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 or use our newsroom email pbcnews@pbcommercial.com to make additions or changes.

Today Breath of Life youth event set

Breath of Life Church, 1313 Pine St., will observe its fourth Sunday Youth Services at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Eric Walden Jr., the assistant chief of staff for the Sixth Division Circuit Court.

Kingdom Builders event set

New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will present its Kingdom Builders Program at 6 p.m. March 26. The featured speaker will be Karen Wine, a member of New Community.

Totally Committed singers to be honored

Second Baptist Missionary Baptist Church at Dumas will host the 23rd anniversary of Totally Committed gospel singers at 4 p.m. March 26. Special guests will be the Racy Brothers. Guests include Genuine, the Spiritualettes, the Williams Singers, Alma Brown and A1, Righteous Living, and Devin Pruitt. Dee Clay will be the worship leader. The Rev. Charles Adkins is the pastor at Second Baptist.

Monday, March 27 A&P finance panel to meet

The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission Finance Committee Meeting will be held at noon March 27 at the A&P offices, 623 S. Main St. Details: (870) 5342121.

Federal retirees to meet

The Chapter 287 of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees will be held at 11:30 a.m. March 27 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. Kevin Harris from the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service will present information on storm water drainage. Waymond Meins is the local Chapter 287 president, according to a news release.

School board to meet at PBHS

The Pine Bluff School Board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 27 in the Little Theater on the campus of Pine Bluff High School. The location was recently changed, according to a news release. Details: (870) 5434203.

McGehee school board meets

The McGehee School Board will meet at 5 p.m. March 27 at the high school library. The agenda includes an award presentation, administrator’s reports, financial statement and executive session, according to a news release.

Beginning Monday, March 27

UAPB to host mental health awareness

The Counseling and Student Wellnessness and UAPB Title IX Office will host Mental Health Awareness presentations at 6 p.m. March 27-30 at the STEM Conference Room, 1500 L.A. Prexy Davis Drive. Topics include: March 27 — Suicide Prevention Day, Kymara Seals of the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project; March 28 — Substance Abuse Day; March 29 — Sexual Assault and Men’s Mental Health Day; and March 30 — Women’s Mental Health Day. Details: (870) 575-8290.

Tuesday, March 28 A&P Commission to meet

The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the office of the A&P Commission, 623 S. Main St., according to a news release. Details: (870) 534-2121.

Civic commission to meet

The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission will meet in person at noon March 28. Participants interested in being a part of this meeting via telephone, should contact the Pine Bluff Convention Center and staff will email the information needed to join the call. Details: (870) 536

7600 or email receptionist@pinebluff.com.

Governor to attend Stuttgart event

Gov. Sarah Sanders will attend Be Pro Be Proud’s Grand Prairie Draft Day at 9 a.m. March 28 at the Grand Prairie Center at Stuttgart. Be Pro Be Proud Arkansas is a workforce development initiative led by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/ Associated Industries of Arkansas that connects students around the state to high-tech, high-paying careers, according to a news release. Sanders will join business leaders from across the state to encourage local high school students to pursue skilled careers to help fill the nationwide workforce shortage. Presented by Riceland Foods, Be Pro Be Proud’s Grand Prairie Draft Day events will be held from March 28-30.

Beginning Tuesday, March 28

Skilled technical career event set

Be Pro Be Proud will host its Draft Day, an event designed to match employers with high school seniors across Arkansas. In the region, Draft Day Arkansas will be held at the Grand Prairie Center at Stuttgart March 28-30, according to the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce newsletter. The purpose of Draft Day is to coordinate engagement and interview opportunities between companies and graduating seniors whose interest and experience match hiring needs. Details: https://beprobeproud.wufoo.com/forms/employerpartner-participation/?blm_aid=202754

Wednesday, March 29 First Trinity sets giveaway

The monthly distribution of the First Trinity CityServe Gift Ministry will be held from 10 a.m. to noon March 29 at First Trinity Church of God in Christ, 800 S. Catalpa St. Items will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a news release.

