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 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-forgetting-tested . Scroll down until you see the map and enlarge the map. Click on each star to see where each testing site is located.
Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends display open
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends is open from 6-9 p.m. every day through Dec. 31 at Pine Bluff’s Regional Park. The drive-through exhibit features more than 260 individual lighting displays, each one sponsored by an area business, family or individual. The light display stretches out for approximately 1.3 miles alongside the Arkansas River and includes exhibits such as Santa Claus and his reindeer, Nativity scenes, toy soldiers, ice skaters, carolers, sleigh rides and local landmarks, according to a spokesman.
Fire department makes Holiday Santa Run
The Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services will make its annual Holiday Santa Run spreading holiday cheer throughout the city between 5-8 p.m. daily through Dec. 24. Fire department personnel and Carrington Electric Co.of Pine Bluff decorated one of the reserve fire trucks with Christmas lights, and with assistance from Stereo Junction, a sound system was added to play Christmas music as the fire truck drives throughout the neighborhoods. Details: Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services, (870) 730-2048, www.pineblufffire.com or follow the agency on Facebook.
Thursday, Dec. 17
Medical marijuana site plans groundbreaking
Good Day Farm, a new medical marijuana cultivation facility, will host a ground-breaking ceremony. The event will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at 3300 N. Hutchinson St., at Pine Bluff, according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Optimist Club sets induction ceremony, Christmas event
The Optimist Club of Pine Bluff will hold its end-of-the year meeting, induction ceremony and Christmas celebration at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at Southeast Arkansas College in the Welcome Center. Physical distancing will be in force. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available, according to a news release. Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr., an Optimist Club member, will be the speaker.
ASC hosts political cartoon discussion
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host a virtual panel, “Ballots & Laughs: Panel Discussion of Arkansas Political Cartoonist George Fisher,” at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, on ASC’s Facebook page, facebook.com/asc701. The event will include ASC Curator Chaney Jewell and Adam D. Heiden, archivist of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Special Collections. They will discuss Fisher’s career and how he documented, commented and added humor to the politicians and political events of Arkansas, according to a news release. The discussion, part of ASC’s “Meet The Curator” series, is being held in conjunction with the exhibition of another political cartoonist, Ray Walters.
Friday, Dec. 18
UAPB virtual commencement to feature Smokie Norful
Smokie Norful, renowned gospel singer and pastor, will serve as the commencement speaker for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s 162nd ceremony. The ceremony, to be held virtually, on Friday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. via the University’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, will recognize both spring and fall 2020 graduates and include the commissioning of Army officers. Seventeen graduates will be awarded the Chancellor’s Medallion, an honor bestowed to students with the highest cumulative grade point average from each of the university’s five schools of study. Details: UAPB Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@uapb.edu or (870)575-8475.
Deadline set to apply for EQIP aid for high tunnel systems
The use of high tunnel systems – commonly called “hoop houses” – is a conservation practice for farmers used to protect crops from extreme weather and allow farmers to extend their growing seasons. Financial assistance for the structures is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), according to a news release. The cutoff date for 2021 funding is Dec. 18, 2020. Producers can pick up and submit an application at their local NRCS office. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Small Farm Program Extension personnel can assist participants in filling out applications and selecting practices to apply for, if needed. Details: Karen Lee, UAPB Small Farm Program, at leek@uapb.edu or (870) 575-7225.
Saturday, Dec. 19
Raven’s Nest pantry opens at Pilgrim Church
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open its pantry Saturday, Dec. 19, from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be handed out on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The site is a USDA distribution location and equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
New Community to give away food in drive-thru event
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will give away food in a drive-thru event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 19. They will also give out 100 ham shanks. Anyone is welcome to drive by and obtain food from the pantry, according to a news release. New Community follows health guidelines and practices social distancing.
Pine Bluff artist hosts holiday ornament class
Kimiara Johnson, an artist from Pine Bluff, will host a holiday ornament class by Zoom Saturday. The link is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-ornament-class-tickets-132666309503. The community is invited to the Sensoiree Virtual Holiday Ornament Class for all ages as well as individuals with or without disabilities. Tickets, registration and details are available at eventbrite.com, according to a news release.
Monday, Dec. 21
House of Bread to give away food in drive-thru event
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 500 S. Main St., will give away food in a drive-thru session Monday, Dec. 21, from 1-4:30 p.m. or until the 250 boxes run out. Food will be handed out on a first come, first served basis and only one box per household will be distributed. Everyone must bring proof of address (utility bill and driver’s license.) Due to the pandemic, everyone is required to wear a mask. Police will be on duty to direct traffic. Details: House of Bread apostle, Saint Mary Harris, 870-872-2196.