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.
Underway
Covid-19 testing sites available
Details for getting the covid-19 test are available by contacting: Jefferson County Health Department — 870-535-2142; Jefferson Regional Medical Center — 870-541-4911; Jefferson Comprehensive Care System at Pine Bluff — 855-543-2380 or 1-833-508-0774 for other community health centers; Arkansas Department of Health — Testing sites in Arkansas are listed on the department’s website at 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.
Absentee ballot applications available at Jefferson County Clerk’s Office
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office has absentee ballot applications available to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for people who would like to vote by mail. Voters may also download an application on the website at www.jeffersoncountyar.gov/county-clerk, according to a news release. The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27. The completed absentee ballot application can be mailed, faxed or scanned and emailed to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. The mailing address is: Shawndra Taggart, Jefferson County Clerk, 101 W. Barraque St., Suite 101, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. The fax number is 870-541-5324. The email address is jeffersonclerk@arkansasclerks.com . Residents have until Monday, Oct. 5, to register to vote in the November election. Details: Jefferson County Clerk Shawndra Taggart, 870-541-5322.
Brothers by One exhibition open at ASC
Rex DeLoney’s exhibition, “Brothers by One: The Black Athlete and Social Justice,” is on display at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas through Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021. It opened Oct. 1. This exhibition highlights the many ways that Black athletes used their celebrity status and media coverage to give attention to social justice issues; from boxer Muhammad Ali and his stance against the Vietnam War to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem as a statement against police brutality, according to a news release.
Election-related dates set
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office recently issued a reminder of election-related dates:
Oct. 19 — Early voting begins at the county courthouse.
Oct. 27 — Last day to request an absentee ballot at the county clerk’s office.
Oct. 30 — Last day for a voter to transfer into Jefferson County.
Nov. 3 — Election Day (voters may go to polling sites between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.)
Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office website: jeffersoncountyar.gov/county-clerk or call 870-541-5322.
Thursday, Oct. 8
Ebony Queens giving away masks
The Ebony Queens Social Society will distribute free packs of CV-19 face masks from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Student Union building at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Bernice Sullivan is the organizer and Mona Brewer is the co-organizer, according to a news release.
Prayer, walk to honor Detective Collins
Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington’s office invites the public to a prayer and unity walk in honor of Detective Kevin Collins, who was killed on duty Oct. 5. The prayer event will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, on the steps of city hall, 200 E. Eighth Ave. Participants will pray and walk around city hall and end by praying for law enforcement officers and first responders. The program will conclude at 7 p.m. Masks will be mandatory and social distancing will be enforced, a spokesman said. Details: Pine Bluff Mayor’s Office, 870-730-2000, ext. 7.
Pine Bluff NAACP to meet virtually, discuss branch election
The Pine Bluff NAACP Branch will hold its membership meeting via Zoom at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Those who want to attend may email pbnaacp@yahoo.com for the Zoom link, according to a news release. The agenda includes the report of the Nominating Committee and the acceptance of nominations from the floor for president, first vice president, second vice president, third vice president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer and at-large committee members (10 to 24 positions.) Members who are interested in being nominated from the floor, must submit a Candidate Consent Form (with three signatures of members in good standing) to the Nominating Committee Chair Piccola Washington, by noon Oct. 8, at 870-543-9978 or washingtor@sbcglobal.net (email) or to the committee Secretary Tiffany Copeland at 870-413-2302 or tcop23@aol.com (email).
Veterans Legal Clinic open
The Pine Bluff Veterans Legal Clinic will be open from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Pine Bluff First Assembly Life Center – West Campus, 3206 S. Hazel St. Walk-ins are welcome. A mask or face covering is required. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. Veterans can receive free consultations on a variety of civil legal areas including family law, consumer protection law, landlord tenant, public benefits and criminal record sealing. The Center for Arkansas Legal Services (CALS), the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs and the Little Rock VA Medical Center’s Justice Outreach Program will have representatives available to consult with veterans. Veterans may also contact the CALS Help Line at 1-800-950-5817. Details: Pine Bluff Mayor’s Office, 870-730-2000, ext. 7.
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 8
Watson Chapel slates meetings
Watson Chapel School District will give the annual reports: L.L. Owen Elementary School will host its report virtually, Thursday, Oct. 8, at 5:30 p.m. A Zoom invitation link will be made available. Details: 870-879-3741. Watson Chapel High School will host its report to the public on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 5:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria, 4000 Camden Road. Details: 870-879-3230. Watson Chapel Junior High School will have a virtual report Thursday, Oct. 22, at 4:30 p.m. Details: 870-879-4420.
