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
Early voting set
Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston reminds voters that early voting for the 2022 General Election, Nonpartisan Judicial Runoff Election, and School Elections begins Oct. 24. Election Day is Nov. 8. Polls that day will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Arkansas law requires that voters present a photo ID before voting, according to a news release. Early voting will run Oct. 24 through Nov. 7. Polls will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 7. To check your voter registration, find your polling location and operating hours, or to view a sample ballot, visit www.voterview.org. If you have moved to another county since you last voted, you have until Nov. 4 to update your voter registration with your county clerk for this election. A voter guide containing details on ballot issues, produced by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Public Policy Center, can be accessed at www.uaex.uada.edu/business-communities/voter-education. Election results will be available at the Secretary of State’s website after the polls close on Election Day at www.sos.arkansas.gov.
Sunday, Oct. 30
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
WH arts center sets open house
White Hall School District will host the White Hall Performing Arts Center open house from 2-4 p.m. Sunday. The new facility provides the school district with an auditorium that seats more than 1,000 guests, a music hall for band and choral programs, and a new entrance and concession stand for the Bert Honey Gymnasium, according to a news release.
SEARK, PBPD plan fall fest
Southeast Arkansas College and the Pine Bluff Police Department will present a fall festival from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 30 at SEARK. There will be a live DJ, food trucks, games, free treats, a costume contest, vendors, and other activities. Proceeds will go to student scholarships, according to a news release. Details: mwashington@seark.edu or (870) 850-4836; wgrimmett@seark.edu or 543-5907; or bdunn@seark.edu or 543-5957.
Word of Faith welcomes family, friends
Word of Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1108 S. Poplar St., will hold its Family and Friends Day on Oct. 30. Sunday School will be held at 9:45 a.m. and worship service at 10:45 a.m. The speaker will be the pastor, Henry Land of Word of Faith.
Through Sunday, Oct. 30
ASC presents ‘Murder on the Orient Express’
“Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” is the latest theatrical production at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The adaptation of one of the mystery writer’s most famous stories is slated for performances at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27-29, and 2 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. Some performances are sold out, according to a news release. Details: ASC Theater Programs Manager Lindsey Collins at lcollins@asc701.org or (870) 536-3375.
Tuesday, Nov. 1
Rotary to host former Razorback, coach
The Pine Bluff Rotary Club will meet at noon Nov. 1 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speakers will be former Razorback Quinn Grovey and former coach Matt Zimmerman, according to a news release. Tickets are $25. The event is co-sponsored by the Razorback Foundation. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Details: Evan Staton at statone@relybank.com or (870) 592-8282.
Emmett Till’s relative to speak
The Rev. Wheeler Parker, Emmett Till’s cousin, best friend, and last living witness to Till’s abduction, will speak at 3 p.m. Nov. 1 at 604 President St. at Arkansas City for the annual John H. Johnson Day. The day honors the late Johnson, founder of Ebony and Jet magazines, who was born in Arkansas City in 1918, according to a news release. The observance will feature articles, including the magazine coverage of the the torture and brutal mutilation of Till. Till, a Black boy, was murdered in 1955 at 14 years old in Mississippi for whistling at a white woman, according to the release. Details: John H. Johnson Day, www.johnhjohnsonmuseum.org.
Through Tuesday, Nov. 1
Cultural Elements on display
A new, pop-up exhibition at the ARTSpace on Main’s Loft Gallery emphasizes components that contribute to and blend African American culture in the United States. The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St., is hosting “Cultural Elements” by Shakeelah Rahmaan, an Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas staff member and Little Rock-based artist. The exhibition will be open through Tuesday, according to a news release. “Cultural Elements” features 16 paintings that depict a variety of staples from Rahmaan’s background representing her experiences and narrative, including hair, street ball, pop culture and hip-hop.
Agencies seek names for fun park
Go Forward Pine Bluff and the Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency seek the public’s assistance in naming the new Family Fun Park at 2100 E. Harding Ave. It will include Go Kart racing, mini golf, gaming, and food, according to a news release. Entries should be submitted to Lauren Lawson by Nov. 1 at lawsonlauren@goforwardpb.org. All entries should include the suggested name, why the name deserves to win, and what Pine Bluff means to you. The winner will be announced Nov. 27 at the Mistletoe Magic Lighting Ceremony.
Wednesday, Nov. 2
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, Nov. 3
PBSD group to meet
The Pine Bluff School District Unified Stakeholders will meet at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Generator, 435 S. Main St., according to a news release.
