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.
Saturday, Dec. 17
Wreath placement set at cemetery
Pine Bluff’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and VFW Auxiliary Post 4455 will host a wreath placement in the Veteran’s section of Graceland Cemetery at 2 p.m. today. “Our desire is to honor our local veterans,” according to a news release from Theresa Orso, president of the auxiliary. December 17 is the designated Wreaths Across America Day at National Cemeteries. The community is invited to attend the event. The program will include Watson Chapel JROTC presenting the colors under the direction of Sgt. Jimmy Stoker; an opening prayer with Ken Thornton, pastor of First Baptist Church and a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel; and the placing of the wreath by VFW member Michael Reeves.
House of Bread to open pantry
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will open its pantry Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon or until all food boxes are gone. New clients must bring their ID or driver’s license as well as a bill showing their address and name. Returning clients will only need to bring their ID. There are no exceptions, according to a news release.
Aquatics center sets Christmas celebration
A Christmas celebration will be held at the Pine Bluff Carl Redus Jr. Aquatics Center, 400 E. 11th Ave., from 1-4 p.m.. Dec. 17. The Santa Fire Truck will also be there from 2-4 p.m. The community is invited to attend. “Hang out with us for Christmas movies, games, goodie bags and various prizes, including free memberships and day passes,” a spokesperson said in a news release. The aquatics center is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details: (870) 850-7620.
Summit Soundz to perform
Summit Baptist Church, 901 Ridgway Road, will host the Christmas Spectacular Concert presented by the Summit Soundz Celebration Band at 6 p.m. Dec. 17. The program will feature many Christmas favorites including songs from the movie: “Polar Express.” A mash-up medley of 30 familiar tunes entitled: “Christmas In A Nutshell” will be presented using themes from the Nutcracker Suite. The concert is free and open to the public, according to a news release.
St. John AME to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to those in need Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. until all food has been given out. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. Food will be picked up in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks, according to a news release.
Delta Network to give away food
The Delta Network Food Bank of Pine Bluff will give away food from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The annual Drive-Thru Hunger Relief Distribution will feature a truckload of chicken donated by Tyson Foods to help families in economic distress, according to a news release. Participants should remain in their vehicles at all times. Vehicles will line up down Eighth Avenue and drive through the North access to the Convention Center, receive the food available for each registered household, and follow the instructions of the traffic directors. Registration forms will be available on site. Details: (870) 536-2424.
ASC announces Miracle on Main
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will present “Miracle on Main: A Holiday Special” at 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets can be purchased at asc701.org/2022-season or by calling (870) 536-3375. Tickets are $20 each. Children 3 and younger can sit on the lap of their parents/guardians for free entry. “Remember those television Holiday specials: the singing, the dancing, and those family-friendly comedy skits? Get ready to celebrate ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ during ASC’s holiday variety show featuring talent from Southeast Arkansas. Join the laughter, the fun and many holiday favorites. Santa himself may stop by for a visit,” according to the news release.
Yoga in The Loft set at ASC
Ages 13 and older are invited to exercise and relax with certified yoga instructor Florence Love, aka FloEssence, every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-3 p.m. during Yoga in the Loft. The next session is Dec. 17. The cost is pay-what-you-can ($15 recommended). This program takes place in the Loft Gallery at the ARTSpace on Main, a program of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Advanced registration is required at asc701.org/yoga or by calling (870) 536-3375. Participants may use provided yoga mats or bring their own. People should also wear yoga-appropriate attire. The event is sponsored by Angela J. White Smith, Realtor. Details: Kourtlynn Pinkins at kpinkins@asc701.org.
Police toy drive event set
The Pine Bluff Police Officers’ 4th annual Toy Drive event will be held Dec. 17. The Toy Drive Committee is asking for the community’s support in helping the officers provide new toys. They will also accept monetary donations to purchase toys, according to the City of Pine Bluff Facebook post. Donations can be made to: Pine Bluff Police Officers Toy Drive, 200 E. Eighth Ave., Pine Bluff, AR, 71601. For more details or for donations to be picked up, call (870) 413-6756 or (870) 489-6006.
Underway
Volunteers needed for Christmas Potluck
The 2022 Pine Bluff Community Christmas Potluck will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Christmas Day, Dec. 25, at the Pine Bluff High School Cafeteria. Plans are underway to help feed the hungry and homeless on Christmas Day and the potluck needs volunteers to make donations or help serve. Donations of food, beverages, and toys can be delivered beginning at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 25, according to a news release. “Volunteers please let me know you’re available time by sending an email to marylddll@yahoo.com,” said Mary Liddell, Pine Bluff community outreach coordinator. Ryan Watley is the visionary of the 14th annual event. Details: Details: Mary Liddell, Pine Bluff community outreach coordinator, (870) 643-2383.
