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 [email protected] to make additions or changes.
Today
Virtual Live@5 Concert
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., invites patrons to join them at 5 p.m. March 5 for a free livestream of Jerry McCoy and The Hammers on facebook.com/asc701. Band members include Mississippi Blues Hall of Famer Jerry McCoy, Kenneth McDougald and Ben Arrington. The band has deep roots in rhythm, blues, and rock 'n' roll, according to a news release. A virtual donation box will be available and donations will go toward supporting ASC's programming. This performance is part of ASC's Live@5 concert series on the first Friday of every month. Details: asc701.org/live-at-5. This event is sponsored by M.K. Distributors.
Saturday, March 6
Arts center hosts youth cooking program
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas hosts youth cooking sessions. The CrEATe Lab with Faith Anaya will be held from 1-3 p.m. March 6. The program is open to ages 10-17. The CrEATe Lab is $35 with partial scholarships available. To register, visit asc701.org/create-lab or call ASC at (870) 536-3375.
Tuesday, March 9
TOPPS to give away food March 9
TOPPS (Targeting Our People's Priorities with Service) Inc. will give away food at 10 a.m. March 9 at TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive. Food boxes will be given away in a drive through method until all boxes are gone, according to a news release. Details: TOPPS, (870) 850-6011.
Kennel Club to host dog obedience class
The Southeast Arkansas Kennel Club is sponsoring a dog obedience class at Hestand Stadium each Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. for eight weeks. Sessions began March 2. The cost is $65, according to a news release. Details: (870) 879-3384.
Beginning Tuesday, March 9
Workshops to address doing business with government
The Generator will host two workshops 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 9 -- from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Introduction to Government Contracting will be held. 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 [email protected].
Clearing the Air Conference, Cancer Summit set
The 18th Clearing the Air Communities of Color Conference and 22nd Arkansas Cancer Summit will be held virtually from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 9 and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 10. The Minority Initiative Sub-Recipient Grant Office (MISRGO) at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the Arkansas Cancer Coalition (ACC) will host the events, according to a news release. The virtual conferences are open to the public. Registration is required and is available through March 4 at http://www.arcancersummit.org/register. Details: http://www.arcancersummit.org/agenda-2 or contact Marian S. Lothery, MISRGO coordinator, at [email protected] or (870) 575-8923.
Wednesday, March 10
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. Announcements can be for in-person services or online services as well as other ministry events. Articles may be submitted by email to [email protected]. Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing a religion column may submit articles for consideration by email. Please include your phone number, the name and location of your ministry or city where you reside, and your photo. Photos may also accompany church news by email.
Thursday, March 11
Pine Bluff NAACP sets Zoom meeting
The Pine Bluff NAACP Branch will hold its regular monthly membership meeting via Zoom at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 11, according to a news release. Members who gave the branch valid email addresses will be sent the Zoom link to join the meeting. Others wishing to attend may email [email protected] to request the link. Details: NAACP Branch President Wanda V. Neal, (870) 536-3141.
Friday, March 12
Covid-19 vaccines available on March 12
Covid-19 vaccinations will be offered at the Pine Bluff Convention Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, March 12. This vaccine clinic is for individuals who are 65 years or older, who require the first dose. People should schedule appointments online at https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?Owner=21601052&appointmentType=20878882. Those without internet (or cannot access this link) may call Indiana Street Missionary Baptist Church at (870) 534-6944 for assistance with scheduling an appointment. All volunteers may receive a vaccine at the end of their shifts. For more information on how to sign up to volunteer people may contact Mary Liddell at (870) 643-2383.
Highway officials seek public input about U.S. 65 plans
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) will conduct an online public involvement meeting to gather input on the proposed plans to add 8-foot paved shoulders along U.S. 65 between Interstate 530 and U.S. 425 at Pine Bluff. The public is invited to listen, view meeting materials, and provide written comments. The website will be available for comments until 4:30 p.m. March 12. To access the online public meeting, participants should go to this link: https://vpiph01-job-020716-i530-hwy-425-hwy-65-ardot.hub.arcgis.com/ Those who don't have internet access can contact Karla Sims at (501) 569-2000 or by email at [email protected], to ask questions about the proposed project and how to access project information.
Rural business event set
The Arkansas Human Development Corp. will host the 2021 Southeast Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 12 in virtual and live settings, according to a news release. The virtual registration is available at BIT.LY3/3U83PAI. A remote location will be held at The Vision Center Inc. at Lake Village. Registration is available at BIT.LY/2ZNQLZI. Spots are limited. Details: Arkansas Human Development Corp., (800) 482-7641 or (501) 374-1103, ext. 10 or email [email protected].
Saturday, March 13
ASC slates FunDay: Comic Book Mania
Participants are urged to join the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas to create a comic strip and make superhero-inspired comic book magnets at Second Saturday Family Fun Day: Comic Book Mania, from 12:30-3 p.m. March 13. ASC is offering in-person and online participation. Visitors can secure a time slot by registering at asc701.org or calling 870-536-3375. Walk-ins are also welcome. Sessions are limited to seven people per time slot. For those who prefer limited contact, free "take & make" kits will be available at ASC's main entrance from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March. 12, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March. 13. An instructional video will be posted at 1 p.m. March. 13 at facebook.com/asc701/.
Through Monday, March 15
Foundation accepting scholarship applications
Pine Bluff and Jefferson County students can apply for scholarships from the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation. The deadline to apply is March 15. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. In general, the community foundation scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs, according to a news release. Students can begin their application by visiting www.arcf.org/apply/scholarships/.
