the kids and families. Admission to this event is free. Activities include face painting, kids karaoke, and more.
Saturday, June 3 Summit to address mental health, suicide
A Mental Health Wellness and Suicide Prevention Summit will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 3 at Southeast Arkansas College in the McGeorge Building, 1900 S. Hazel St. The free summit is for ages 8 to adult and hosted by the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project, according to a news relase. The age groups, presenters and topics will include: AGES 8 TO 12 — Dr. Nicole Baughnight Boles; “What is Mental Illness and How Do You Handle Stress?” AGES 13 TO 18 — Dr. Karma Mays; “How to Recognize Symptoms and What Signs to Look For.” AGES 19 TO 30 — Janie Cotton; “Trauma Informed Care.” AGES 31 AND UP — Panelists: Dr. Stephen Broughton, Mary Meacham and Bessie Lancelin; “Stigma, Anxiety, Depression and our Toolbox.”
Beginning Saturday, June 3 ASC sets Fused Glass Class with Aida Ayers
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host a two-part Fused Glass Class with artist-in-residence Aida Ayers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, June 3 and June 10 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The cost is $185 for ASC members and $222 for nonmembers. Attendees can save 25 percent with the discount code “GLASS25.” To register, visit asc701.org/class/fused-glass or call
(870) 536-3375. For details, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@asc701.org.
Blues concert series gets 2nd season
The “Blues By Budweiser” concert series will be back for a second season. In collaboration with MK Distributors and RJ’s Grill & Bar, Port City Blues Society will again host live blues concerts the first Saturday of the month at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. It’s a $5 cover charge for non-members. The 2023-2024 concerts include: June 3 — Kent Burnside Band; July 8 — Big Al and the Heavyweights; Aug. 5 — Fonky Donkey; Sept. 2 — Robert Kimbrough Sr. Bluesconnection; Oct. 7 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 4 — Big “A” and the Allstars Blues Band; Dec. 2 — Johnie B and Queen Iretta Sanders Blues Review; Jan. 6, 2024 — Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain; and Feb. 3 — Chad Marshall Band. Details: pc-blues.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.
Sunday, June 4 New Hope hosts concert
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church at Moscow rescheduled the annual spring community concert for 6 p.m. June 4. The event is in memory of Jo Anne Jones. Choir practice dates are 6 p.m. May 30 and June 1 and noon June 3. The guest director is Jamal Gordon of Old St. James Baptist Church. Guests are invited to sing with the choir. The Rev. Stanley Blair Sr. is the pastor.
Beginning Monday, June 5 ASC sets Poetry Camp
Ages 12-17 are invited to attend Poetry Camp from 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 5-9 and June 12-16 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The cost is $190 for ASC members and $240 for nonmembers.Instructor Tru Poet will lead campers through the ins and outs of performance and delivery. Students will be introduced to the skills of self-expression through poetry, and will gain a deep understanding and appreciation of poems written by others, according to the release. Scholarships are available. Details: (870) 536-3375.
Master Gardeners set events
The Jefferson County Master Gardeners will host “Jefferson County Master Gardeners Week” June 5-9 at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, 500 Idaho St. All events are open to the community and free to attend, according to a news release. Horticulture/4H Agent Timothy Wallace and the Master Gardeners planned activities: June 5, the barbecue kickoff will be at 10:30 a.m.; June 6, Pesticide seminar will be at 1 p.m.; June 7, Fire ants seminar will be at 1 p.m.; June 8, Garden tours take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; June 9, Lunch and Learn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Trinity sets summer camp
Registration is underway for Trinity’s Learning Center Summer Camp 2023 to be held at Trinity’s Annex Building, 2900 W. Sixth Ave. The camp will take place Monday through Friday, June 5 through Aug. 11. Daily sessions will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and a snack will be served, according to a news release. There is a participant limit of 30 to 40 students. The registration fee is $25 per child plus $10 weekly. Details: (870) 534-5669 or (870) 692-1127.
Friday, June 9 Free gospel skate night set
A free gospel skate night for ages 12-17 is planned for June 9 from 6-9 p.m. at Skateland, 3218 Old Warren Road. This activity is sponsored by Grace Community Church of the Nazarene, 2400 W. 31st Ave., according to a news release.
Saturday, June 10 Festival to host tomato luncheon
As part of the Pink Tomato Festival at Warren, the annual All Tomato Luncheon will be held at 12:30 p.m. June 10 at the First Baptist Church Activities Center at Warren. The Bradley County Extension Homemakers Clubs started the All Tomato Luncheon one year after the first Pink Tomato Festival. The luncheon has grown over the years and is now one of the highlights of the festival, according to a news release. Tickets are $15 and limited. Tickets are available at the Bradley County Cooperative Extension Office. Details: Michelle Carter, county extension agent-family and consumer sciences, (870) 226-8410.
FunDay: Screen Printing On A Tote Bag
Patrons may join the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas for Second Saturday Family FunDay: Screen Printing On A Tote Bag, from 1-3 p.m., June 10 at ASC, 701 S. Main St. Participants will learn about screen printing and create a unique tote bag. Participants will get hands-on screen printing experience by transferring a pre-stenciled design on a bag. This event is open to all ages and no registration is required. ASC’s Second Saturday Family Fun-Day program offers monthly, hands-on arts and science activities. It is sponsored by the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Arkansas Community Foundation. For details, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@asc701.org or
(870) 536-3375.