Enchanted Land of Lights open
The Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends drive-thru holiday lights display is now open from 6-9 p.m. daily through New Year’s Eve at Regional Park. Electrical issues caused a delay in turning on the exhibit. More than 150 lighted displays are on the trail and include a gigantic Christmas tree, a magical castle, Santa in a fishing boat, a twinkling pig, glowing seahorses and more. Many of the displays like snowflake arches and a happy green dragon are animated. Local businesses and individuals sponsor the displays.
Area Agency sets blanket drive
The Area Agency on Aging of Southeast is hosting the Warmth Blanket Drive now through Jan. 3 in Jefferson County. The drive began Dec. 5, according to a news release. The purpose of the event is donate blankets to individuals who are elderly or disabled to keep warm this winter. For details or make donations, contact Carolyn Ferguson, (870) 543-6309 or Pauline Jones (870) 543-6313, at Area Agency.
Minority health panel offers scholarships
The Arkansas Minority Health Commission is accepting applications for its Minority Health Workforce Diversity scholarship until Dec. 31. Minority college students who plan to pursue a career in health are encouraged to apply. Full-time scholarship recipients will receive $1,000 per academic year and part-time recipients, $500 per academic year. Applications are available at arminorityhealth.com/initiatives/workforce-diversity-scholarship. The completed application form must be emailed to AMHC’s human resource specialist, Onekia Freeman, at Onekia.Freeman@arkansas.gov.
NAACP seeks ACT-SO applicants
The Pine Bluff Branch NAACP is accepting applications for the 2022-23 Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technology, Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) Program. ACT-SO is designed to support the academic achievements of African-American high school students. The completed form is due by Feb. 1, 2023, and should be submitted to Maryann Lee, 212 W. Barraque St., Pine Bluff, AR, 71601. Students win monetary prizes for first, second and third place in local competitions. First place winners receive an opportunity to participate at the national competition scheduled for July in Boston, Mass. Details: Maryann Lee, chair, (870) 718-5330 or mizmaryann@gmail.com. The application is available at https://files.constantcontact.com/585454b8001/a14271de-8fa0-4a25-9fd9-45d64d950458.pdf?rdr=true.
Sunday, Dec. 18
Lakeside sets Christmas service
Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive St., will present its Blue Christmas service of comfort, light, love, and hope in the sanctuary at 3 p.m. Sunday. A reception of hot chocolate and cookies will immediately follow the service. The community is invited to attend, according to a news release.
Southeast Arkansas Male Chorus sets concert
New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1026 Missouri St., will host the Southeast Arkansas Male Chorus in their 23rd annual concert, “Magnifying The Lord Through Praise,” at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18. The concert is free, but a love offering will be accepted. The chorus is comprised of Christian men throughout southeastern Arkansas. The worship leader is the Rev. Christopher Briggs, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. R.D. Howard Sr. is the pastor of New Morning Star.
New Community hosts Kingdom Building
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will host its Kingdom Building program at 6 p.m. Dec. 18. The speaker will be Sam Gibson, a New Community deacon. The apostle/pastor is Patrick Lockett.
Through Sunday, Dec. 18
House of Bread plans revival
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will present a winter revival, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season,” Friday through Sunday. The guest evangelist will be April Carey of Patmos World Outreach Ministries of Columbus, Ohio. On Friday and Saturday, prayer begins at 6 p.m. and service at 7 p.m. On Sunday, prayer is at 2 p.m. and service at 3 p.m., according to a news release.
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.
Tuesday. Dec. 20
Christmas set at Taylor Field
The community is invited to Christmas at Taylor Field, 1201 E. 16th Ave., from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday. The event will feature Santa Claus and the Taylor Field staff and volunteers will give out free hot dogs, popcorn and candy to everyone at the front entrance to the stadium, according to Jeff Gross of Taylor Field. “The Pine Bluff Fire Department trucks will help us celebrate a fun-filled evening with Santa while Christmas music is being played over the stadium public address system. Bring your Christmas Spirit for all photo opportunities with the Lights and Candy Canes,” according to a news release.
ARDOT to break ground on I-69
Arkansas Department of Transportation will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking at 11 a.m. Dec. 20 on the next phase of construction for the Interstate 69 Corridor. The event takes place at ARDOT’s Desha County Area Maintenance Headquarters at McGehee. Members of the Arkansas Highway Commission, ARDOT staff and local leadership will attend, according to a news release.
Wednesday, Dec. 21
Housing board to meet
The Pine Bluff Housing Authority will hold its board of commissioners meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 21 at Colonial Steakhouse, 111 W. Eighth Ave. Details: (870) 541-0706.
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.
Sunday, Dec. 25
Christmas Potluck set for community
The 2022 Pine Bluff Community Christmas Potluck will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Christmas Day, Dec. 25, at the Pine Bluff High School Cafeteria. Plans are underway to help feed the hungry and homeless on Christmas Day and the potluck needs volunteers to make donations or help serve. Donations of food, beverages, and toys can be delivered beginning at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 25, according to a news release. “Volunteers please let me know you’re available time by sending an email to marylddll@yahoo.com,” said Mary Liddell, Pine Bluff community outreach coordinator. Ryan Watley is the visionary of the 14th annual event. Details: Details: Mary Liddell, Pine Bluff community outreach coordinator, (870) 643-2383.