Bank sets ribbon cutting date

Simmons Bank will host a grand opening and a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new White Hall financial center, 1305 Robin Road, on March 29. The date was changed from today, according to a news release. Simmons and the White Hall Chamber of Commerce will host the ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. and grand opening from 2-4 p.m.

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 shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.

Thursday, March 30

Hidden Figures event to celebrate local women

The city of Pine Bluff will host a Women’s Hidden Figures Celebration in honor of Women’s History Month. The event will be held from 6-7 p.m. March 30 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The public is invited to attend and learn about hidden figures in Pine Bluff, according to a news release. “This special town hall event will recognize and celebrate extraordinary women in Pine Bluff, whose impact has contributed to the well-being and success of the community. The women who will be recognized represent a wide range of professions, including marketing, healthcare, retail, the food service industry, and more,” according to the release.

Beginning Thursday, March 30

Progressive Women set fundraiser

The Progressive Women’s Association will host a scholarship fundraiser from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 30, March 31, and April 1. The rummage sale will be held at the White Hall Museum, 9009 Dollarway Road, at White Hall. All proceeds will go to the Progressive Women’s Association Scholarship Fund, according to a news release.

Friday, March 31

Knights of Columbus sets fish fry

The Knights of Columbus invites the community to its annual fish fry at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gallagher Hall, 412 W. Sixth Ave. Meals are dine in or carried out and will be served from 5-7 p.m. March 31. The dinners are $15 (all you can eat) and $8 for children, according to a news release.

Beginning Friday, March 31

Good Faith Carr sets fundraiser

Good Faith Carr United Methodist Church, 3703 Ryburn Road, will host a fundraiser from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 31 and a.m. to noon April 1. The rummage sale will include furniture, home decor, bedding, bakeware, dishes, craft items, clothes, and electronics, according to a news release. The church is located off Interstate 530 at U.S. 79.

UAPB hosts science, research event

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host the 106th annual meeting of the Arkansas Academy of Science and the 33rd annual UAPB Student-Faculty Research Forum on March 31 – April 1. Activities will occur in the STEM Building Conference Center, 1530 L.A. Prexy Davis Drive, and the H.O. Clemmons Arena at UAPB. This is AAS’s second time since 1995 to hold its annual meeting at UAPB, according to a news release.

Dumas church sets women’s conference

Bethlehem Worship Center Church at Dumas invites the community to its 2023 Women’s Conference. There will be a panel discussion at 7 p.m. March 31 by various women. At 9 a.m. April 1, the Mother and Daughter Brunch will feature teen speakers, praise dancers, and Meauna Bailey. At 7 p.m. April 1, Lena Corbin will give the inspirational address. Services will conclude with Linda Jones, a missionary, at 10:30 a.m. April 2. All are welcome to attend. The theme is Women Blessed and Highly Favored.

Through Friday, March 31

UAPB accepts AgDiscovery applications

AgDiscovery, a residential career and science exploration program for teens, is scheduled for June 10-23 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. March 31 is the application deadline, according to a news release. The program allows participants, ages 14-17, to live on the UAPB campus and learn about agricultural science, environmental biology, industrial health and safety, plant and soil science, animal science, aquaculture and fisheries, and human sciences. The sessions is offered at 20 other unversities as well. A complete list of host universities, brochures, information and application forms and instructions are available at www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery. Details: Christopher C. Mathis Jr., UAPB AgDiscovery program director, at (870) 575-8543.

Sports Hall of Fame offers scholarships

The White Hall Sports Hall of Fame will offer two scholarships — one to a senior boy athlete and one to a senior girl athlete — this year. The scholarships are named in honor of Jerry Lybrand, a White Hall alumnus and former superintendent who died in December 2013. Applications may be obtained at the White Hall High School counselor’s office and on the school website. The deadline to apply is March 31.