Sunday, June 11 New Community hosts Women’s Day
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will present its annual Women’s Day on June 11. At 11 a.m., the featured speaker will be Janice Lockett, first lady of New Community. At 3 p.m., the keynote speaker will be Willie Ann Martin, a missionary at New Community. The guest choir director will be Donna Williams Huskey and the worship leader will be Dee Clay.
Through Sunday, June 11 School Garden contest open
Entries are being accepted for the 10th 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 during the 2022-2023 school year or is planning to start a garden in the 2023-2024 school year, according to a news release. Entries for the contest will be accepted through June
11. The application can be found at cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/arkansasgrownschool gardenoftheyearcontest2023. Winners will be announced in the fall of 2023.
Beginning Monday, June 12 Hurricane HYPE to host summer camp
Parents are invited to register their children for the Hurricane HYPE Center’s Summer Camp scheduled for June 12 through July 27. The center is located near New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, 3319 S. Ohio St. The camp is open to youth in the first through eighth grade. Participants will enjoy an array of activities — some outdoors — as well as swimming and enrichment. Sessions will be held Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Two sessions are available. Summer 1 will take place from June 12 through June 29. Summer 2 will take place July 10 through July 27. The cost is $125 per child per session. A limited number of slots are available. For details, ca (870) 534-2782, text (501) 313-3696 or email hurricanehypecenter@gmail.com . Applications for the camp are available by visiting newsthurricane.org.
Fire department to host junior camp
The Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department will sponsor a Junior Fire Camp from June 12-16 for boys and girls 11-13 years old. The free camp will be held Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Detective Kevin D. Collins Center (old public library) at the civic center, #1 Convention Center Drive. The camp is designed for youth to experience what it’s like to be a firefighter as well as learn about fire safety. The session will be taught by Pine Bluff firefighters and will feature hands-on activities and interactive learning sessions.Details: www.pineblufffire.com or (870) 730-2048. The contact person is Lt. Larry Murray.
Thursday, June 15 Women’s Connection sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 15 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Karen Blankenship of Peculiar, Mo. Her topic will be the “Power of Journaling.” There will also be a presentation by Shaunder Williams of Living Word Baptist Church at Pine Bluff, according to a news release.The luncheon costs $21, which includes meal, tax and gratuity. Everyone is invited to attend. For reservations or cancellations, participants should call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All reservations must be made three days in advance and people will be charged for reservations not kept.
Through Thursday, June 15 Grants available for public school educators
Arkansas public school employees are invited to apply for the 2023-24 Arkansas Retired Teachers Association grants, according to a news release. The Parsons-Burnett Grants are for current certified educators to further their education and the Mitchell-Fair Grants are for current classified employees who are pursuing teacher licensure. The grants are funded by contributions from members ARTA, a professional organization of Arkansas’s public education retirees. Grant applications must be submitted online by June 15. For the details and the application link, visit www.artanow.com.
Saturday, June 17 Juneteenth set at Pine Bluff
The Juneteeth Celebration at Pine Bluff will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 17 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The community is invited to attend the event which will include free food and activities, according to a spokesman. Interested vendors should submit applications by June 2, according to Mary Liddell, Pine Bluff Juneteenth/city coordinator. Details: Liddell, (870) 643-2383 or marylddll@yahoo.com.
Through Saturday, July 8 “A Simple Heart” exhibit on display
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansasa presents a new exhibition by artist Kim Kwee. “‘A Simple Heart’ is a series of paintings, fabric works and assemblages representing a series of investigations into family, specifically mothers and daughters, and the shifting ontological status of dolls, decorative objects and ephemera like the vintage paper dolls the artist used,” according to the news release. This exhibition will remain on view in the William H. Kennedy Jr. Gallery through July 8. Gallery admission is always free.
Beginning Monday, July 10 UAM Kids’ University set
UAM Kids’ University will be held from July 10-13 at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. The day camp aims to cultivate new interests, expand knowledge and spark imagination and creativity in children in grades 1-6, according to a news release. Early registration is open through May 31. If people sign up and pay by May 31, the registration fee is $80. If people sign up and pay between June 1-22, the registration fee is $100. After June 22, the registration fee is $125. The fee includes a T-shirt and all supplies. Register online at https:// www.uamont.edu/about/kids-university.html. Details: Rebecca Newton at kidsu@uamont.edu or call (870) 460-1596.
Friday, July 14 Women of Faith set trip
The Women of Faith will sponsor a turn-around trip to Branson, Mo., on July 14 to see the stage presentation of “Ester” at the Sight and Sound Theatre. A detailed itinerary can be obtained by contacting Jessie Clemmons at (870) 692-2194.
Through Monday, July 17 Area Agency hosts fan drive
The Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will hold the annual Beat The Heat Fan Drive for Jefferson County through through July 17, according to a news release. The purpose of the drive is to raise money to purchase fans or air conditioners for elderly or disabled people. People who want to make a donation or purchase a fan should call Carolyn Ferguson, (870) 543-6309 or Pauline Jones (870) 543-6300, at Area Agency.