Friday, Oct. 9
Watson Chapel to name homecoming queen
Watson Chapel High School announces its 2020 Homecoming Court. The crowning ceremony will be held before kickoff at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Wildcat Stadium, according to Watson spokeswoman Kasera Brown. Candidates for homecoming queen are Aatiyah Royal, Jaden Rayner, Makya Roberts, Taylor Blackmon, Samara Rich, Sah’myah Holloway, Alexis Rayford, Kennedi Stephens, Hayle King and Quanterrika Littleton.
Beginning Friday, Oct. 9
Women of Influence Rock set Zoom conference
Women of Influence Rock – Reset and Still Rocking – will present a 2020 Zoom Conference beginning Oct. 9. The theme will be “Rise Up and Walk” from the scripture John 5:8, according to a news release. The free event will be held: Friday, Oct. 9, from 8-10 p.m. — For boys and girls ages 13 to 18; Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9-11 a.m. — For women ages 36 and up; Saturday, Oct. 10, from noon to 2 p.m. — For women ages 26 to 35; Saturday, Oct. 10, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. — For women ages 19 to 25. Speakers will include Mayor Shirley Washington, Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr., pastors Jan Otuechere and Pat Hart, Clarissa Pace, Melrita Johnson, Oscar Bullard, John Proctor, Jasmine Coleman-Ford, Virginia Desmuke, executive director of the GMOR Theological Institute; and Jessica Yarbrough, a lawyer. The first 50 people to register will be placed in a drawing to receive a $100 gift. Interested participants may register on Eventbrite or send an email to womenofinfluencerock@gmail.com to request a registration form, according to the release. Organizers are Corine T. Jones and Yulonda James, a pastor. Details: 870-489-4664.
Saturday, Oct. 10
Progressive Women set Octoberfest scholarship fundraiser
The Progressive Women’s Association is planning an Octoberfest (silent auction and rummage sale) to benefit four scholarship recipients, according to a news release. The fundraiser will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, on the grounds of the White Hall Museum, 9009 Dollarway Road at White Hall. A quilt and afghan will be given away Tuesday, Nov. 17. Tickets for a chance to win the afghan or quilt are $2 each or $5 for 3. Tickets are available in advance from any Progressive Women’s Association member or at the event. Masks are mandatory at the event. Details: 870 550-5788 or 870-489-3600.
Second Saturday Family Fun-Day set at ASC
The community is invited to join the Halloween STEAM Challenge contest, Engineering a Bone Bridge, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkanasas. Sessions will be held on Facebook and Instagram. Participants can design unique structures using cotton swabs and other materials. The winners of the contest will receive two tickets to ASC’s virtual production of “Clue” in October. Details: asc701.org and at facebook.com/asc701/.
Beginning Saturday, Oct. 10
ASC to host CrEATe Lab with Faith Anaya
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas concludes its CrEATe Lab, nutritious cooking 2020 series, with a fall workshop Saturdays, Oct. 10, 17, and 24, from 1-3 p.m. A limit of eight students ages 10-17 may attend. The cost is $35. Partial scholarships are available. To register, participants may visit asc701.org/create-lab or call ASC at 870-536-3375. ASC has partnered with Faith Anaya and her Kids Cook! team for the series. Anaya has more than a decade’s experience cultivating children’s knowledge of healthy eating habits.
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 13
Ivy Center hosts Zoom workshops
The Ivy Center for Education announces its upcoming workshops by Zoom primarily for students in 7-12th grades. Tuesday, Oct. 13 — 6-7 p.m — Future Engineers will meet with Sederick Rice, Ph.D, at UAPB. Tuesday, Oct. 20 — 6-7:30 p.m. — A panel discussion, “Teenagers Growing Up Black in America,” will be led by Carolyn Pridgeon and Melvin D. Clayton. Tuesday, Oct. 27 — 6 p.m. — Go Forward Pine Bluff (Youth Involvement) will be presented by Ryan Watley, Ph.D, and chief executive officer of Go Forward Pine Bluff. From 6:45-7 p.m. — A College Readiness Workshop will be presented by Derrick Newby of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock recruitment office. To participate in the Ivy Center Zoom workshops, enter meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. For details, contact Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com or Patricia Berry at Pberry867@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday and the deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Articles may be submitted by email to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing a religion column may submit articles by email as well. 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.