Art league to host reception for Gorman
The Pine Bluff Art League will present the art of Dell Gorman in an open house reception from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Donald W, Reynolds Community Services Center. The public is invited to attend. Gorman paints in acrylic, pastel and watercolor and recently has been experimenting with alcohol inks. Gorman began her art career after two other careers. She was a reporter for the Camden News in her early 20’s and began her teaching career when her two sons entered school. She spent 25 years as the journalism teacher at Watson Chapel High School, according to a news release.
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 3
Neighborhood Watch Groups to meet
Several Pine Bluff Neighborhood Watch Groups will meet in November, according to a news release from the Pine Bluff Police Department. Meetings include: Third Avenue will meet Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Boone/Murphy House, 714 W. Fourth Ave.; Central Park and Shady Grove meets Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at Family Church, 2309 S. Poplar St.; Faucett Road, along with Jefferson Heights and Calvary Association, will meet Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave.; Sheraton Park, along with Taylor Association, will meet Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 4101 Hazel St.; and East Harding and Belmont/Broadmoor meets Nov. 28th at 6 p.m. at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 812 E. Harding Ave.
Friday, Nov. 4
Arkansas Veterans’ Small Business Summit
At the Arkansas Veterans’ Small Business Summit Nov. 4, Arkansas veteran business owners will have an opportunity to learn about programs and services designed to help their businesses succeed. The summit is hosted by the Cooperative Extension Service’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center. The free in-person event will start at 9 a.m. Nov. 4 and end at 1noon at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, 2301 S. University Ave., at Little Rock. Registration is available at https://bit.ly/veteran-business-summit. Details: Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center at PTAC@uada.edu.
Saturday, Nov. 5
City to honor slain officer
The city of Pine Bluff invites the community to attend an events honoring the late Detective Kevin D. Collins. Ward One Block Party: Carnival Style will be held Nov. 5 from 1-4 p.m. at 2901 Pines Mall Drive. The event will feature music, games, live animals, and food trucks. City Council Member Lloyd Holcomb Jr. is presenting the block party. Collins was shot and killed Oct. 5, 2020. Details: Pine Bluff Mayor’s Office, (870) 730-2004.
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 5
Blues concerts on tap for downtown
The Port City Blues Society will host “Blues By Budweiser,” live blues concerts on the first Saturday of each month through February 2023 at RJ’s Sports 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 for free. There’s a $5 cover charge for nonmembers, according to a news release. Performers include Nov. 5 — Kent Burnside, the oldest grandson of the legendary R.L. Burnside, who has spent decades performing at festivals and has toured all over the world. Other concerts will include Dec. 3 — Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain; Jan. 7, 2023 — Sean Bad Apple; and Feb. 4, 2023 — Arkaholics. Details: portcitybluessociety.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.
Through Saturday, Nov. 5
ASC displays Art League exhibition
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host the annual Pine Bluff Art League Juried Exhibition through Nov. 5. Juried by artist Virmarie DePoyster, the show will consist of selected works from members of the league.
Tuesday, Nov. 8
Free webinar set on retirement saving
The Arkansas Financial Education Commission, in partnership with the Central Arkansas Library System, will host a free financial education webinar at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 titled “How to ‘Save10’ Into Retirement.” The webinar will help viewers gain the knowledge and the inspiration to achieve a 10% savings rate for retirement, according to a news release. The presenter will be Sarah Catherine Gutierrez, founder and chief executive officer of Aptus Financial. Attendance is free, but registration is required at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZtFDe-sARjS4HlXd-e-RxA.
Through Wednesday, Nov. 9
TOPPS accepts forms for toys
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will take Toys for Tots applications for children up to 14 years old. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. When applying, the head of household must have proof of their address and document of the child’s age. Details: (870) 850-6011, Annette Howard Dove, founder/director.
Friday, Nov. 11
Extension Homemakers host Holiday Foods
After a two-year hiatus, the Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Council will present its 2022 edition of Holiday Foods on Nov. 11 at Gallagher Hall of St. Joseph Catholic Church at West Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street. The doors will open at 9 a.m. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance, according to a news release. There will be food demonstrations presented by Extension Homemakers. A booklet of recipes will be given to each attendee. Tickets can be bought by sending a check made out to the Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Council and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of tickets to Delores Kelley, 509 West St., White Hall, AR, 71602. Tickets may also be obtained by calling Kelley at (870) 718-1846. The deadline for buying tickets is Oct. 28. No tickets will be sold at the door on the day of the event, according to the release.
Saturday, Nov. 12
Pleasant View, FCDC set fundraiser
Pleasant View Ministries and the Family Community Development Corp. (FCDC) will host a fundraiser Nov. 12. The rummage sale will be held from 8-11 a.m. at FCDC, 1001 N. Palm St., according to a news release. Details: Mattie Hollien Allen, (719) 360-1523.
