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.
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
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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.
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. 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 close 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.