Friday, Oct. 16
Redus launches girls golf program honoring Gigi Bryant
The Gigi (Girls in Golf) tournament is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, at the Jaycee Golf Course, 629 Jaycee Drive, at Pine Bluff. A co-ed mixed scramble tee time is set for 9 a.m. Lunch will be available along with awards and door prizes. All proceeds will go to the Gigi Program, according to a news release. Trudy Redus, assistant director of the Pine Bluff Parks and Recreation Department, made the announcement about the event. The tournament is in honor of Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, the late daughter of the late Kobe Bryant, a legendary NBA player. Details: Trudy Redus at saracenlanding@att.net or the Parks and Recreation Department at 870-536-0920.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 19
Early voting set Oct. 19-Nov. 2
Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election will begin Oct. 19 at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Early voting dates include Oct. 19 through Oct. 23 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Oct. 24 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.); Oct. 26 through Oct. 30 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Oct. 31 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.); and Nov. 2 (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) The Jefferson County clerk’s office also reminds voters of other election-related dates: Oct. 5 — Last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3 general election; Oct. 27 — Last day to request an absentee ballot; Oct. 30 — Last day for a voter to transfer into Jefferson County; and Nov. 3 — Election Day (polling sites will be open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) Details: Jefferson County clerk’s office, 870-541-5322.
Tuesday, Oct. 20
Police set Domestic Violence Walk
The Pine Bluff Police Department will host its 2020 Domestic Violence Walk from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20. The event begins and ends at the steps of the Civic Center, 200 W. Eighth Ave., according to a news release. A sack lunch will be provided to participants. The speaker will be Wendy Gates. Supporters include Mayor Shirley Washington, Police Chief Kelvin Sergeant, Margland Inns Bed & Breakfast, Super 1 Foods and Red Lobster. “Recognizing that an act of violence occurs every minute, we would like for you to join us in this walk,” a spokesman said. “If you have been a victim, suffered a loss of a loved one or know someone who has been a victim, please come and show your support for the cause.
Beginning Friday, Oct. 23
ASC to present ‘Clue: Stay-At-Home’ virtual production
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will present its next theater production virtually with “Clue: Stay-At-Home.” Viewers may watch the stage production online at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24. Tickets are $15 each and go on sale in October. The production is sponsored by Simmons Bank. Based on the 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, “Clue” is a farce-meets-murder mystery. Details: ASC Theater Education Coordinator Lindsey Collins at lcollins@asc701.org or call 870-536-3375.
Through Friday, Oct. 23
A&P panel accepting requests for funds
The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission is accepting funding requests for individual events and organizational programming for 2021. Applications for the 2021 funding cycle will be accepted until noon Friday, Oct. 23. Funding recipients will be voted on at the A&P Commission’s Nov. 18 meeting, according to a news release. Applicants’ planned events and programming must take place in the city of Pine Bluff during the 2021 calendar year and must fit within at least one of the following focus areas: visual arts, culinary arts, Delta Heritage, performing arts, sports and recreation. Applications can be obtained at www.ExplorePineBluff.com (under the “A&P Information” tab), by calling 870-534-2121, or by emailing sstorie@ExplorePineBluff.com .
Through Saturday, Oct. 24
Arts center displays Small Works on Paper exhibition
The 2020 Small Works on Paper exhibition is on display at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., at Pine Bluff. Small Works on Paper will be on display through Oct. 24 in the International Paper Gallery at ASC, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Among the selected pieces is “Nola Reception Couture Gown” by Pine Bluff artist Kimiara Johnson. Admission is free but is limited to 10 guests at a time. Reservations are encouraged but not required.The Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of Arkansas Heritage, coordinates the annual touring visual arts exhibition that showcases the work of Arkansas artists, according to an Aug. 19 news release.
Through Tuesday, Oct. 27
Absentee ballot applications available at Jefferson County Clerk’s Office
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office has absentee ballot applications available to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for people who would like to vote by mail. Voters may also download an application on the website at www.jeffersoncountyar.gov/county-clerk,according to a news release. The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27. The completed absentee ballot application can be mailed, faxed, or scanned and emailed to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. The mailing address is: Shawndra Taggart, Jefferson County Clerk, 101 W. Barraque St., Suite 101, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. The fax number is 870-541-5324. The email address is jeffersonclerk@arkansasclerks.com. Residents have until Monday, Oct. 5, to register to vote in the November election. For questions or concerns, contact the county clerk’s office. Details: Jefferson County Clerk Shawndra Taggart, 870-541-5322.
Thursday, Oct. 29
Fair Housing panel plans virtual training
The Arkansas Fair Housing Commission will host virtual Management & Best Practices Training from 1-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, according to a news release. Participants will be introduced to the Do’s and Don’ts of fair housing marketing and management; fair housing sensitivity; an overview of federal and state fair housing laws; reasonable accommodations land modifications; and compliance. Leon Jones Jr. is the executive director of the fair housing commission. Details: 501-682-3247, toll free 1-844-952-8248 or www.fairhousing.arkansas.gov.