Turkey Trot set at Monticello
Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Family Services’ 11th annual Turkey Trot will start at 8 a.m. Nov. 12 at Monticello. The race has an in-person or virtual option. The in-person 5k race will start and end on the Vera Lloyd campus, 745 Old Warren Road at Monticello, according to a news release. People may register online as virtual participants, get free race shirts and walk or run around their neighborhoods. To sign up, visit www.runsignup.com/vlturkeytrot.
Tuesday, Nov. 15
NAACP elections now electronic
The Pine Bluff NAACP Branch won’t conduct an in-person election as previously stated. The national office of the NAACP will conduct all branch elections via Election Buddy. The election for the Pine Bluff Branch will be held between 3-7 p.m. Nov. 15, according to a news release. Participants will only be able to vote if they have provided the Pine Bluff NAACP Branch with a valid email address and/or a cell phone number. To vote in the election, a participant must be a member in good standing 30 days prior to Nov. 15.
Concert group to host Rodney Block
Southeast Arkansas Concert Association will present Rodney Block and his jazz combo along with the University of Arkansas at Monticello Jazz Band in a concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the UAM Fine Arts Center. Block, a graduate of Dumas High School and UAM, is called one of Little Rock’s best trumpet players and most iconic jazz artists, according to the association’s website. The community is invited to attend, according to a news release. For tickets or details, visit www.searkconcert.org or call (870) 460-1888.
Sunday, Nov. 20
Genealogy, historical groups to meet
The Jefferson County Genealogy Society and the Jefferson County Historical Society will have a joint meeting at 2 p.m. Nov. 20. The meeting will be held at the Jefferson County Historical Museum, 201 E. Fourth Ave., according to a news release.
Through Thursday, Dec. 1
Leadership PB nominations open
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the Leadership Pine Bluff Class of 2023. Leadership Pine Bluff is a formal program to identify, inform and motivate emerging leaders, according to the Chamber newsletter. The group meets one day each month from January through September. During the sessions, participants network, develop, and learn more about industries and non-profits in the region. The cost of the program is $575 plus a $35 non-refundable application fee. Completed applications must be returned to the Chamber by Dec. 1. To nominate a candidate from one’s business or organization, visit https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/2ba7c78a-6e23-4db7-a093-56e2c035fd00.pdf?rdr=true . Details: Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Saturday, Dec. 3
ASC hosts Potpourri 2022
Potpourri 2022: Roaring for the Arts will take place at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St., and honor the memory of Anne S. Robinson, a longtime supporter and volunteer of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Potpourri, set for 6-11 p.m. Dec. 3, is the ASC’s longest-running fundraiser, which sustains the museum’s free gallery admission and high-caliber programming, according to a news release. The gala will feature dinner by Chef Jamie McAfee of the Pine Bluff Country Club, drinks sponsored by MK Distributors, a silent art auction, a silent spirits auction, live music by Dave Sadler, and a live auction with Master of Ceremonies Matt Soto. The fundraiser will feature complimentary valet parking to accommodate the new venue, The ARTSpace. Tickets are $200 for members and $250 for nonmembers. They may be purchased online at asc701.org, by calling ASC at (870) 536-3375, or in person at ASC. Details: asc701.org.
Through Monday, Dec. 19
DRA seeks applicants for medical missions
The Delta Regional Authority released a Request for Proposals seeking an organization within the DRA region to partner with local community agencies and the U.S. Department of Defense to deliver two Innovative Readiness Training Medical Missions in summer 2023. The deadline for submitting a proposal is 5 p.m. Dec. 19, according to a news release. Details on Innovative Readiness Trainings is available at youtu.be/qwvvVwuQJgY and irt.defense.gov/Community/. Details on submission requirements and scope of work is available at dra.gov/rfp.
Through Friday, Feb. 24
Taylor exhibit addresses racism, prophecy
An exhibition at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas showcases the work of noted Memphis-based artist Madai Taylor. “An Elegy to America in Black and White II: The Artwork of Madai Taylor” features 18 pieces. Taylor’s exhibition addresses racism, and prophecy. The exhibition will be on view in the William H. Kennedy Jr. Gallery through Feb. 24.
Through Monday, May 15, 2023
SBA disaster loans available
Small nonfarm businesses in 75 Arkansas counties are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2023, according to a news release. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by excessive heat and drought that began on May 30. Details: https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Underway
Covid-19 vaccines, testing available
The Arkansas Department of Health, various pharmacies and healthcare providers offer the covid-19 vaccine, tests and other information about coronavirus. Details: Call the Arkansas Department of Health at (800) 985-6030, visit the website at healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan or contact area medical professionals, according to spokesmen.
Tuesdays
Unity Christian 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: unitychristianfellowship@live.com or (870) 329-1182.