Through Saturday, Dec. 31
Minority health panel offers scholarships
The Arkansas Minority Health Commission is accepting applications for its Minority Health Workforce Diversity scholarship until Dec. 31. Minority college students who plan to pursue a career in health are encouraged to apply. Full-time scholarship recipients will receive $1,000 per academic year and part-time recipients, $500 per academic year. Applications are available at arminorityhealth.com/initiatives/workforce-diversity-scholarship. The completed application form must be emailed to AMHC’s human resource specialist, Onekia Freeman, at Onekia.Freeman@arkansas.gov.
Road improvements closes lanes
Alternating lane closures began recently on Highway 79 between Saline County and Rison for one mile across the Saline River Bridge. Due to the lane closures, the maximum load width on the bridge is eight feet, according to a news release from the Arkansas Department of Transportation. These closures will continue daily until the end of December, weather permitting, and will allow crews to conduct hydro demolition of the current bridge deck, followed by a latex-modified concrete overlay. ARDOT reminds drivers to slow down and be cautious of people in work zones.
Monday, Jan. 2, 2023
NAACP sets Emancipation observance
The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP will hold its annual Emancipation Proclamation Program at 10 a.m. Jan. 2 at Eighth Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 1200 W. Eighth Ave. Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley M. Washington will be the featured speaker. The theme is “This is Power.” Music will be furnished by Eighth Avenue’s Praise Team, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Wanda V. Neal is president of the local NAACP. The Rev. Kirby L. Gulley is the pastor of Eighth Avenue.
Underway
Wednesday, Feb. 1
NAACP sets ACT-SO deadline
The Pine Bluff Branch NAACP is accepting applications for the 2022-23 Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technology, Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) Program. ACT-SO is designed to support the academic achievements of African-American high school students. The completed form is due by Feb. 1, 2023, and should be submitted to Maryann Lee, 212 W. Barraque St., Pine Bluff, AR, 71601. Students win monetary prizes for first, second and third place in local competitions. First place winners receive an opportunity to participate at the national competition scheduled for July in Boston, Mass. Details: Maryann Lee, chair, (870) 718-5330 or mizmaryann@gmail.com. The application is available at https://files.constantcontact.com/585454b8001/a14271de-8fa0-4a25-9fd9-45d64d950458.pdf?rdr=true.
Beginning Saturday, Jan. 7
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 Jan. 7, 2023 — Sean Bad Apple; and Feb. 4, 2023 — Arkaholics. Details: portcitybluessociety.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.
Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023
Berry reception, Gillett Coon Supper set
The 11th annual “Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception” will be held at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Berry Farm Shop at Gillett. The 79th Gillett Coon Supper will follow at the Gillett School Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m., according to a news release. Tickets to the Coon Supper may be purchased by contacting Larry Bauer at (870) 830-4002. Tickets for the reception are $40 each. All tickets will be available for purchase at the door. For reception sponsorship details, contact Becky Barnes Campbell at (501) 912-7560 or Gabe Holmstrom at (479) 409-3329.
Thursday, Jan. 19
Chamber plans dinner
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Chamber Dinner at 6 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Tickets are $60 each and sponsorships are available, according to the Chamber newsletter. Details: (870) 535-0110 or jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com .
Through Friday, Jan. 20
Downtown project seeks chefs, entrepreneurs
Go Forward Pine Bluff is seeking food trucks, chefs, entrepreneurs and start-ups for business opportunities supported by the Sixth & Main project. GFPB is transforming the Sixth and Main Street Plaza into a fully functioning space that will feature four restaurants, a roof top bar and several retail areas in Downtown Pine Bluff, according to a news release. The plaza will also feature an outdoor amphitheater, outdoor dining, a rainwater garden, and a fountain bridge. All interested vendors are encouraged to contact The Generator at (870) 663-0200. Space is limited. The deadline to apply is Jan. 20, 2023.
Through Saturday, Feb. 4
Midst: Artwork by Nick Hobbs set
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is hosting the exhibit “Midst: Artwork by Nick Hobbs” through Feb. 4, 2023. “Hobbs’ current practice is defined by small, highly detailed graphite drawings that interweave the everyday and the sublime in curated juxtapositions. He has been involved with amateur astronomy for over a decade, and it influences everything he does,” according to a news release. Details: nickhobbs.art.
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.
Saturday, March 11
SEARK announces gala
Southeast Arkansas College will host the Sock Hop fundraising gala March 11 at Seabrook, 6808 S. Hazel St., a SEARK college and community recreation center. The VIP reception is from 6-7 p.m. and the gala from 7-11 p.m., according to the newsletter of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Through Monday, May 15
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.