Saturday, April 1 Thornton host festival

The Calhoun County Hogskin Holidays Festival will kick off April 1 at Thornton. The event will start with live musical entertainment and a barbecue dinner at the Thornton Fire Station/Community Room from 1-6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $10. Carry outs will be available. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the event. The kickoff is sponsored by Thornton Step-By-Step Inc., an organization within the community, working in conjunction with the city of Thornton. Tickets are available from Step-By-Step Inc. or through city hall. Details: Levenis Penix (870) 352-8241, or the mayor’s office (870) 352-3576.

Through Saturday, April 1

Black Hall of Fame grants available

Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation, will award grants to programs that benefit African American or underserved populations in Arkansas. Nonprofits with programs focusing on education, health and wellness, youth development, strengthening families and economic development are eligible to apply. Proposals will be accepted online through April 1, according to a news release. All geographic sections of the state are eligible. Details: www.arcf.org/ABHOF.

Blue & You grants available

The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is implementing a new application process for 2024 grant recipients aimed at simplifying the process and expanding funding opportunities for nonprofit and community organizations. Applicants must submit a letter of intent by April 1 at https://blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org/funding-opportunities/applyfor-funding On the website, they can also find information about the funding available and how to apply. Applicants should be a 501c3 charitable organization; a public school, college or university; or a city, county or state governmental agency. Details: blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org.

Beignning Saturday, April 1

ASC hosts Stained Glass Class

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host a Stained Glass Class with artist-in-residence Aida Ayers from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays, April 1, 8, 15, and 22 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The cost is $185 for ASC members and $222 for nonmembers. The event is for ages 12 and older, according to a news release. Participants will learn to safely create a copper foil project with an introduction to pattern creation, glass cutting, grinding, copper-foil application, and soldering. To register, visit asc701.org/class/stained-glass or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Rachael Bynum at rbynum@asc701.org.

Lampworking Workshop with Olivia Valentine set

Patrons are invited to create beautiful glass art with instructor Olivia Valentine during a four-part lampworking workshop from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 1, 15, and 22 at The ARTSpace on Main’s studio, 623 S. Main St., a program of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The series will begin with the basics of lampworking: learning how to properly use tools, control flames and become comfortable with the physics of glass. The cost is $260 for ASC members and $312 for nonmembers. Registration includes materials and equipment. The workshop is for ages 13 and older. Details: Rachael Bynum at rbynum@asc701.org. Register at asc701.org/class/lampworking or by calling (870) 536-3375.

Sunday, April 2

Pine Bluff Art League to meet

The Pine Bluff Art League will meet from 2-4 p.m. April 2 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center. Artist and writer Monica McGee, aka “MoKasso,” will present a hands-on therapeutic art session for the league, according to a news release. Members and the public may bring their own supplies or use one of the league’s 20 paint sets. Required materials include: paint (black, white, blue, yellow, green, red), brushes, canvas, water cups, paper towel and tarp.

Tuesday, April 4

Linwood fire office sets event

The Lnwood/Moscow Fire Department is having an annual open house from 5-6 p.m. April 4 at Moscow. Refreshments will be served and the event is open to the general public, according to a news release.

Friday, April 7

Churches slate play on Good Friday

The Kings Highway and Pine Hill Missionary Baptist churches will present a stage drama, Journey to the Cross, at 7 p.m. on Good Friday, April 7, at Kings Highway, 2312 Fluker St. The presentation is free and open to the public, according to a news release.

Opening Reception set for “A Cast of Blues”

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host an opening reception for its newest exhibition, “A Cast of Blues,” at the Loft Gallery of The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St., from 5-8 p.m. April 7. The reception is part of Art Night on the Block, an event for all ages. The public is invited to attend. “A Cast of Blues” exhibition will be on view through May 25. The exhibition highlights the rich musical heritage in the Delta. “A Cast of Blues” features 15 resin-cast masks of blues legends by Sharon McConnell-Dickerson and 15 color photographs of performers and of juke joints by Ken Murphy. McConnell-Dickerson, who is visually impaired, set out to discover the face behind the music she loves. Her work “captures the flesh, muscle, bone, hair and subtle expressions of emotion,” according to a news release.