Wednesday, March 17
Arkansas 4-H hosts fundraiser
Arkansas 4-H is hoping people will help the educational program on the most green-intensive day of the year: St. Patrick's Day. All money raised supports Arkansas 4-H youth scholarships and program/trip sponsorships, according to a news release. Supporters can click the "donate" button in the top right of the foundation page: https://arkansas4hfoundation.org/. To learn more about 4-H, people can contact a county extension office or visit https://4h.uada.edu/.
Deadline set for SBA loan forms from spring storms
The deadline to apply for loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration for assistance after the storms in the spring of 2020 is March 17. In Jefferson County, applicants may apply for SBA federal disaster loans for economic injury caused by severe storms and straight-line winds that occurred April 12, 2020. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ or call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected].
Thursday, March 18
Mayor slates State of the City address
Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley M. Washington will deliver the State of the City Address at 6 pm. Thursday, March 18, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The event was rescheduled because of inclement weather. Washington will share major accomplishments of the city from the past year, as well as its goals for 2021, according to the mayor's Facebook page. Due to covid-19, capacity will be limited to protect the health and safety of the public, and safeguards such as social distancing and mask wearing will be implemented. The address will be streamed on Facebook @MayorShirleyWashington.
Through Monday, March 22
AKA, First Sisters seek scholarship applicants
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Omega Omega Chapter, and First Sisters Outreach Inc. are accepting scholarship applications from graduating female high school seniors who will be attending the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. March 22, according to a news release. Applications and eligibility requirements are available online at akadeltaomegaomega.com/scholarship.html or by emailing Ka'Lisa Stanfield at [email protected].
Through Thursday, March 25
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 [email protected] or the UAPB AgDiscovery Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/uapbagdiscovery/.
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/.
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 [email protected].
Beginning Thursday, April 1
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/.
Through Saturday, April 10
ASC slates new 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.
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.
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 [email protected].
Through Monday, May 31
TOPPS hosts food program
TOPPS Inc., 1000 Townsend Drive, is participating in the At Risk Grab and Go and Parent Pick Up Food Program. Meals will be provided free to children ages 18 and under. TOPPS doesn't discriminate, according to the news release. Meals will be provided at TOPPS Teen Center, 1000 Townsend Drive, through May 2021. The Grab and Go and Parent Pick Up meals will be available Monday through Thursday, 1-4:30 p.m. Details: TOPPS, (870) 850-6011.
Through Sunday, June 6
Arts center invites artists to enter Rosenzweig Exhibition
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), 701 S. Main St., seeks submissions to its Irene Rosenzweig Biennial Juried Exhibition for 2021. The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. June 6. The exhibition runs July 22 through Oct. 6, according to a news release. The exhibition is open to artists 18 or older who live in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee or Texas. Details: asc701.org/rosenzweig or call (870) 536-3375.
Beginning Thursday, June 17
Merrill All School Reunion set
The Merrill High School All School Reunion will be held June 17-19, 2021. All events will be held at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, according to a news release. For a registration package or details, interested participants should email Rosie Pettigrew, committee chairwoman, at [email protected] or call 404-245-5436.
Beginning Thursday, July 8
Medical mission set July 8-18 at Lake Village
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Delta Regional Authority (DRA) will host a medical mission at Lake Village from July 8-18 offering free medical care, according to a news release. The Lake Village site will be located at Lakeside High School. Basic medical exams, eye exams, single lens prescriptions glasses and dental services are among the services provided during Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) missions. Details: IRT.defense.gov.
Underway
Covid-19 vaccines available
Coronavirus vaccinations are available through various sites including Doctor's Orders Pharmacy; call (870) 218-1718 or email [email protected]; and Jefferson Regional Medical Center, visit the website www.jrmc.org/covid-19-vaccination-waiting-list/. For more details, visit the Arkansas Department of Health website at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan.
Covid-19 testing sites available
Details for getting the covid-19 test are available at the Jefferson County Health Department -- 870-535-2142; and Arkansas Department of Health's website -- https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-guidance-for-getting-tested. Scroll down until you see the map and enlarge the map. Click on each star to see where each testing site is located.
Business Expo survey announced by chamber
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is asking members and business owners for their thoughts on having the annual Business Expo, which was canceled last year due to the covid-19 pandemic. "While we are putting on our thinking caps to figure out a new way of serving you, we have one question: If the Pine Bluff Chamber were to host a business expo event this summer, would you, as a Chamber member or business owner, feel safe and commit to participate?" To complete the one question survey, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/VLSHYWQ.
Weekdays
Neighbor to Neighbor open 5 days a week
Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., has reopened five days a week. The agency will be open Monday through Friday from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. For the sake of safety, Neighbor to Neighbor will continue serving to-go lunches at the door from noon to 1 p.m. and are available to anyone who is hungry. Masks are required to enter the building and hand sanitizer will be available at the door, according to a news release. New clients or those seeking assistance with bills or medications should call (870) 534-2883 for an appointment.
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Alphas prepare tax returns free for low to moderate income residents
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will prepare free tax returns for low to moderate income families from 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the academy building at Pine Bluff High School, 711 W. 11th Ave., according to a news release. For covid-19 safety measures, participants will be met at their cars and the tax preparer will call them when their return is ready. Participants must bring documents including picture ID, Social Security card and dates of birth for themselves and all family members they are claiming; W-2's for all jobs the person held in 2020 and any other tax related documents, bank routing number and account number if they are having the refund direct deposited. If the taxpayer is filing with their spouse, they should bring the spouse. Details: (501) 819-2048 or (501) 500-3918.
Tuesdays
Unity Christian Fellowship 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: [email protected] or (870) 329-1182.